Black people have straightened their hair using a variety of methods throughout history, many of which were quite harsh and dangerous. Although many Black women still prefer to straighten their hair, the demand for natural hair is increasing. However, there is still a lot of misconception that keeps some from embracing their hair.

I went natural in college and absolutely love my hair. I have never been happier with my hair than I am now. My regimen is low maintenance, I wear wash and go’s 90% of the time, and get it colored professionally (all of which go against many of the myths). Trust me when I say natural hair is not as difficult or innovative as people make it out to be. In fact, it can be quite simple.

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Now before we dive in I will say that there is nothing wrong with straightening your hair either. It’s all about how you want to be seen in the world, we just want to make sure that if any of these myths deter you from going natural, that you know the truth and can feel comfortable with any decision you make.

11 Myths About Natural Black Hair

Myth #1: Natural Hair Isn’t Versatile

This is actually one of the biggest myths about natural hair. There are an unlimited number of styles that can be created with natural hair if you have the creativity and willingness to experiment. Natural hair can be styled into twists, braids, puffs, Bantu knots, and more.

Myth #2: You Cannot Have a Nice Hair Style with Natural Hair

There is an abundance of styles that can be achieved with natural hair, including but not limited to braids, locks, twists, and Afros. Not only may you discover a variety of braids and strands, but you can also use extensions to give your natural hair color and texture in order to create a wide range of looks. This means you won’t have to chemically treat your hair to obtain these appearances while tucking it away so that it has a rest.

Myth #3: Natural Hair Doesn’t Grow

The most popular belief about black hair is that it does not grow lengthy. Shrinkage occurs naturally in black hair when it is unprocessed, preventing you from seeing its real length and fostering the idea that it does not grow long. You can have as long or thick a head of hair as your strands are destined to be without using a chemical product to achieve this appearance.

Myth #4: Natural Hair is Unprofessional

You will have a great deal of control over the way in which your natural hair looks, so you can take care of it in a manner so that remains easy and professional no matter where you go. There are a number of different hairstyles that can be created with natural hair, including locks. You can grow your own professional appearance by achieving a number of different types of hairstyles with natural hair.

Myth #5: Natural Hair is Strong

Because natural hair appears strong, many people inadvertently abuse it with harsh treatment. In reality, Black hair is delicate and requires the most delicate of treatments in order for it to grow properly. The ideal tools and products for natural hair are wide-tooth combs, natural components, and your own fingers. Low-manipulation and protective styles generally help to keep length because constant grooming may be too much for certain hair types.

Myth #6: Natural Hair is Difficult to Maintain

There are many misconceptions about natural hair that make people believe that they cannot handle them without the help of chemicals. However, this is entirely wrong; natural hair is easy to manage as long as it is given the proper care. All you need to do is shampoo and condition your hair on a regular basis, style it in a way that is comfortable for you, and proper hydration.

Myth #7: You Cannot Swim with Natural Hair

This myth probably comes from the idea that natural hair is difficult to manage if it gets wet. With a number of products that can help you take care of your natural hair, however, swimming should be no problem – even if you swim in a pool or the ocean. If you want to go swimming with your natural hair, make sure that it is clean and well-conditioned before doing so.

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Myth #8: Natural Hair Is Not Feminine

This myth is untrue and it can be disheartening for those who believe it. There are many different ways to style natural hair in order to achieve a feminine look. You can wear your hair down in soft waves, put it up in a pretty bun, or even try out some goddess braids. With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can definitely make your natural hair look feminine and beautiful. Black women have a number of ways to achieve feminine hairstyles with natural hair, including braids, which are often considered more attractive than straight hair.

Myth #9: Natural Hair is Expensive

This one is debatable while there are cheaper products to care for natural hair, I believe in investing in quality products. This means that some of the high-quality ingredients will cost more but it will be worth it because of the better results. I believe in using natural ingredients for my hair care routine if anything else the benefits is outstanding.

On the flip side, higher quality means you need to use less product, therefore saving money in the long run. Find the products that work for you and stick with them, or make a budget for those pricey items that have absolutely changed your hair for the better.

If you are interested in learning more about investing in the quality not quantity for your natural hair check out: blackcurlmagic.com

Myth #10: Once you go natural you can never go back to relaxed/permed

This myth is untrue. Going natural isn’t permanent, and there are a number of women who have chosen to go back to relaxed or permed hair after trying out natural styles. If you decide that you no longer want to have natural hair, all you need to do is relax or perm your hair and it will return to its original state.

Myth #11: Natural Hair Needs Protective Styles

Protective styles are essential for natural hair health, but you don’t need them. The misconception (which has been around the natural hair world for years) is that if your ends are protected, your hair will continue to grow and waist-length locks will soon be yours. However, wearing your hair in a protective style for too long may result in breakage, tangling, knots, and dryness.

In the end, only you can determine what is best for your hair. If you choose to rock a protective style, do so for a short period of time (1-2 weeks max), and make sure to cleanse, condition, and style regularly to avoid breakage.

There are a number of myths about natural black hair that people still believe today. These myths often deter women from sporting their natural styles and make life much harder for those who choose to be “fully” natural. It is important that we dispel these myths in order to help other women feel more comfortable with the idea of being natural.