Testing 5 hair theories with Roel Morales

Roel Morales started working as a makeup and hairstylist at the age of 15. With 30 years of experience under his belt, and winning the National Competition in Hair and Makeup 1999-2000 in the Philippines, receiving the award for the Overall Grand Champion, the senior makeup and hairstylist at InStyle Salon and Spa (Gulshan) helps us debunk five age-old myths regarding those beautiful tresses.

Plucking grey hairs causes more to sprout

False! The genes of a person determine how quick their tresses will turn salt-and-pepper. “It's something you inherit either from your mother or your father. It's got nothing to do with you plucking it; it's in the genes,” says Roel.

Cutting and trimming your hair make it grow thicker and longer faster

False again! Cutting and trimming the hair will definitely not make it grow thicker or longer. “But if you incorporate some layers in your haircut, it obviously is going to look more voluminous,” says the hairstylist.

A cold rinse will add shine to your hair

True! Although there is no scientific evidence to support this theory, but “Washing your hair with warm or lukewarm water will open up the hair cuticles. Think about it this way, when you blow dry or iron your hair, the heat opens up the hair cuticles making it damaged, dry and dull. So when you do the opposite—add a cold rinse, it will close the hair cuticles, leaving it hydrated and shiny.”

Changing shampoos and conditioners every two to three months will benefit the hair

“This is somewhat true,” says Roel. “Your hair has a tendency to get used to certain products. Let's say you are using a particular brand for shine and volume, but your hair may soon develop a tolerance for it, and it may not be reaping the benefits these products have to offer anymore.” “Which is why, I usually suggest people to have at least two sets of shampoos and conditioners from two different brands. If you are going to shampoo your hair every other day, switch between these two brands alternatively. There's no need to change your shampoo every two months,” he also adds.

Washing your hair everyday will strip it of its natural oils

This is not entirely true. It really depends on the quality and the type of the hair on individuals. Someone's lifestyle may also play an important role here—if you are hitting the gym everyday, you do need to wash off that dirt and grime off your scalp on a regular basis. It also may depend on the weather. “I usually suggest not to wash hair regularly during winter, because it will only dry out the hair and scalp. But during summer when it's very hot, you can wash your hair everyday but try to use a mild shampoo.” “Some people have an excess production of oil (sebum) and unless they shampoo their hair everyday, the pores on their scalp will get clogged, hampering the growth of the hair,” he concludes.