OLD WIVES' TALES
1. If you want your hair to grow faster, cut it. a. true b. false
answer False. The growth rate of hair depends primarily on heredity and health. Frequent trimming will, however, prevent the hair from splitting and this will help the hair to grow longer.
2. After someone dies their hair continues to grow. a. true b. false
answer False. Normal body functions, such as cell growth, stop with death. However, the skin does contract at death causing the pores to shrink from the hairshaft. This may give a brief illusion of growth.
3. It’s possible for someone to be so scared that their hair can stand on end. a. true b. false
answer True. If fear causes blood vessels and muscles to react near the skin surface, contractions can cause the area around each hair to hold the hair up stiffly. Watch your "goose pimples" the next time you get them to see proof of this.
4. Shampooing often will cause your hair to fall out. a. true b. false
answer False. Frequent washing is not harmful, provided you use the right shampoo. Washing will not dry out the hair, stunt hair growth, or increase dandruff. Shampooing only removes those hairs that were no longer growing and were genetically programmed to fall out.
5. Eating carrots makes your hair curly. a. true b. false
answer False. No food will make your hair wavy or curly. However, carrots are chock full of vitamins your whole system needs. Eating well will make your hair look and feel better.
6. Washing your hair in rain water, by the light of the full moon will make your hair soft. a. true b false
answer True. Surprise! A bit Gothic for most, perhaps, but rainwater (if it doesn't accumulate too many pollutants on the way down) does soften hair. The full moon lets you see what you're doing, but its effect on hair softening has not been scientifically determined.
7. If your hair curls at the temples, watch for your husband to die. a. true b. false
answer False. You may have a long wait. This is an old folk superstition devised undoubtedly by women who were not happily married.
8. You should not have your hair colored before you go to the hospital for an operation. a. true b. false
answer True. Not because of any disastrous effect from anesthetics and the like, but simply because you may tend to be nervous and perspire more freely. Excessive perspiration may cause some discoloring of your coloring.
9. Consumption of alcohol spoils your wave. a. true b. false
answer True. Excess alcohol in the system can impair your general health and well-being. Bad health usually promotes hair problems.
10. Is it possible for hair to turn white overnight? a. yes b. no
answer Only if you add shoe polish to it!
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