As we are home reflecting on life I took the liberty to reflect on the many misconceptions about black hair. Over the years we were taught one thing about hair by our elders and of course as we got older some of went another route. This route somewhat has taken a toll on our hair while others no so much. We never really knew if what our grandmothers was saying was either fact or fiction about what made your hair grow or what was damaging. What we do know is that every Saturday your mom, aunt or grandmother would shampoo your hair and slap all that grease on it and you went on your way. Until we all discovered the relaxer and women’s lives changed forever. However, over the past 10 plus years’ women have stirred away from relaxers and all of these misconceptions started to arise about what was really happening to black women’s hair.
1. Going natural is easier than relaxed hair.
NOT so much… actually what some will tell you is that going natural is much more work. Hence why relaxers were created; to put ease to black women’s life and give them more versatility with styling. I will say that the products we have today have truly made coping with natural hair much easier. However, if you’re going natural to escape from having to maintain your hair your sadly mistaken. Everyone’s natural journey will be so different; never compare yours with others.
2. Oil is a moisturizer….
NO!
This has to be one of the biggest misconceptions of them all. I low key blame our grandmothers for this, they did not know any better at the time. Oil and water are polar opposites of each other. However, with that being said they work together as a team. Water is the moisture your hair needs; the oil acts as a sealant to keep the moisture in your hair. Applying a decent amount of oil in your hair while its wet (based on the density of your hair) is the perfect time for that moisture to be sealed into the cuticle of the hair.
3. Shampooing my hair every week is bad.
Actually no; I normally always recommend that clients cleanse their scalps weekly. The real issue is the types of shampoo your using. Most shampoos stripe the natural oils from natural hair; it’s so important to make sure that the shampoos your using is beneficial to your hair needs. I recommend that natural girls shampoo your hair every three weeks (depending on your hair situation) in-between time I encourage you to co-wash your hair. Co-washing is a cleansing conditioner that cleanses the hair but not to the point of stripping it of all its essential oils. Co-washing also keeps the hair soft and extremely manageable so that you may get through your styling smoothly.
4. Going natural will make your hair grow.
Even though I have seen women’s hair make a tremendous turn around since going natural I can’t endorse that going natural makes your hair grow. The body determines the growth of the hair. I will however, agree that natural hair that is free of any chemical is always going to be at its strongest. Some women have come realize that relaxers were over used and often times to strong which lead to serve damage and once the relaxers were stopped the hair was able to grow as it was intended to. Other women just simply have sensitive scalps and the chemicals were just too much for the scalp to handle.
5. Protective styles help hair grow.
Protective hair styles were intended to protect itself from YOU. Often times women are always doing something different to their hair daily; and because that the hair tends to break and start sheading a lot. So when one is getting a protective style is simply a style that Is protecting what you have and promoting new growth.
6. Natural is the strongest out of all the hair types.
Not quite! actually natural is just as temperamental as relaxed hair; especially very coily hair; known as 4A-4C. Moreover, that’s why it’s so imperative to have a good detangling process and top quality products to keep your hair moisturized. Dry natural hair is NOT the move; remember hair is still hair just because its natural doesn’t mean it will not break; it still needs your proper attention.
7. Bi-racial/mix hair is good hair
This has to be the most ridiculous misconception yet. ALL hair is good hair when its healthy. Trust me all hair types have their struggles; but that does not mean that one undermines the other. Just remember that all “healthy” hair types “according to Nathaniel Jaye” is good hair.
8. Vitamins such as Biotin & Pre-natal vitamins make hair grow.
Vitamins are supplements that promote cell growth that in turn can aid in hair growth. There is this confusing that long hair is healthy and that what’s vitamins are going to do; which is all wrong. Everyone’s hair was not intended to be down their back; maybe your hair will only get shoulder length and that’s fine but make sure that is the healthiest shoulder length hair.
As it pertains to pre-natal vitamins; these supplements are taken to provide both mother and child with the extra nutrients they need during pregnancy. During pregnancy the hormone “estrogen” is at high levels hence why most women’s hair grows like crazy during the 9 months. The hair will appear longer and thicker and some have even said shinier; be mindful that after birth there is a high possibility that her hair will shed a lot. Some women have even experienced thinning around the edges and even at the crown. This is normal however, taking pre-natal vitamins post-birth is still very important. Consult your physician if you are experiencing any of these issues mentioned above.
9. Split ends are fixable with hair products.
Once hair is split it must be cut off; products are buffers to either seal/smooth the ends temporarily or they slow down the splitting process. Ends should be trimmed every six to eight weeks; some can go every twelve weeks depending on how much heat your using on it weekly.
10. Braids and extensions will cause hair loss.
YES & NO!
Wearing braids to tight repeatedly can cause something called “Traction alopecia” from the constant pulling of the scalp; in some cases, the hair will grow back in others it will not. In addition, weaves & braids improperly sewed or GLUED in will cause extreme damage to your roots in return damaging the follicle. Regrettably, the BIGGEST cause of hair loss with these two styles is simply the insufficiency of knowledge on the hairstylist part. Many women who wear braids and weaves simply don’t know the daily maintenance of their real hair underneath. Some wear them extremely to long and often times the braids underneath are not properly dried which develops a fungus on the scalp.
There are women who are knowledgeable about how to wear these styling options. They simply wear braids and weaves as protective styles. Their roots and scalps are healthy and they understand that the less they manipulate the hair the more it will grow. These women allow their hair to rest but also know when to release the style and give their scalp a break. There is simply a balance when it comes to braids and extensions; just knowing how long to keep them and when to get them makes a world of difference.
