Beauty myths have been around since the dawn of time, as word travels fast, regardless of credibility.

With the rise of influencers and content creators, who may or may not know what they’re talking about, everyone’s got something different to say about beauty these days.

You can’t enjoy a doom scroll without being recommended products and practices that will magically solve all of your beauty needs. But, how do you know if you can trust their advice?

Even coming from those with credentials, some beauty myths seem to still have a chokehold on many.

At TENAJ Salon Institute, we want to empower our future beauty pros with rock-solid knowledge they can count on as a truth and share confidently with their guests.

In this post, we’re breaking down common beauty myths and replacing them with facts that’ll set you apart as an informed cosmetologist who knows their stuff (and has science to back you up!)

Hair Care Beauty Myths

Myth #1: Trimming Your Hair Makes It Grow Faster

We’ve all heard this one, right? But, here’s the truth: hair growth starts at the scalp, not the ends. Your hair typically grows about ½ inch per month, despite how often you trim it.

Here’s the kicker though; while regular trims won’t speed up growth, they’re essential for minimizing split ends and breakage, and therefore, keeping your hair looking healthy and full.

So, trimming your hair doesn’t make your hair grow faster, but it does help with healthy hair growth and maintenance.

Myth #2: You Need to Shampoo Every Day

Hold up! Daily shampooing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your scalp naturally produces oils that protect and nourish your hair. Over-washing can strip these beneficial oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

The perfect washing schedule depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and scalp condition. Some people thrive with daily washing, when others achieve optimal results washing just once or twice a week.

It’s up to you to experiment with your hair to discover the ideal wash schedule for you. Ask our students to help you come with a hair washing plan that suits your hair type and lifestyle.

Myth #3: Gray Hair Is Caused by Stress

While stress obviously isn’t good in high doses, it’s not turning your hair gray! Gray hair occurs when the cells that produce melanin (your hair’s natural pigment) stop working.

This process is primarily genetic and age-related, though some medical conditions can influence it. Research suggests that chronic stress may accelerate the graying process in some cases, but it’s not the root cause of those silver strands.

Instead of blaming stress for your gray hair, accept that the arrival of gray hair is out of your control. Focus on what you can control; embracing your grays, maintaining healthy hair, or booking regular hair color appointments for a new look.

Myth #4: Air-Drying Is Always Better Than Heat Styling

Surprise! While minimizing heat exposure is generally beneficial, leaving your hair soaking wet for extended periods can actually cause damage. When hair is wet, it swells and becomes more vulnerable to breakage.

Sleeping with wet hair can also cause mold to develop on your scalp and pillow, resulting in an array of negative consequences.

You may too notice that when you sleep with wet hair, your hair appears greasier in the morning because your wet hair has accumulated and trapped your natural hair oils throughout the night.

Because you don’t want to go overboard with heat styling either, the key is finding balance. We recommend removing excess moisture with a microfiber towel, applying heat protectant, and use styling tools at appropriate temperatures before opting to air-dry (especially before bed!)

Skin Care Beauty Myths

Myth #5: The More Expensive the Product, the Better It Works

Let’s talk about this bougie belief! Price tags don’t always reflect quality. What matters most are the active ingredients and their concentrations.

Many affordable products can be just as effective as their luxury counterparts. To not be duped by high-end sales tactics, understand your skin type, do your research, and choose products with ingredients that target your specific concerns.

Thankfully, companies are required by law to include all ingredients used in skin care product under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act implemented by the FDA. Use this to your advantage in scoping out what products are genuinely worth the investment.

Myth #6: You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

This is a big one! UV rays don’t take a day off just because the clouds are out. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, which means your skin needs protection rain or shine.

Make sunscreen your daily essential – your future self will be so grateful! Even indoor lighting and blue light from devices can impact your skin, making sun protection crucial every day.

Applying sunscreen each morning isn’t that hard, right? By making this a daily habit, you’ll ward off skin cancer and slow down the aging process with just this one simple step. Our students can show you what SPF they recommend for your skin type!

Myth #7: Acne Is Caused by Poor Hygiene

Time to clear up this misconception! Acne isn’t about being “dirty”; it’s primarily influenced by hormones, genetics, and other internal factors. How dare people say otherwise?!

While having clean skin is important, over-washing can irritate your skin, lead to an overstimulation of sebum production, and worsen breakouts. A gentle, consistent skin care routine is more effective than aggressive cleansing.

For example, washing your face in the morning and at night, or double cleansing in the evening.

Understanding your skin’s unique needs and triggers is crucial for managing acne effectively. Using a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils is a great place to start.

Myth #8: You Need to Wait for Products to “Sink In”

Contrary to popular belief, skin care products don’t need 10-15 minutes to absorb between applications. Whew, that saves a lot of time!

As long as you’re applying products from thinnest to thickest consistency, you can move through your routine efficiently. For best results, allow each product to dry for a moment before applying the next to ensure they layer properly. Using a vintage hand fan for this makes the process that much more luxurious.

The exception? Sunscreen needs at least 15 minutes to form a proper protective barrier before sun exposure or makeup application.

Nail Care Beauty Myths

Myth #9: Your Nails Need to “Breathe”

Here’s the deal: nails are made of keratin (like your hair) and don’t really need to “breathe.” They receive oxygen and nutrients from your bloodstream, not the air.

However, taking breaks between nail enhancements can help maintain nail strength and prevent damage from improper removal or application techniques.

It’s easy for you to be the judge of when your nails need a little vacation from polish or enhancements.

Myth #10: Cutting Cuticles Is Good for Nail Health

Let’s set the record straight: cuticles are your nails’ natural protective seal. Cutting cuticles can increase the risk of infections and nail problems. Not to mention, it can be extremely uncomfortable.

Instead of cutting, gently push back cuticles and keep them moisturized. Professional nail care focuses on maintaining this protective barrier, while creating beautiful enhancements.

Makeup Beauty Myths

Myth #11: You Need to Match Foundation Exactly to Your Face

Plot twist: matching foundation to your face might leave you with a floating head! Your face often has a slightly different tone than your neck.

The goal is to create a seamless blend between your face and neck, which might mean choosing a shade that seems slightly off when swatched on your face alone.

This can be tricky, which is why it’s recommended to leave it to the professionals. Our students are great color matchers!

Myth #12: Natural Makeup Is Always Better for Your Skin

“Clean” or “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safer or better. Both natural and synthetic ingredients can be beneficial or harmful. Look out for specific formulations and how they interact with your skin.

What matters most is choosing products that work well with your skin type and have been properly tested for safety. Research is the name of the game!

Myth #13: Makeup Causes Skin Aging

Quality makeup products, properly removed at day’s end, won’t accelerate aging. As a matter of fact, many modern cosmetics include beneficial ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, and hydrators.

The real culprits of premature aging are sun exposure, smoking, poor sleep habits, unhealthy diets, and inadequate skin care routines.

The Professional Perspective

At TENAJ Salon Institute, we’re passionate about educating the next generation of beauty professionals to understand not just the how, but the why behind beauty practices.

Our students learn the ins and outs of beauty science, enabling them to excel in the industry with accurate, up-to-date information, rather than recycling outdated myths.

Debunking beauty myths is essential for becoming a trusted expert in your field. When you can explain the science of beauty practices to your guests, you establish credibility and build lasting relationships. This expertise is what distinguishes top-tier cosmetologist from the rest.

Is Beauty Education Calling Your Name?

Has all this talk made you ready to become a beauty myth-buster yourself? At TSI, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive education that triumphs the basics. Our program equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-changing beauty industry with confidence.

Want to discover more about becoming a beauty professional? Contact us today to schedule a tour or apply online.

Want to learn more about what’s fact vs. fiction in the beauty world? Schedule an appointment with one of our amazing students!

The more we understand the science that drives our practices, the better we can serve our guests and advance our beauty careers. Stay curious, stay informed, and never stop learning!