17 Crazy Hair Myths (incl. Can a MARCHING BAND cause HAIR LOSS?!) - mental_floss - List Show (244)

TL;DR

Head & Shoulders scientists debunk common hair myths and provide insights on hair care practices.

Transcript

Hi, I’m Craig. Welcome to the salon. Did you know that people used to believe that brass instruments caused hair loss? The myth got started in 1896, when American journalists announced that they’d finally discovered what was making people lose their hair: music! Specifically, they blamed brass instruments for society’s hair loss. But as most defend... Read More

Key Insights

• 💅 Hair myths have existed throughout history, including the belief in snake oil cures for dandruff.
• 💝 Shampoo was introduced to the Western world by Sake Dean Mahomed in the late 18th century.
• ☠️ Hair growth rate varies among different ethnicities.
• 👱 Stress, genetics, pollution, and chemical exposure contribute to the graying of hair.
• 💗 Plucking one grey hair does not cause two more to grow.
• 🥶 Cold water does not make hair shinier; conditioners and styling products are more effective.

Questions & Answers

Q: Do brass instruments cause hair loss?

No, the myth that brass instruments cause hair loss was debunked. There is zero truth to this rumor.

Q: Is dandruff a modern problem?

No, dandruff has been a concern throughout history. Greek physician Galen even addressed it in 200 AD.

Q: Does shaving hair make it grow back thicker?

No, shaving hair does not change its overall thickness. The perception of thicker hair after shaving is due to stubble emerging.

Q: Can shampooing too often lead to hair loss?

No, shampooing regularly does not cause hair loss. Hair loss is a separate issue from hair fall, which can result from lack of scalp and hair care.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Brass instruments were wrongly believed to cause hair loss in the late 19th century.

• Dandruff has been a concern throughout history, with Greek physician Galen dispelling myths about drinking bull urine.

• Shampoo was introduced to the Western world by Sake Dean Mahomed in the late 18th century.

• The belief that shaving hair makes it grow back thicker is debunked.