We examine which hair myths you should actually listen to and those you really should take with a pinch of salt!
Thou shalt not cleanse thy hair too regularly
It’s funny how black women view water as their mortal enemy, with any hint of moisture in the air resulting in us running for cover! However, water is the most hydrating ingredient that you can possibly put on your hair. It’s not the water that dries out your hair, it’s the shampoos. Choose shampoo that is sulphate free and co-wash your hair (using conditioner instead of shampoo) from every week to every fortnight.
Thou cannot grow black hair long
How many times have we heard black women ask other black women, whose hair is past their shoulders, whether they have any Indian in them? Sadly, many women feel that unless you have mixed heritage your hair won’t grow beyond a certain length. This is completely untrue. For Afro hair to grow it needs to be protected from heat, chemicals and excessive tension, deep conditioned (especially in the winter) and treated with TLC. With these measures you’ll be surprised how much your hair can actually grow.
Thou shalt not comb hair
This myth really depends on whether your hair is natural or relaxed. As natural hair consists of such tight coils, it can be quite damaging to the hair shaft to continuously fight with your kinks. Try and comb through hair when damp (with conditioner) and twist or braid hair at night. With relaxed hair, use a medium wide tooth comb around twice a day.
Thou shalt grease thy scalp well,well
The scalp needs to be an optimum environment in order for healthy hair to grow. The use of heavy and greasy petroleum-based pomades that many people grow up believing are good for their scalp actually aren’t. They clog and block hair follicles, which can slow down hair growth. Choose natural hair serum enriched with essential oils to boost blood flow and promote hair growth.
Thou shalt hold onto your ends
There is a perception that black hair doesn’t grow and because it doesn’t we should hold onto our ends for dear life. Wrong. The problem is hair retention; hair needs to be treated with TLC, so think twice about continuous use of heated appliances and deep condition every time you wash it. Trimming the hair every eight weeks is actually beneficial as it stops split ends moving up the hair shaft.
Thou cannot have good hair.
Tresses that are considered ‘soft’ (more Caucasian in texture and easier to handle), are deemed to be ‘good hair’, but that is down to the long standing negative ideology of Afro hair. In reality, good
hair is hair that is strong, can grow and radiates with health. Simple.
