Biggest Myths About Black Women Hair

Black women worldwide have sacrificed time and treasure to achieve ravishing ringlets, roller sets and relaxers. It’s a constant struggle and sometimes we’re unknowingly battling ourselves. There is a wealth of misinformation swirling about when it comes to African-American hair care. Acting on this false information only leads to unnecessary stress and frustration. Here are some commonly held misconceptions about African-American hair.

1. Washing your hair too often will dry it out. Washing is actually one of the best ways to moisturize your hair and scalp. Not only does washing your hair restore moisture, it also cleanses a dirty scalp allowing for growth. This myth keeps circulating because hard water and the wrong shampoos and conditioners can strip the hair of much needed oils.
2. African-American hair doesn’t grow long. That is a Negatory Ghostrider. African-American hair has the capability to grow and thrive under the right environment. But our hair is sensitive and must be cared for diligently to reach optimal length. In addition to the proper beauty regime make sure you give your hair a helping hand by eating fruits and vegetables and drinking water. It will promote hair growth. It’s nothing you haven’t heard before.
3. Relaxers make African-American hair grow. The chemicals in a relaxer do not promote hair growth. Curly or natural African-American hair has a tendency to shrink or draw up. A relaxer simply breaks down the hair, eliminating the curl and stretching the hair to its full length.
4. Natural hair is healthier than relaxed hair? With the right products and treatment relaxed hair can be just as, if not more healthy than natural hair. Both relaxed and natural hair have their vulnerabilities. The stretching of the hair associated with relaxers can lead to breakage and the natural curl pattern of the hair can also lead to breakage if not properly maintained. Whichever path you choose it’s all about products and knowing what works for your hair specifically.
5. Brushing your hair will help it grow. Yes it’s good to rid your mane of those tangles but be careful. If you brush your hair 100 times on each side you’ll have more hair in the brush than on your head by the time you’re finished. Brushing, especially too rough, can literally yank the hair out your head. Hair does the best when it isn’t over manipulated. When you must brush, be gentle, use soft bristles and don’t over do it.
6. Grease is good for your scalp and hair. Products that contain mineral oil and petroleum jelly actually clog your pores. They don’t dissolve easily and can linger on your head for far too long. This gunky build up dirties your scalp which prevents hair growth. Of course you need to moisturize your hair, but just choose products without alcohol and mineral oils.
7. Taking prenatal vitamins will make African-American hair grow. This is a tricky one. Pregnant women do have luscious hair but many believe this is because of the high estrogen levels during pregnancy. The increased estrogen activates the growth phase for the hair. But all of this stops after the baby is born and the hair eventually returns to its normal growth pattern. Prenatal vitamins have no estrogen in them but do contain folic acid which stimulates hair growth. If you’re looking for a supplement for your hair make sure it’s high in biotin and folic acid.
8. African-American hair grows slower than other races’ hairAnother misconception. On average African-American hair grows half an inch every month. Again, the natural curl can make the hair look much shorter than it really is.
9. The brown girl on the bottle means it’s for me? Many of the products that are targeted toward the African-American community are not owned by black people. These companies know you’ll get excited when you see a woman who looks like you on a box or bottle. They play on that. Many of these products contain the very ingredients that are detrimental to the your hair’s health. Make sure you know what that brown girl is saying before you take her home and put her in your hair.
10. Black hair feels good to put your hands in. Well it depends on whose hands are going through the hair. Also whose hair it is.  But as a rule do not rub the hair.

To see this post as a movie, check out Good Hair staring Chris Rock.