Hair Growth Myths: The Truth Behind What Truly Makes Your Hair Grow

Hair growth is one of the most discussed topics in the beauty world, yet so many myths, misconceptions, and “hair hacks” circulate that it’s easy to get lost in confusion. From split ends to stress, and from essential oils to Remy hair extensions, what really works and for our hair, and what’s just hype? Let’s bust the myths and set you up with fact-based strategies for healthier hair, the truth behind how to grow hair faster, plus all the other hair myths you may have heard of.  

Hair Growth Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Trimming Your Hair Makes It Grow Faster 

This is pure fiction. Up top, trimming doesn’t accelerate growth at the scalp. Hair grows from follicles, not from the ends. But here’s where reality meets myth: split ends travel upward, weakening strands and causing breakage. If your ends break off, it undoes your growth efforts. That’s why regular trims are still valuable. Regular trimming is important for maintaining hair health by reducing split ends and preventing breakage. So the truth? Trimming doesn’t speed growth, but it does conserve what you grow by keeping ends healthy.

Myth 2: Skipping Shampoo is Better for Growth

Mostly a myth. The “no shampoo” movement suggests skipping shampoo or using only conditioner, but in many cases, that leads to build up from sebum, sweat and styling products. A clogged scalp impedes follicle function, creating a worse environment for growth. It’s not about skipping shampoo altogether, but choosing gentle, low-sulphate formulations and frequency suited to your scalp.

A balanced approach:

• Use gentle, sulphate-free or low-sulphate shampoos
• Alternate with cleansing conditioners if your scalp isn’t very oily
• Deep-cleanse occasionally (e.g. clarifying shampoos or apple-cider vinegar rinses)

This keeps your scalp healthy without over-stripping its natural oils.

Myth 3: You Can Stimulate New Follicles Yourself

This has always been pretty misleading. The human scalp has a set number of hair follicles. You can’t truly create brand new ones once adulthood is reached all by yourself, aside from rare medical conditions or treatments. What you can do is optimise the performance of existing follicles by reducing shedding, prolonging the active phase, and improving the strength of your strands.

What many brands market as pure ‘regrowth’ really means strengthening existing hairs, reducing shedding, or prolonging the growth phase. So, when a product claims “new hair growth,” remember to take that with caution. Its real effect is to support it – not create it out of thin hair.

Myth 4: Certain Foods Will Make Hair Grow Faster

This one is overhyped. Nutrition does in fact influence hair health – but certain “superfoods” aren’t necessarily enough to override genetics, hormonal balance, or scalp conditions. Deficiencies in protein, iron, vitamin D, B-vitamins, zinc, or fatty acids can impair hair growth, but eating a lot of kale or chia won’t necessarily push hair to grow faster than your body allows.

Balanced nutrition supports hair by giving follicles what they need, but there is no single food that beats your genes or hormonal factors. Your best bet is to eat at a varied diet rich in lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and micronutrients.

Myth 5: Caffeine, Essential Oils & Scalp Massages Are Miracle Workers

They can help – moderately, not magically. There is some scientific backing to topical caffeine or peppermint oil to lengthen the growth phase, and scalp massage can promote blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and scalp stimulation. But these are supportive techniques, not standalone solutions.

These methods may help optimise what your hair can do – but they won’t override poor diet, genetics, or hormonal imbalances. When integrated properly, these tools may provide incremental benefit. Consider them part of a broader, consistent regimen.

Myth 6: Coloured or Chemically Treated Hair Can’t Grow

False, to an extent. Your hair continues to grow from the scalp, unaffected by treatments applied further down the shaft. However, chemical processes (bleach, relaxers, dye) weaken the hair fibre and increase breakage risk – making hair appear shorter or as if its not growing past a certain point.

The key is damage control: regular deep conditioning, limiting overlap, and using bond builders help your coloured hair grow without fragility. So yes, coloured hair can grow – just treat it gently and protect the new growth zone and previously treated lengths.

Myth 7: A Single Hair Growth Serum Product Will Solve Everything

Definitely a myth. No single hair growth serum, hair growth oil or seemingly magical elixir will bypass all the constraints of biology, diet, stress, and scalp conditions.

Some products may strengthen hair, reduce shedding, or improve thickness appearance – but expecting them to fix everything is unfortunately a little bit unrealistic. Instead, use them as part of a holistic routine and check in with your hair’s health as often as you can.

Other Hair Myths Debunked

Myth 8: Stress Causes Instant Hair Loss

Only partly true – and delayed. Sudden stress doesn’t make hair fall out instantly. But extreme or chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, which pushes hair prematurely into the shedding phase. That effect typically becomes visible weeks or months later, not overnight.

Telogen effluvium is a real condition, but its onset is delayed. Managing stress via sleep, nutrition, and calm practices helps more than expensive quick-fix treatments.

If you notice a sudden thinning or increased shedding, look back a month or two and evaluate stressors (illness, life change, sleep loss). Addressing them is more powerful than chasing a miracle cure.

Myth 9: Hair Loss Supplements Are Magic Bullets

Many supplements promise hair growth via secret blends. While some nutrients can help, plenty of products on the market are under-dosed, lack rigorous testing, or address symptoms, not genuine causes.

Instead of chasing supplement fads, focus on:

• Medical testing, normally for deficiency or thyroid issues
• Evidence-backed treatments such as minoxidil, peptide serums, etc.
• Medical supervision

Supplements may help if you’re deficient, but they are not considered universal cures.

Myth 10: You Can Fix Everything with One Routine

Wrong. Hair growth isn’t linear or singular. What works for one person or one phase may not work at another. You’ll need:

• A healthy scalp foundation
• Diet, sleep & stress control
• Low-damage styling and handling
• Product supports such as serums and oils
• Patience and consistency with your routine

Growth happens over the course of several committed months, not a matter of days.

The Truth: What Really Drives Healthy Hair Growth & Retention

Let’s step into what actually matters – and how you can integrate it, especially as someone using clip in hair extensions or permanent extensions.

1. Scalp Health is Key

Your scalp is the “soil” where hair grows. A clogged or inflamed scalp fosters weaker follicles and therefore weaker hair.

Practical steps:

• Use gentle cleansers every week
• Exfoliate or massage the scalp to promote circulation
• Use pre-shampoo masks or scalp treatments
• Avoid over-use of heavy oils or silicones that clog

2. Minimise Damage & Breakage

Even if your follicles produce strong hair, breakage can undo it. So:

• Limit heat styling
• Use protective detangling techniques
• Avoid tight hairstyles or constant tension
• Sleep on silk or satin to reduce friction
• Use bond or protein repair-based treatments strategically

3. Retain What You Grow

The longer hair you manage to keep intact, the more “growth” you see. Things that help:

• Bond strengtheners (e.g. peptides, protein formulas)
• Gentle brush or comb workflows (start at ends, work upward)
• Regular maintenance trims
• Protective styles that reduce friction

4. Nutrition, Sleep & Hormonal Health

Your internal environment matters a lot. Focus on:

• Adequate protein (0.8–1 g per kg of bodyweight)
• Iron, vitamins D, B12, zinc, omega-3s
• Adequate hydration
• Regular sleep and stress management
• Blood tests if you suspect deficiencies or hormonal imbalances

Explore our latest guide: Nutrition & Lifestyle Tips For Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails for everything you need to know – beyond your locks.

5. Smart Use of Supporting Ingredients

This is where modern hair care shines:

• Use products with caffeine, niacinamide and peptides
• Apply products with diluted essential oils such as peppermint and rosemary
• Incorporate “boost” phases into your hair routine every couple of weeks rather than constant use

These tips will help you get more out of the hair that you already have but won’t generate hair from nothing like many of us are led to believe. It’s a great regime to practice for your locks in the long-run.

For Hair Extension Users: How to Improve Your Hair Journey

Because you may be using clip in or permanent hair extensions, there’s an additional layer of nuance when it comes to promoting hair growth. Your human hair extensions don’t stop your hair from growing, especially if they’ve been cared for. Natural hair will continue to grow beneath your extensions if you maintain your scalp and hair underneath them well. Here’s some basic things to get you started on what you can do to keep your locks in check:

Use Gentle, Extension-Friendly Products

• Sulphate-free, low-surfactant shampoos
• Bond-saving or protein-boost formulas

Avoid Excessive Weight or Tension

• Choose a weight suitable for your hair thickness. For thin hair, opt for lightweight options
• Stick to advised maintenance schedules when using permanent extensions to keep your natural hair healthy
• Alternate where you position your hair extensions to give any problem areas a break and to prevent any tension from occurring

Scalp Access is Vital

• Be able to clean, exfoliate, and treat your scalp
• Use leave-in treatments on exposed scalp areas

Monitor & Adjust

• If shedding seems worse after applying clip ins or having professional hair extensions installed, evaluate any tension, product build-up, or scalp irritation.
• Try to take breaks between installations to allow your scalp to recover and strengthen.

Conclusion:

Hair growth is rarely instant, and it’s never controlled by one technique or product. But by dismissing myths and focusing on what’s real, such as scalp health, retention, nutrition, low damage, and smart activities – you can absolutely set yourself up for sustainable, resilient growth!