Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary Title: Myth-busting 7 Hair ‘Rules’
Host/Author: Shameless Media
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Description: Style-ish is the podcast for all things fashion, brand, business, and beauty.

Introduction

In this special episode of Style-ish, host Madison Sullivan Thorpe, along with co-hosts Joanna Fleming and Rhiannon Joyce (affectionately known as Riri), delve deep into the world of hair care by debunking seven common hair myths. Bringing in expert opinions from renowned hairdressers Renee Dolan and Mr. D, the trio aims to provide listeners with evidence-based insights to enhance their hair care routines.

Myth 1: You Should Never Brush Wet Hair

Discussion: The episode kicks off with a heated debate on whether brushing wet hair is detrimental. While some advocate against it, others swear by the practice.

Expert Insights:

• Renee Dolan (Salon Manager, Melbourne Salon Bob):

  "If you have straight or wavy hair, combing with a wide-tooth comb is best, as it puts less tension on the hair." [13:37]

• Mr. D (Founder, Hair Salon Delilah):

  "When it comes to curly hair, brushing wet can be beneficial as it preserves the curl pattern and reduces friction." [14:05]

Host Experiences: Riri shares her routine involving leave-in treatments and a Dyson hair dryer, while Joanna emphasizes the importance of using the right tools to minimize damage.

Notable Quote:
Joanna Fleming reflects, "If you're going to comb your hair in the shower, do it while your conditioner is in and use the wide-tooth comb to glide through easily." [15:46]

Myth 2: Hair Vitamins Are Essential for Growth

Discussion: The conversation shifts to the booming market of hair growth supplements and their effectiveness.

Expert Insights: Joanna references a New York Times article highlighting the lack of unbiased research supporting the efficacy of hair vitamins. Dr. Torfik points out potential biases in studies funded by supplement companies.

Host Experiences:

• Riri:

  "I take a combination of vitamins including zinc, iron, and biotin, which I believe have improved my hair, skin, and energy levels." [19:19]

• Madison:

  "I do not take specific hair supplements, as I believe they promote hair growth indiscriminately. Instead, I focus on stress management through other supplements." [20:20]

Conclusion: While some anecdotal evidence suggests benefits, there's no concrete scientific proof that hair vitamins are a miracle solution. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a balanced diet and consulting professionals for hair concerns.

Notable Quote:
Riri states, "Brands invest in research to support their claims, but there's always a level of bias you have to consider." [22:19]

Myth 3: Everyone Has a Terminal Hair Length

Discussion: The trio explores the concept of terminal hair length—the maximum length one's hair can grow before it stops or destabilizes.

Expert Insights:

• Renee Dolan:

  "Terminal length is the point where hair growth naturally ceases or slows, influenced by genetics." [25:27]

• Mr. D:

  "The life cycle of hair shortens with age, affecting terminal length." [25:55]

Host Experiences: Joanna boasts about her hair growing down to her bum, while Riri shares challenges in maintaining hair health beyond her perceived terminal length, exacerbated by frequent use of heat tools.

Conclusion: Terminal hair length varies individually, governed primarily by genetics and hair care practices. Beyond this length, maintaining hair health becomes challenging.

Notable Quote:
Madison reflects, "I think if I wanted to grow mine to my ankles, it'd go really." [24:19]

Myth 4: You Need to Invest in an Expensive Hairbrush

Discussion: The debate centers on whether costly hairbrushes significantly outperform their cheaper counterparts.

Expert Insights:

• Renee Dolan:

  "Expensive brushes like Mason Pearson can withstand years of use, but there are affordable options with soft bristles that work effectively." [29:25];

• Mr. D:

  "Opt for brushes with soft bristles, such as a $20 wet brush. High-end brushes like YS Park Luster are great for curly hair without causing damage." [29:49]

Host Experiences: Riri showcases her $250 Labon Brush, a gift from a friend, highlighting its role in her styling routine. Joanna shares a nostalgic story of a hand-painted brush from her childhood that lasted 20 years.

Conclusion: While high-end brushes offer durability and specialized features, many affordable brushes provide excellent results. The choice depends on individual hair types and personal preferences.

Notable Quote:
Joanna reminisces, "My auntie gave me this hand-painted hairbrush that lasted until I was 27. It truly stood the test of time." [31:37]

Myth 5: Slick Back Buns Are Destroying Your Hair

Discussion: The slick back bun, a trendy hairstyle, is scrutinized for potential damage to hair follicles and overall hair health.

Expert Insights:

• Renee Dolan:

  "Constant friction and tension from slick back buns can strain hair follicles, though some hair types are more resilient." [37:13]

• Mr. D:

  "Any stress on the hair, including tight styling, contributes to breakage and affects curl elasticity." [37:20]

Host Experiences: Both Joanna and Madison admit to regularly sporting slick back buns despite knowing the potential damage. They discuss strategies like using soft brushes and avoiding harsh elastics to mitigate harm.

Conclusion: While slick back buns can cause hair damage over time, proper techniques and gentle styling products can reduce their impact. Listeners are encouraged to balance style with hair health.

Notable Quote:
Joanna advises, "If you use a slick back bun, incorporate scalp scrubs and clarifying shampoos to maintain scalp health." [39:29]

Myth 6: You’ll Fry Your Hair If You Don’t Use Heat Protectant

Discussion: The necessity and effectiveness of heat protectants in preventing hair damage from styling tools are examined.

Expert Insights:

• Daniel Eldridge (Chemistry Lecturer):

  "Heat protectants create a coating that delays heat penetration, similar to an oven mitt, thereby reducing damage." [41:42]

Host Experiences: Joanna emphasizes her routine of always using a heat protectant, while Madison admits she rarely uses one, focusing instead on overall hair health through other means.

Conclusion: Heat protectants play a significant role in minimizing damage from styling tools, although the best protection is to limit heat usage. Selecting appropriate protectant products tailored to one's hair type enhances their efficacy.

Notable Quote:
Daniel explains, "The only way to truly prevent heat damage is to avoid heated styling tools altogether, akin to wearing sunscreen when exposed to the sun." [41:42]

Myth 7: Supermarket Hair Care Will Do Long-Term Damage to My Hair

Discussion: The final myth explores whether salon-exclusive hair care products are superior to supermarket alternatives in preventing long-term hair damage.

Expert Insights:

• Dr. Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science):

  "The performance of professional and drugstore shampoos and conditioners largely overlaps. Price differences often stem from marketing rather than ingredient quality." [46:10]

Host Experiences: Madison discusses her preference for salon brands like Kérastase and Kevin Murphy, attributing her access to quality products to working in the beauty industry. Joanna shares her extensive use of high-end brands, while Riri balances salon products with occasional use of supermarket brands based on personal needs.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of hair care products depends more on personal hair type and specific needs than on whether they are salon-exclusive or available in supermarkets. Consumers are advised to choose products that work best for their hair, regardless of price or brand origin.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Michelle Wong highlights, "There's no inherent quality difference in sulfates or silicones between salon and drugstore products. It's more about finding what works for your hair." [46:10]

Conclusion

The Style-ish team successfully navigates through seven prevalent hair myths, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of hair care practices. By integrating expert opinions and personal experiences, they empower their audience to make informed decisions tailored to their individual hair types and lifestyles.

Key Takeaways:

• Brushing wet hair is conditional based on hair type; using the right tools is crucial.
• Hair vitamins may offer benefits, but maintaining a balanced diet and consulting professionals remains paramount.
• Terminal hair length varies, influenced by genetics and hair care habits.
• Expensive hairbrushes aren’t necessarily superior; functionality and care are more important.
• Slick back buns can cause damage, but proper techniques can mitigate risks.
• Heat protectants are beneficial but should complement reduced heat usage.
• Both salon and supermarket hair care products can be effective; personal preference and hair type should guide choices.

Notable Closing Quote:
Madison sums it up, "We've enjoyed busting these myths just as much as chatting with Renee and Mr. D. Remember to find what works best for your hair and prioritize its health." [54:15]

Thank You to Our Sponsors:
While sponsored segments were part of the episode, this summary focused solely on the content discussions surrounding hair care myths.

Stay Connected:
Listeners are encouraged to share their own hair care routines and product favorites via email at style-ish@shamelessmedia.com or through direct messages on Style-ish’s social media platforms.