Hair Care Facts And Fallacies

How can I repair split ends? Should I avoid hair care products that contain alcohol? At one time or another, we all have questions about how best to care for our hair. And, for every question, there seems to be dozens of conflicting answers. To help keep your tresses in tip-top shape, the hair care experts at White Rain offer the following hair care facts and fallacies:

Fallacy: It's necessary to rotate shampoos and conditioners for best results.

Fact: If a shampoo and conditioner do their jobs, you shouldn't have to alternate products between uses. A good shampoo is gentle enough to use daily, but also cleans hair thoroughly enough to remove buildup. A good conditioner provides enough moisturizing benefits to keep the cuticle lying flat and leave hair looking shiny, healthy and manageable. The key is selecting the right formula for your hair type. Hair's needs will change season to season, so although you might use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner during winter, summer might call for a lighter formula.

Fallacy: The right product can repair split ends.

Fact: The only way to truly repair split ends is to cut off hair just above the splits. However, split ends can be made to look better with conditioners or gels because they will temporarily "glue" the ends together. Shortly thereafter, the ends will separate and fray. Long hair styles are more apt to have split ends because the hair has endured abuse over a longer period of time.

Fallacy: Hair products that contain alcohol should be avoided.

Fact: Alcohol has had a bad rap. The truth is that the kind of alcohol used in White Rain conditioners, called cetyl alcohol, actually helps condition hair to make it softer. White Rain spritzes and hair sprays contain SD Alcohol 40, or ethylpropyl alcohol, which makes the product dry quickly. There is not enough alcohol in these products to be harmful to your hair.

Fallacy: Rinsing with beer, tea, lemon juice or vinegar makes hair shinier.

Fact: Prior to World War II, many consumers typically used bar soap to wash their hair (shampoo was not readily available back then!), which was difficult to rinse out and left hair dry, dull and unmanageable. As a result, they often rinsed their hair with vinegar, beer, tea or lemon juice because of their naturally acidic tendencies. Today, shampoos are soapless and specially formulated to rinse out easily for soft, shiny hair.

Fallacy: It's best to brush hair 100 strokes a day.

Fact: Although brushing hair is good for distributing oil along the hair shaft to add shine and gloss, 100 strokes may be overkill. In fact, about 20 strokes should keep hair neat and tidy. The purpose of brushing is to loosen and remove dust, grime, hair product residue and dead cells. Remember: Be gentle and never brush wet hair-use a wide-toothed comb instead!

Fallacy: The higher the price, the better the product performs.

Fact: Generally speaking, this isn't true. The White Rain product line contains the same ingredients as many of the more expensive, premium brands. Just compare the labels! What's more, White Rain Essentials and White Rain Exotics offer popular fruit and tropical flower fragrances found in more expensive brands.(NAPSI)