Eyebrow waxes are done with an application of hot wax and cloth strips. Photo by Christine H. Wetzel. Fun wigs are a good way to give your hair a break from constant treatments.

We've all heard myths about caring for and growing hair -- some true, some not. To clear up some of these wives tales, we talked to three experts at Canyon Ranch Spa Club: Edit Bekesi, senior aesthetician; Michael Boychuck, salon director; and James Fiala, technical director.

Q: Why does waxing make your hair finer than shaving?

EB: Because you are repeatedly hurting the hair follicle. After a while, the hair is so damaged it doesn't have the same strength to grow back or produce thick, healthy hair.

Q: What's the most popular kind of bikini wax?

EB: Teeny, tiny Brazilian.

Q: What's better, strip wax or hot wax?

EB: Hot wax is better for Brazilian waxes because it sticks better. Strip wax is easier to use because the temperature doesn't matter.

Q: Is it true that when you shave your hair grows back thicker?

EB: No, it grows the same, but it feels thicker because you are feeling the base come through.

Q: Does your hair grow back darker if you shave?

EB: No, your genes determine the color of your hair. Unless there's a hormonal change, your hair will remain the same color.

Q: Why does hair in different parts of your body feel so different?

EB: All hair serves specific purposes. The hair in your armpits is there to protect against chafing; your pubic hair is there to disseminate pheromones; even the hair in your nose serves a purpose: it acts as a filter protecting against dust and pollen.

Q: Some black men experience razor bumps or ingrown hairs on their face when they shave. What should they do to treat and prevent it?

EB: Because their hair grows in more of a curl, the hair winds back around rather than coming out. It's called PFB (Pseudo-Folliculitis Barbe) and the best treatment is exfoliating. If they shave frequently, it will help prevent PFB. Also, chemical peels will help. (Bekesi also suggests Tend Skin and tea tree oil for treating ingrown hairs.)

Q: Are there certain kinds of rubber bands that are better for hair?

MB/JF: The old-school rubber bands are bad. The best kind are called Blax. They won't break your hair because they don't grab into your hair.

Q: If you wear your hair in a tight pony tail, will it cause your hairline to recede?

MB/JF: You might notice it more, but it's an illusion that it's causing you hair to fall out. That's genetic.

Q: We've all seen commercials on TV that show dramatic graphics of split ends being repaired by conditioners. Is there any truth to those claims?

MB/JF: They may prevent the split ends from getting worse, but the only remedy is to trim them.

Q: Is dandruff caused by a dry scalp?

MB/JF: Actually, they're two different things. Dandruff is from an oily scalp -- (it) is more clumps of oily white stuff, whereas dry scalp makes your head itch and smaller pieces of dried scalp fall out.

Q: What is the best treatment for both conditions?

MB/JF: With dry scalp you need to moisturize; a good conditioner will work. For dandruff you need a shampoo or serum to treat it. We use a treatment by Schwarzkopf.

Q: Is baldness hereditary from your mom's side of the family?

MB/JF: That's a myth, it can be passed down from either parent.

Q: If you cut your hair every six weeks will it grow faster?

MB/JF: No. Everyone's hair grows half an inch per month with proper nutrition. The only thing that can speed up hair growth is massaging your scalp. The massage pumps the blood to the hair follicles and the hair follicles get their nutrition from the blood supply.

Q: If you're blonde and you dye your hair dark, is it damaging to go blonde again?

MB/JF: Blonde hair grabs the color more, so it's harder to pull the color out again. It usually takes four to seven hours because you have to lift the color out slowly. I also think you should have a deep conditioning treatment after every stripping treatment.

Q: Is it good or bad to brush your hair?

MB/JF: Brushing your hair stimulates your scalp and spreads the oils throughout your hair. You should try to use a brush with a flexible base and bristles so it will give a little. Metal brushes aren't great.

Q: Does mayonnaise or egg applied to your hair make it shiny or more healthy?

MB/JF: Mayo is made with eggs and will reduce the pH level in your hair. Eggs will also strengthen your hair because of the protein. Both make for good conditioners ... vinegar will help bring the shine back too.

Q: Is there a specific age when you should cut your child's hair and what are the effects?

MB/JF: There are no long-term effects, no damage to hair growth. For maintenance purposes, parents may want to cut their kid's hair if it is super fine because it will tangle more. But there isn't a specific age that kids should start getting hair cuts.