🤔Debunking the Top 6 Myths about Natural Black Hair

Youstina

Jul. 21, 2020

In the world of beauty, nothing stokes the fires of controversy, much like natural black hair. Everyone appears to have an opinion – even those who know nothing besides the rumors that they've heard. Since time immemorial, natural black hair has often labeled as "weird" or "ethnic." Haircare and maintenance methods used on natural black hair have not helped so much either, possibly because there is a general lack of proper understanding. With that in mind, let's debunk some common myths about black natural hair.

Myth #1: Black Natural Hair Does Not Grow Long

This is one of the most popular myths about black natural hair that’s being spread out there – which explains the uncontrollable obsession with hair length and hair extension in people with natural black hair. It is not a question of how long or how fast black natural hair grows. It is rather about how black natural hair tends to behave. You see, black hair in its normal state, likes to shrink up. This may create the wrong notion that the hair length is short. The length of one’s hair is, in large part, determined by their genetics. However, there are methods you can use to encourage more hair growth.

Some of the possible causes of short hair include:

Chemical abuse

Excessive heat-based hair styling

Too much dryness

Under normal circumstances, hair grows at an average of half an inch per month, according to a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Myth #2: Black Natural Hair Is Very Strong

Looks can deceive. This is yet another common misconception. It explains the unseemly propensity for using the harsher treatment on black hair. As tough as black natural hair may look, it is not invulnerable to damage. In fact, some research has shown that black hair is actually quite fragile. If you want it to thrive, you will have to use gentler approaches in hair care. Consider using wide tooth combs or your own fingers to detangle. Likewise, you may want to go easy on frequent grooming – especially ones that involve high-manipulation hairstyles.

Myth #3: Black Natural Hair Is Near-Impossible to Manage

Natural black hair, too many people, seems nearly impossible to manage. That is because they apply management techniques meant for naturally straight hair on natural black hair. These are two completely different types of hair. You wouldn't fill a petrol (gasoline) engine with diesel even though both are used in vehicles. Doing that would only damage the engine. Similarly, using straight hair maintenance methods on black natural hair may eventually cause damage. Learn about the different tools and methods of styling and managing black hair, and you will notice the significant difference in results.

Myth #4: Relaxing Black Natural Hair Makes It Grow Long

Remember Myth #1, 'Black Hair Does Not Grow Long'? Well, this fourth myth builds upon the first one. People who believe that black hair does not grow long, often like to recommend relaxing to "make it grow." Here's the thing; because black natural hair tends to curl up, it is easy to misjudge its accurate length. So, relaxing it only makes the hair length more noticeable since the curls have now been straightened. However, that's not all. It may seem harmless, but research has actually shown that relaxing hair too often through heat and chemicals can cause damage, sometimes irreversible damage.

Myth #5: All Natural Black Hair Are the Same

Black hair is a giant subset on its own, but within, there are variations of black natural hair. These are typically distinguished by textures, patterns, and moisture content, among other factors. Haircare and maintenance will depend on the type of black hair a person has. There cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to the maintenance of all-natural black hair.

Myth #6: Black Natural Hair Should Not Be Washed Often

Black natural hair soaks up a lot of water, making it shrink. That's probably the reason why some people think that washing regularly does not make it grow. As a matter of fact, washing your hair regularly helps to remove oil accumulation as well as clean your scalp. Not only does this strengthen the hair follicles, but it also stimulates hair growth. This does not mean that you must use hair shampoo every day. Just use a standard anti-septic or give it a gentle rinse a couple of times a day.

As you continue to make progress in the care for your natural black hair, keep these myths in mind. Remember to avoid chemicals and harsher hair treatments that can damage hair follicles and slow down hair growth. By debunking these myths, we have, hopefully, cleared some air surrounding natural black hair.

KEYWORDS

Natural curly hair

Natural black hair

Best Reviews