The Truth About 10 Natural Hair Myths You Know All Too Well! (Part 1)
Natural Hair Myths are a dime a dozen. As if learning to manage your natural hair isn’t enough, shuffling through different myths regarding natural, afro-textured hair can be a bit overwhelming and stressful.
Before relaxers became easily accessible, black people straightened their hair through a variety of means, many of which were very harsh and damaging. Although the majority of black women still prefer to wear their hair straightened, there has been a steadily growing movement toward wearing natural hair. However, there remains a lot of misinformation that prevents some people from accepting their hair as it grows from their scalp. They choose to apply relaxers to their hair because they still believe these misconceptions about natural hair which makes them afraid of maintaining their natural hair.
Thus, in this write-up, we have highlighted 10 common natural myths and we would be revealing the truth behind these myths!
Natural Hair Doesn’t Grow
This is a misconception about natural that should be debunked! Black hair in its natural state has a tendency to shrink up, preventing you from seeing its real length, leading to the popular belief that it doesn’t grow long. While everyone has a predetermined hair length that’s due to genetics, with proper care, you can grow your hair as long as it is destined to be and you don’t need a relaxer or perm to do so. A relaxer straightens your curls so that you can see length more easily, but the chemicals in it do not promote hair growth. Generally, hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month, including black hair. Your hair is growing, but you may not be retaining the length due to chemical abuse, dryness, excessive heat styling, and a general lack of proper care.
Natural Hair isn’t Versatile
Most people have said that natural hair isn’t versatile. This is very wrong! If you think afros are the only style for natural hair, you’re missing out on a ton of unique hairstyles that are beautiful and healthy for your hair and scalp. They are many natural hairstyles you can wear and they include: Two-strand twists, Bantu knots, Braids, Cornrows, Flat twists, Coils, Locs, Afro puffs among many other hairstyles. In addition, you can combine these styles to create your own one-of-a-kind hairdos.
Natural Hair Needs grease
Many products you’ll find in the ethnic hair care section of your local stores are full of ingredients that aren’t the best for black hair. Petroleum and mineral oil make up a large percentage of black hair products and all they do is clog your scalp and attract dirt to your hair. You do not have to grease your scalp for it to be healthy. Luckily, today’s consumer has many more options than in the past. New companies are regularly cropping up that cater to the black hair market with products full of ingredients that are just right for your hair.
Natural Hair is Strong
Natural hair looks strong, which is why so many people accidentally abuse it with rough treatment and run from starting the natural hair journey. In reality, black hair is fragile and needs to be treated with the gentlest of care in order for it to flourish. Wide-tooth combs, natural ingredients, and your own fingers are the best tools and products for natural hair. You’ll find that low-manipulation and protective styles usually help to retain length because constant grooming can be too much for some hair types.
There’s a lot more where that came from. Part 2 of this article will be posted on Wednesday 7th Oct 2020 so be sure to swing on by.
– Article by Neenma Ebeledike
Photo Credit: Photo by Leighann Blackwood on Unsplash | Photo by Leighann Blackwood on Unsplash
