There are many beauty myths out there that are taken for granted around the world, but some are more believable than others. Most of them are passed on by family members or friends. And though many might think that beauty myths are fabrications, some of the craziest ideas are actually true. This week we'll review some of the most popular true beauty myths and next week we'll go through some of the fictitious ones. Here are some of the most popular true beauty myths around: Rinse your hair with beer: The barley and hops used in beer are rich in vitamins and proteins that can help hair appear thicker, stronger and shinier. Meanwhile, the alcohol acts as a cleansing agent. So beer can make your hair thicker and stronger. It is also cheaper than other products. Cucumbers reduce eye bags: Cucumber cools the skin under the eyes, reducing the amount of fluid that causes the bags. But since the cucumber only acts as a cooling agent and doesn't penetrate the skin the effect is only temporary. Avoid tight buns and ponytails: Any hairstyle that causes tension by pulling at the scalp and roots of the hair can make hair fall out, which means it's not going to grow back again. Opt for a loose hairstyle rather than a topknot. Store perfume in a cool dark place: Perfumes can last for years when stored correctly, but exposure to direct sunlight can harm them. The oils and chemicals in perfumes are fragile and easily compromised by extreme heat. So, if you live in a hot climate, storing your fragrances in the fridge may be the best way to go. Don't wash your hair after dying it: Don't shampoo for at least two days after dying your hair. The colour needs to penetrate and attach itself, so if you shampoo too soon, you'll disrupt the process. Always use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for coloured hair and a rich mask. Wear sunscreen on cloudy days: In any weather, from snowing to bright sunshine, you need to wear sunscreen. The average sun protection factor (SPF) of the sunscreen you use should be SPF 15. To save time in the morning, many products — from moisturiser and face cream to lip balm — now contain an SPF. Wearing nail polish can turn fingernails yellow: Nail polish contains pigments that can stain the nails, especially the darker tones. One way to avoid this is by applying a clear base coat before you apply the colour to act as a barrier. Don't make rubbing your eyes a habit: The pulling motion causes the thin, delicate skin around the eyes to crease, which over time leads to the appearance of wrinkles. Use conditioner as a cleanser: Conditioner, like shampoo, contains surfactants, the compounds that build up lather. But as it doesn't contain nearly as much of them, the cleaning properties are mild at best. If you have extremely dry or damaged hair, a conditioner washing routine may be just the ticket for softer, healthier strands. But if you have an oily scalp or tend to get greasy hair it's probably not for you.
