3 Common Natural Hair Myths (that we need to dispel)
If you have afro hair in any state (natural/relaxed) you’ve probably heard of these tons of times. As someone that believed in each of these at some point, I believe it’s time to put them to rest. As with all misleading info, if you buy into it it’ll cost you in the end (healthy hair, in this case ..).Listed below are the three most common hair myths, and reasons why they are inaccurate.
Styling tools, Wix Images
“Doesn’t grow”
We’ve all heard the notorious myth ‘black hair doesn’t grow’, and if your hair routine isn’t suited for your hair,(which can lead to tons of breakage), this myth may start to seem like the truth. Natural hair, like all other types of hair, simply requires a routine that is designed with your hair’s characteristics in mind. For example; Natural hair gets dry relatively fast, attributed to the shape of our hair strands, using something as simple as a Sulfate shampoo would leave your hair incredibly dry and lead to tons of breakage. If you unknowingly make these minute mistakes over a long period of time, your hair will cut as often as it grows, leading you to believe that your hair is not growing. The reality is, with a routine geared towards growing healthy hair, as well as a little patience, your hair can get as long as you want it to.
“Water; Public enemy no.1"
Water splash, Wix Images
Yet another terribly inaccurate myth, prior to learning about natural hair care, many women react to getting water in their hair as though they’re getting hit by acid mist. This is best visible in Nairobi traffic when it rains ; the ensuing scenes of women fleeing in all directions with all manner of items covering their hair, from plastic bags, to actual hand bags ( a lady actually tried to use her handbag as an umbrella, … Jesus ..) & best (or worst) of all, shower caps …… illustrates the extent of hydrophobia (in regard to hair of course, at least I hope so).
As you learn more about natural hair care, you’ll discover the "worst" result of getting your hair wet would be frizz (which can easily be reduced by adding a styling product into your hair when you get a chance).
Water is actually essential for moisturizing curly/coily hair, immediately your hair is saturated with water it gets super defined, soft and shiny. Effects that slowly disappear as your hair dries, this is why you are recommended to apply hair products on wet/damp hair. Aside from serving it’s specific purpose, each hair product applied works as a sealant, locking the moisture from the water in your hair. In fact, the best Leave - in conditioners tend to have water listed as their first ingredient.
‘’Toughest”
Most people that have been to a Kenyan salon have probably heard someone refer to their hair, or someone else’s, as “tough”, though they are most likely referring to their hair being coarse, the term is often mistaken to mean our hair is really strong. With this misconception it would be easy to believe that we can subject our hair to very high temperatures and a lot of tension without consequence, when in fact, our hair is actually the most fragile of all types. This is because every kink and curl is a point of possible breakage, and this is exacerbated when your hair is dry. It is for the above reason that you are advised to treat your hair with a little more tender love and care.
That is all for this post, Thank you for checking it out ! There is a far more detailed post up on specific steps you can take to grow healthy textured hair, you can read it here .As always, If you would like to keep up with the latest posts, you can subscribe here.
-Xo , Alexandra
