Ignore 3 major myths about hair growth – I’m a trichologist, that ‘tempting’ DIY approach can make thinning worse

WHEN you're desperate for your hair to grow, you might be ready to try just about anything.

But an expert trichologist has warned against some common myths that aren't actually doing anything for your length or volume — and some mistakes that could be making the situation worse.

A trichologist is debunking popular hair growth myths that won't actually do much for your locksCredit: Getty

Sophia Emmanuel warned against the myths and cautioned against DIY approachesCredit: Sophia Emmanuel

Social media abounds with tips, tricks, and hacks for supercharging a hair growth journey, but not every method out there has backing from the pros.

Trichologist and cosmetologist Sophia Emmanuel told The U.S. Sun that there are three major myths she sees — and she's here to debunk them.

MYTH 1: CUTTING HAIR WILL MAKE IT GROW BACK FASTER

While a trim is great for eliminating split ends and promoting the healthy look of your hair, it won't speed up how fast those strands come out of your head.

"When you are experiencing hair loss, cutting your hair does not make your hair grow faster," the V&Co. Beauty Brand Ambassador explained.

"Hair growth depends on the hair growth cycle.

"Each hair follicle on your head goes through a process of hair growth, shedding, and resting, which takes place within the hair follicles.

"This process has nothing to do with the ends of your hair that you cut off."

So while you may not want to cancel your salon appointment, don't expect miracle length in the months following.

MYTH 2: MASSAGING YOUR SCALP STIMULATES HAIR GROWTH

This is a super popular tip on TikTok and Instagram, but the evidence to back it up is — well, less than robust.

Though a 2015 study found that subjects showed an increase in hair thickness 24 weeks after they started scalp massage, there are few other studies with similar results.

That doesn't mean nothing good will come out of it, though.

"Although massaging your scalp can improve blood circulation to your scalp — which has benefits to your hair by bringing nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles — massaging alone can not reverse hair loss," said Emmanuel.

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"Massage alone does not address the root causes of hair loss."

For that, she urged people to enlist the help of a pro.

"Seek professional help from a dermatologist and trichologist to discover the underlying causes of hair loss," she said.

"Ensure they know their hair loss type and whether or not their hair follicles are active.

"Certain types of hair loss cause scalp inflammation, leading to permanent hair loss."

MYTH 3: SHAVING HAIR WILL HELP IT GROW BACK EVEN

This no-no could leave you worse off than you started.

"While experiencing hair loss, many are inclined to shave their hair, hoping their hair will grow back within the bald spot areas," said Emmanuel.

"You may have alopecia areata or scarring alopecia, which may be preventing hair growth within the bald spots.

"If this is the case the spots will not grow back because you shaved off your hair."

So what should you do for thinning hair?

To tackle thinning, Emmanuel recommended starting by finding out the underlying cause.

"The first step when noticing hair loss is to seek professional help from a dermatologist or trichologist," she advised.

"This will help you identify the underlying cause of your hair loss, the type of hair loss you have, and the solutions available to help you."

She emphasized the importance of acting fast once you notice the problem.

"When experiencing hair loss, time is of the essence, it is important to catch hair loss early to increase your chances of saving your hair," Emmanuel said.

To help your locks, she recommended using products that strengthen your hair.

Emmanuel is the brand ambassador for V&Co. Beauty and swears by the brand's Beauty Thickening and Peptide Shampoo, available for $8 from Target.

She also advised anyone suffering from hair loss to try to manage their stress levels.

"Essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals crucial for hair growth may be lacking, causing hair loss," she explained.

DIY DON'T

Emmanuel also warned against using DIY treatments for growth.

"Some people take a do-it-yourself approach to solving their hair loss," she said.

"Although this can be tempting, it can cause hair loss to get worse.

"As soon as you notice a problem with your hair, seek professional help.

"This will not only let you know if there may be a bodily disturbance but can also help you save your hair follicles from too much damage that may not be reversible."