OLD WIVES’ TALES

1. If
you want your hair to grow faster, cut it.
a. true
b. false

answerFalse. The growth rate of hair depends primarily on heredity and
health.  Frequent trimming will, however, prevent the hair from splittingand this will help the hair to grow longer.

2.
After someone dies their hair continues to grow.
a. true
b. false

answerFalse.  Normal body functions, such as cell growth, stop with
death.  However, the skindoes contract at death causing the pores to shrink from the
hairshaft.  This may givea 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

answerTrue.  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

answerFalse.  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 andwere genetically programmed to fall out.

5.
Eating carrots makes your hair curly.
a. true
b. false

answerFalse.  No food will make your hair wavy or curly.
 However, carrots arechock 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

answerTrue.  Surprise!  A bit Gothic for most, perhaps, but
rainwater (if it doesn’t accumulatetoo many pollutants on the way down) does soften hair.  The
full moon letsyou 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

answerFalse. You may have a long wait.  This is an old folk
superstitiondevised 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

answerTrue.  Not because of any disastrous effect from anesthetics
and the like,but simply because you may tend to be nervous and perspire more
freely.  Excessiveperspiration may cause some discoloring of your coloring.

9.
Consumption of alcohol spoils your wave.
a. true
b. false

answerTrue.  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

answerOnly if you add shoe polish to it!