Head Case: Five Hair Styling Myths Debunked

Are you guilty of making these mistakes? Five pros debunk the biggest hair myths.

October 26, 2011

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**MYTH: Lather, Rinse, Repeat >>
MYTH: DIY Color is Foolproof >>
MYTH: There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Conditioner >>
MYTH: The Hotter the Styling Tool, the Better >>
MYTH: Curls Should Look Identical >>**
Glam Squad Be gentle with your locks! Experts say that brushing your hair too harshly can contribute to damage.
Photographed by Raymond Meier.
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FACT: The long-held belief that squeaky-clean hair equals healthy hair is bogus, says Tresemmé stylist Jeanie Syfu. "Over-washing is the most common hair mistake people make, and it can dry out your locks and fade color," she says. Generally, wash your hair every other day—you can go even longer if your hair is thick or curly. "If you're oily, try a dry shampoo," Syfu adds. "My secret is to brush with a boar-bristle brush first to loosen any oils in your hair, and then lightly spray the dry shampoo all over. Wait a few minutes, then work the product through with your fingers."
FEKKAI Silky straight ironless shampoo, $24. Bloomingdale's.

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FACT: While there are plenty of great at-home hair color products out there, ultradramatic shade makeovers (such as going from brunette to platinum blonde) are best left to the pros. "Never, ever give yourself a drastic color change at home," stresses Harry Josh, international creative consultant for John Frieda. "If you're going to do your own color, stay within two shades of your current hue. You won't be able to predict how your color will turn out if you change it more than that, especially if you're going lighter!"
GARNIER FRUCTIS Color shield instant color sealer lightweight leave-in, $6. Target.
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FACT: If you see steam when using your hot tools, you're headed for disaster! "Hair should be 100 percent dry when using tools," says Ted Gibson, owner of Ted Gibson Salon in New York City and Fort Lauderdale. Steam coming off your hair means it's still damp, and according to Pantene scientist Jeni Thomas, that's a major no-no. "A hot tool on damp hair can cause the water inside the hair shaft to boil," she explains. When water releases as steam, it can shred the hair shaft and create weak spots. Always use a thermal protectant before applying heat.
L'OREAL PARIS Ever sleek humidity defying leave-in-creme, $9. Walgreens.

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FACT: "Conditioners are designed with a specific time limit in mind," says Hunter McLeod, senior stylist at Arrojo Studio in New York City. Leaving a deep conditioner on your locks overnight or overusing hydrating treatments can actually do more damage than good. "Conditioning the hair too much will make the hair shaft too soft and more vulnerable to breakage," he explains. "Instead, limit any treatment to once a month and leave it on only for the recommended time frame."
LIVING PROOF Restore conditioner, $28. Sephora.
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FACT: When curling your hair with an iron, avoid wrapping each section around the barrel in the exact same way, advises London-based hairstylist James Pecis: "It's important to alternate the direction of the curls and leave the ends of your hair straighter;otherwise, your hair will look like it was done by a machine." And don't be afriad to brush out the curls. "Once the hair is cool, the shape is set, so you can rough it up and spritz it with a texturizing spray for a natural look," he says.
PANTENE Split end repair créme, $6. Rite Aid.