Beauty Secrets Blog

Submitted by Beauty Brains Blog

Part of our mission on the Beauty Brains is teaching people to think and analyze things using the scientific method. We don’t expect you to become scientists, but you’ll make better buying decisions, save money and find products that really work if you think like one. With that goal in mind, we are starting a series of posts called the Beauty Brains Basic Beliefs. This series will demonstrate differences between solid scientific thinking and unproven “woo” that leads people astray.

Infallible Logic?

First up is a common example from one of our most commented on posts “Is Pantene Good or Bad for my Hair?” One community member says the following:

I just got my hair cut this week and while my stylist was using the razor on my hair tons of white stuff was coming off at the same time. Seeing as I don’t use any other product in my hair besides my Pantene shampoo and conditioner, it is clear that they are the cause. I’m sorry but it seems like you are just trying to make excuses for these bargain brands.

Taken at face value, this writer makes logical sense.

There is “white stuff” coming off her hair.
She only puts Pantene in her hair.
Ergo, Pantene is responsible for the “white stuff”.

Thinking Problem

Unfortunately, her comments suffer from a common thinking problem that makes her conclusion dubious.

Problem. Limiting your ideas.

The mistake of coming up with one explanation without considering others is common. In this case, the author assumes the residue could only be from her Pantene products. That’s certainly a possibility but there are others. For example,

a. It’s protein flakes from the hair
b. It’s residue from a styling product
c. It’s build-up from pollution in your environment
d. It’s dandruff from the scalp
e. It’s something else we haven’t considered

The observations she’s made are not adequate to determine that Pantene is responsible. It could be, but we’d need to learn more about the composition of the white flakes. If they turn out to be 100% protein, Pantene is obviously not the most likely culprit. Only eliminate possible explanations when data shows them to be wrong. And don’t assume you know the answer without testing it.

Solution. Consider multiple explanations & prove them wrong before rejecting.

Beauty Brains Bottom Line

The cause of the author’s white flakes remains a mystery but her Pantene hypothesis is not likely. Based on what we know about hair products and the salon business, it is more likely hair protein. The fact that both she and her stylist logically conclude Pantene is the cause doesn’t mean it’s true.