From using the right hair pack to restore its shine and smoothness to buying good quality products for our skin, there are many things we do to make sure our skin and hair are in top-notch shape. While some tricks are really good for us, there are quite a few myths that guide our beauty rituals as well. To separate facts from fiction, The Week sought the help of Hair and Skin expert Sanjana Pandey of Berry Beautik in Satdobato, Lalitpur. Here she sheds light on a few beauty beliefs that are indeed myths and tells us what we should be doing instead.
Myth #1: Trimming your hair will make it grow faster.
Fact: This is the most common myth of all time. The fact is that trimming has absolutely nothing to do with your hair growth process. It is all about throwing out the ends whereas hair grows from the roots. Your follicles will never know if you have short or long hair. And the same holds true for combing your hair multiple times a day. However, chopping off the damaged ends and combing do give your hair a healthier and thicker appearance. So, no, a regular hair trim session will not turn you into Rapunzel.
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Myth #2: All natural ingredients are safe for your skin.
Fact: Going all natural might be wonderful for your skin as it is gentler and you might not have to deal with any kind of side effects. But this is not the case every single time. Mixing all kinds of natural ingredients is not how you attain complexion perfection. If someone with oily skin applies coconut oil regularly then, instead of having soft and healed skin, he/she will be more prone to acne and other skin problems. Due to this, before applying any kinds of natural ingredients, you must first understand your skin type and research about the effects of the items you are using. Again the same holds true while preparing different packs and mixtures for your skin or hair. Also, be sure about the amount of ingredients to be used, else you may end up having allergies or irritations.
Myth #3: All expensive cosmetics are better.
Fact: Usually people believe that the more expensive the product, the better it is to tackle skin problems. Pandey clarifies that there have been times when less expensive products have worked wonders than expensive ones to solve skin and hair issues. The brand name and bright packaging aren’t things you should fall for while buying your cosmetics. Instead, examine the ingredients and formula of the products and find out whether it works for your skin type or not. Many are also guilty of spending a lot on a particular product just because it’s done wonders on their friends’ skin. But your skin is unique and what works for someone else might not work for you. Understand your needs before purchasing cosmetics and if you are still unsure consider consulting experts.
Myth #4: You can permanently repair hair splits.
Facts: This is a lie that’s so commonly believed that there are tons of products that claim to do just that. Splits are inevitable and you can never repair them completely. Products that claim to do that might be able to smooth down your hair and improve it appearance to make it seem like the splits are gone but reconstructing your hair is not possible. The one and only real remedy for getting rid of split ends is having a haircut.
Myth #5: Oily skin does not need moisturizers.
Those with oily skin generally avoid using creams because it naturally produces more sebum compared to that of normal skin. Many people also are misguided that applying moisturizer on oily skin will invite pimples and blackheads. But be it the oily, normal or dry, every skin type requires hydration and moisture. After using cleanser or face wash, even an oily skin can dry out, making it age quicker. At times, even natural oil cannot compensate for this dryness. So, those with oily skin also need moisturizer. However, you have to choose your products wisely. Gel-based creams or moisturizers specially formulated for oily skin are highly recommended.
Myth #6: Everyday make up is bad for your skin.
This is a little tricky one. Wearing makeup every day won’t make your skin worse. Rather, not cleaning it properly and keeping the makeup overnight are what wreck havoc on your skin. We basically say the skin needs to breathe yet in reality it’s not like it actually does so. The truth here is that pollutants and powders settle down in the pores of the skin. This is the reason why skin problems happen in the first place. So if you use makeup, cleansing is very essential. On the other hand, going makeup free or using light makeup also has its benefits. But this does not mean you have to say no to makeup entirely. You can choose to use less of it or simply just make sure you wash it off when you are done for the day. Also, choose good quality products that will nourish your skin.
