Curly hair requires special care and attention to maintain its health and appearance. Unfortunately, many people with curly hair struggle with myths and misconceptions, leading to frustration and even damage to their hair.
Many of the misconceptions comes from lack of knowledge. If your parent didn't grow up with curly hair or know how to properly care for it you actually believe some of these myths to be true.
My mother had beautiful 4b curls, but her mother (my grandmother) was a hair stylist, so she never really had to learn to care for her hair. She also went to the salon to get her hair done all her life. When it came to caring for my 4a/4b curls, I had to learn on my own. That meant learning a lot of untruths about my hair.
I decided to learn all I could about my hair, so that my children wouldn't have to start from ground zero. Learning about my curls also helped me to see the beauty in my natural texture, something I didn't believe to be true growing up.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most common myths about curly hair and debunk them once and for all.
Curly Hair Myth #1: Curly Hair is Unmanageable
One of the most common myths about curly hair is that it's unmanageable. This myth is keeps being spread because of the idea that curly hair is wild, unruly, and difficult to tame. However, with the right curly hair care routine and products, curly hair can be just as manageable as any other hair type.
The key to managing curly hair is to understand its unique needs. Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, which means it needs more moisture to stay healthy and frizz-free. This means that curly-haired individuals should use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, along with leave-in conditioners and oils to keep their hair hydrated.
Another important factor in managing curly hair is to use the right styling products. Gels and mousses can help define curls and reduce frizz, while creams and serums can help smooth and add shine to the hair. It's also important to avoid using products with alcohol, as this can dry out the hair and lead to more frizz.
Curly Hair Myth #2: Curly Hair is Thick and Coarse
Another common curly hair myth is that it's thick and coarse. While some people with curly hair do have thicker hair, this isn't always the case. In fact, curly hair can be fine or medium in thickness, just like any other hair type.
The texture of curly hair is also often misunderstood. While curly hair can be coarser than straight hair, it's not always the case. Curly hair can be silky and smooth, and it can also be tight and kinky. The texture of curly hair depends on a variety of factors, including genetics, hair care routines, and styling techniques.
Curly Hair Myth #3: Curly Hair Doesn't Grow as Fast
Another myth about curly hair is that it doesn't grow as fast as straight hair. This is simply not true. Curly hair grows at the same rate as any other hair type, but it may appear to grow slower because the curls can cause the hair to shrink up and appear shorter.
To encourage healthy hair growth, focus on maintaining a healthy hair care routine. This includes using gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoiding heat styling tools, and avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach and hair dye. It's also important to trim the hair regularly to prevent split ends and breakage.
If you are on a curly hair growth journey it's also important to mentally aware of your hair's length. It's important to avoid heat, but I suggest straightening your hair at least once or twice a year. This will give you an idea of how long your hair really is, the health of your ends, and make you aware of any adjustments you need to make. While it's straight, go ahead and take pictures, so you can see the differences from one straightening to the next. It's similar to what you would do on a weight loss journey.
Curly Hair Myth #4: Curly Hair is Unprofessional
There is a common misconception that curly hair is unprofessional. This myth is often perpetuated in the workplace, where people with curly hair may feel pressure to straighten their hair to fit in with the corporate culture.
I saw this first hand as a producer working in TV news. Anchors and reporters with curly hair were always made to straighten it, damaging it almost daily with heat styling. African American talent would result to wigs and weave to protect their hair if they didn't want to straighten it. However, everyone on air was subject to approval from corporate before changing their style.
It's really be in the last 10 years, with the rise of the natural hair movement, that curly hair has been embraced in the workplace. In fact, curly hair can be just as professional as any other hair type. The key is to find a style that works for the individual and complements their features and personality. There are many professional hairstyles for curly hair, including wash and goes, updos, braids, and sleek ponytails.
It's important to remember that professionalism is not about conforming to a certain look or style, but rather about presenting yourself in a polished and confident manner. Embracing your natural hair texture can actually help boost confidence and self-esteem, which can have a positive impact on professional success.
Curly Hair Myth #5: Curly hair is less healthy
Some people believe that curly hair is inherently less healthy than straight hair, which can lead to a focus on "fixing" or "correcting" curly hair rather than celebrating its natural texture. However, curly hair can be just as healthy as other hair types, and proper care and maintenance are key to keeping curly hair healthy and looking its best.
We give you tips to keep your hair healthy in the article, "5 Tips for managing curly and natural hair." You can also get professional help if you are on a healthy hair journey. Haircuts and trims are recommended regularly depending on your hair type. We run down some of the top salons and stylists for curly hair in the article, "The Top 30 Curly Hair Salons in the U.S."
Curly Hair Myth #6: Curly Hair is Unattractive
Perhaps the most damaging myth about curly hair is that it's unattractive. This myth is perpetuated by societal beauty standards, that often prioritize straight hair over curly hair.
Historical context: In many cultures, straight hair has been associated with social status and power, while curly or kinky hair has been stigmatized as a sign of inferiority or otherness. For example, during the colonial era, European colonizers in Africa and the Americas often imposed their own beauty standards on local populations, which included the belief that straight hair was more desirable than curly hair.
Media representation: The images of beauty that are portrayed in media, such as fashion magazines, movies, and television, often feature models and actresses with straight hair. This can create a perception that straight hair is the norm and that curly hair is less attractive.
It's important to note that perceptions of beauty are subjective and can change over time. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to celebrate natural hair textures, including curly and kinky hair. This has helped to challenge traditional beauty norms and promote a more inclusive and diverse definition of beauty.
The key to embracing curly hair is to find a hair care routine and style that works for you. This may involve experimenting with different products and techniques to find what works best. It's also important to remember that beauty comes in many different forms, and there is no one "right" way to look.
Question for you
Is there a curly hair myth you think should be called out? Share it with us, let's talk about it and end the frustration associated with curly hair.
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