In our years behind the chair at our barbershop, we’ve heard it all—from well-intentioned grandmothers’ advice to internet “hacks” that promise miraculous results. Today, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most persistent grooming myths that just won’t seem to die. Let’s separate fact from fiction and help you make better decisions for your hair and beard care.
Myth #1: Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker and Darker
Perhaps the most enduring grooming myth of all time is that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, and faster. We hear this from teens eager to develop fuller beards and from men concerned about shaving certain areas.
The Truth: Shaving only cuts the hair at the surface level and has absolutely no effect on the hair follicle beneath the skin, which determines thickness, color, and growth rate. When hair first grows back after shaving, it may appear darker or coarser because you’re seeing the thicker middle portion of the hair shaft rather than the naturally tapered end. Additionally, short stubble can feel more rigid than longer hair, giving the illusion of thickness.
Scientific studies have repeatedly debunked this myth, yet it continues to be passed down through generations. Rest assured, your shaving routine isn’t turning peach fuzz into wire brush bristles.
Myth #2: Cutting Hair Makes It Grow Faster
How many times have clients told us they’re getting a trim to “help their hair grow”? This myth is so pervasive that even some beauty professionals perpetuate it.
The Truth: Hair growth occurs from follicles beneath your scalp, not from the ends. Cutting your hair has no physiological effect on the rate of growth. Hair typically grows about half an inch per month, regardless of how frequently you cut it.
What regular trims do accomplish is preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can make hair appear longer over time since you’re avoiding breakage. Healthy hair appears to grow faster because you’re retaining length rather than losing it to damage—but the actual growth rate remains unchanged.
Myth #3: You Need to Change Your Shampoo Regularly Because Hair “Gets Used to It”
We’ve all heard that our hair develops some kind of “immunity” to shampoo if we use the same product too long.
The Truth: Hair is dead protein—it can’t adapt, build tolerance, or “get used to” anything. If your shampoo seems less effective over time, there are several possible explanations:
- Environmental changes (seasonal humidity, hard water)
- Changes in your hair (new color treatment, hormonal influences)
- Product buildup (which requires clarifying, not switching brands)
- Changes in the product formula (manufacturers occasionally reformulate)
If a shampoo works well for your hair type, there’s no scientific reason to switch unless your hair needs change.
Myth #4: Plucking Gray Hairs Causes More to Grow in Their Place
“Pluck one gray hair, and three will come to its funeral.” We’ve heard this warning countless times.
The Truth: Each hair grows from its own individual follicle. Plucking one gray hair affects only that single follicle and has zero impact on surrounding follicles. You won’t increase the number of gray hairs by plucking.
However, we still don’t recommend plucking grays. Repeated plucking can damage the follicle and potentially lead to permanent hair loss. Instead, embrace your grays or consider color options if you prefer.
Myth #5: Beard Oil Makes Your Beard Grow Fuller
With the popularity of beard culture, countless products claim to enhance beard growth and thickness.
The Truth: Beard oil hydrates and conditions facial hair and the skin beneath, but it doesn’t stimulate new growth or increase thickness. The fullness of your beard is primarily determined by:
- Genetics
- Hormones (particularly dihydrotestosterone or DHT)
- Age
- Overall health
What beard oil does do is make existing facial hair look healthier and more manageable while preventing beard dandruff and itchiness. This can create the appearance of a fuller beard because the hairs are better conditioned and properly styled—but no topical oil will turn patchy growth into a Viking beard.
Myth #6: You Should Brush Your Hair 100 Strokes Daily
This old-fashioned advice suggests that brushing hair extensively distributes natural oils and stimulates growth.
The Truth: Excessive brushing actually causes friction that can lead to cuticle damage, breakage, and split ends. While brushing does help distribute sebum (your scalp’s natural oil) from roots to ends, a few gentle strokes accomplish this—100 is overkill and potentially damaging.
Modern hairbrushes are more efficient than those from generations past, requiring fewer strokes to detangle and style. Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to brushing.
Myth #7: Men Don’t Need Conditioner
Many men skip conditioner, believing it’s unnecessary or will make their hair too soft or flat.
The Truth: Conditioner serves important purposes for all hair types:
- Seals the cuticle layer after shampooing
- Adds moisture to prevent brittleness
- Reduces friction between hairs, preventing breakage
- Improves manageability
Men with short hair still benefit from conditioner, though they may need less product or can opt for lighter formulations. Even buzz cuts deserve hydration! The key is choosing the right conditioner for your hair type and length.
The Bottom Line
Many grooming myths contain a kernel of truth that’s been distorted over time or represent outdated understanding. At our barbershop, we believe in evidence-based practices and educating our clients beyond the chair.
Next time you hear a grooming “fact” that sounds dubious, feel free to ask us during your appointment. We’re passionate about helping you separate grooming science from fiction. After all, understanding the “why” behind recommendations leads to better hair days and better beards.
Do you have a grooming myth you’ve always wondered about? Drop it in the comments below, and we might feature it in our next myth-busting blog post!
VENICE BARBERSHOP
Where traditional barbering never goes out of style
3956 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL
Next to the Courthouse & Tax Collector building.
941-716-7570
Walk-Ins Only
Cash Only
Follow us on Facebook
Photo by Andrea Donato on Unsplash
