Tracee-Ellis-Ross

As I was browsing YouTube recently, I came across a video called “Natural Hair Myths Dispelled”. I was expecting to find a typical natural hair video listing all of the potential myths and reasons why they were not true. Instead, I found a video that was a much more entertaining, taking on an approach that played into the stereotypes often associated with natural hair. This comical look at the ways in which people who do not understand Natural Hair held many valid points. In fact, it led me to compile my own list of stereotypes that I have come across. I have also included a few from some of my other natural friends to combine some of the most common myths about natural hair.

Jonathan Jorge1 .Natural Hair is unprofessional.

This stereotype displays a high level of closed mindedness. Natural hair is extremely versatile and can be worn in several different styles. If maintained well, most natural hair styles are appropriate in a professional setting.

2. Natural Hair doesn’t grow.

As long as it is treated with proper care, any type of hair can grow.

3. Natural Hair is the strongest type of hair.

Natural 3This is a very common misconception. Many believe that because natural hair can at times be more coarse or kinky than straight hair that is stronger when in fact the opposite is true. Natural hair is actually very susceptible to damage and breakage if not cared for properly. Damage can stem from things such as the use of improper combing methods or excessive exposure to heat.

4. Locs are not clean.

L13RadioBThis myth is rather ignorant. It is a complete overgeneralization to make such a claim. In fact, many people with locs have hair that is just as clean as people with straight or chemically treated hair. The cleanliness of someone’s hair is strictly on a case by case basis.

5. Natural Hair grows very slow.

6. Natural Hair grows very fast.

Because these two myths can be disproved with the same information, I decided to comb two fros with one pick and combine them. On average hair grows at a rate of about 1/2 inch per month, or 6 inches per year. However, there are several other factors that can dictate the rate at which a person’s hair grows such as age, environment, genes, dietary habits and overall maintenance. Race is also not a determining factor in the rate at which hair grows.

7. You must apply grease to your hair and scalp.

Many hair care products used by African Americans are not necessarily the best in proper hair maintenance. That being said, grease can fall into that category. Based upon it’s make up of mineral oils and petroleum, it can actually create buildup and attract dirt to your scalp which can cause the pores to become clogged. This can eventually lead to breakage.

8. Trimming natural hair can promote growth.

The revolutionWhile trimming your hair does ensure that it is healthier by reducing split ends, it is completely illogical to
believe that it would promote growth. This myth is rather easy to dispel. Your hair grows from the root and
not the ends therefore trimming it has no relation to the way it grows from your scalp.

9. You shouldn’t wash your hair often.

I have heard this myth on countless occasions, and most surprisingly from others with natural hair. While many naturalists choose to “Co-wash” their hair (which is the process of washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo) this does not always ensure that you are maintaining a healthy scalp. Personally, I prefer to use shampoos that don’t contain sulfates, sodium chloride, salts, parabens, or gluten and especially alcohols because they are a lot less harsh and don’t strip the hair of its natural oils while still managing to tackle scalp buildup.

10. Water will dry out your hair.

Through the use of proper sealing methods, water actually adds moisture to the hair. Many falsely believe that oil can solely add moisture to you hair. However, water based products are also needed to lock in adequate amount of moisture.

Be inspired and entertained by the video just as I was and be sure to subscribe to Slampow’s Youtube videos:

“To keep my hair the same texture as it grows out of my head is looked at as revolutionary — why is that?”
–Tracie Thoms, Good Hair

-Jordan

Have you heard any of these myths? Learn anything new? What are some other natural hair myths?

 

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One thought on “Correcting 10 Myths About Natural Hair

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  1. Wholesale Apples 11 years ago

    Great info and right to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thx :)