5 Common Natural Hair [Myths] Revealed

Learning the Ins & Outs of Your Natural Hair

1. "Natural Hair Can't Grow" 

It is commonly believed that natural hair does not grow in the same way as relaxed hair. Well, remember when you were relaxed? It was essential to get a "touch up" (reapplication of the chemical relaxer) every 6-8 weeks, because of the new growth that did not match the already relaxed hair. Simply, put this new hair was your hair in its natural state; evidence that natural hair grows. Also, healthy hair begins from the inside out. The healthy your body is, the healthier your hair will be. 

2. "Trimming Makes Hair Grow"

We've all heard the saying, "I need to trim my ends so my hair will grow." What we really mean is that we need our ends trimmed to see the length that our hair has grown. Trimming dead ends has no direct effect on growing your hair. However, length retention is a result of healthy ends because there is no breaking or splitting of the hair shaft.

3. "Cleansing/Wetting Hair Too Often Dries Out the Hair"

Perhaps, this myth is the most damaging to the natural hair. If your hair gets nothing else, PLEASE do not deprive your hair of water. Your hair-care regimen should be focused on moisturizing the hair. Avoid using harsh, sulfate shampoo that strips the hair of its natural moisturizers. The elasticity of the hair is strengthened the more it is moisturized with water, which reduces breakage and results in length retention.

4. "Natural Hair is Unprofessional"

This is simply a rumor that could not be further from the truth. The only hair that is unprofessional is dirty, unruly hair that distracts or prevents accurate performance of the job. As long as your hair is neat, go ahead and rock your natural tresses in the workplace. Sincere, serious employers will care about what's in your head, not what's on it. 

5. "My Hair Can Only Have One Curl Pattern"

We have all seen those charts about which curls are defined as a certain curl pattern. These curl patterns are typically named with a number and letter. The higher the number/letter, typically the kinkier the curl pattern. The truth of the matter is that no one has the exact same curl pattern as another person. For me, my hair varies to about three different curl patterns. Once you are able to identify which parts of your hair are a certain curl pattern it can be easier to learn what may or may not work for your hair. The key is to remember that all curls are different; that is the beauty of natural hair. Love your curls and kinks all the same♥