1.Natural hair can’t grow long. Natural hair shrinks when it dries and embodies tight curl patterns. While these factors might make it appear that hair cannot grow long, the opposite is true [1]. Hair shrinkage is a sign that hair has adequate moisture and strong elasticity, both which help to reduce breakage [2]. Contrary to popular belief, chemical relaxers are not needed to promote hair growth, although growth may take more time to visualize with natural hair.
2. Oils moisturize natural hair. Quickly peruse any drug store haircare aisle and you will see no shortage of products advertising to be “hydrating oils”. This term is a misnomer! Oil itself does not hydrate. It creates a barrier that seals hydration in. Instead, start with a water-based moisturizer, then seal in moisture with an oil. When too many oils accumulate on the skin, hydrating products cannot penetrate the skin without removing oil first [3].
3. Protective styles are the best way to grow your hair. Protective styles are often hailed for growing waist-length, natural locks, but this is not actually the case. Think of protective styles as length-retaining strategies that shield fragile hair strands from environmental factors that can cause breakage. These hairstyles do not themselves
promote growth and can contribute to breakage, tangling, knots, and dryness if left in for too long.
While hair is in a protective style, it is critical to continue to keep the scalp clean and hydrated. Experts recommend routinely stripping the scalp of oil with diluted witch hazel on a cotton pad, then applying a water-based leave-in milk for hydration, and lastly re-sealing moisture with an oil layer to keep braids or twists hydrated. Be sure to give your hair at least several days to rest between protective styles [1].
4. Natural hair doesn’t need to be washed often. While over washing natural hair can indeed lead to dryness, finding your unique balance is key to optimizing hair growth. Some degree of cleansing is needed for any hair type to remove product buildup and accumulation of natural oils, which can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair follicle (see Myth #2 above). The key is finding the right frequency for your hair type and using a sulfate-free, hydrating, and gentle shampoo that cleanses without completely stripping the scalp of its natural oils. All hair types require moisture – while not every hair wash day may incorporate a shampoo step, look to intense moisturizing, deep conditioning, and leave-in treatments that prioritize hydration and experiment with strategies like co-washing and focusing cleansing efforts on the hair root (versus mid-shaft and ends) [3].
5. You can repair damaged hair with the right product. Unfortunately, hair damage – which often comes as the result of dryness, excess heat styling, chemical color, or harsh mechanical manipulation – is unfortunately irreparable, no matter how good the products you use claim to be [4]. Although a consistent haircare routine – filled with hydrating products and hair-healthy ingredients – can help to build the foundation for new hair growth and may mask visible signs of split ends, it will not reverse existing damage [5]. Your best bet is to trim damaged hair to make room for new growth, implement a consistent routine to optimize growth, and be patient!
Bibliography
[1] D. Sandeen, “7 Myths About Natural Black Hair,” Byrdie, Dec. 26, 2021. https://www.byrdie.com/myths-
about-natural-black-hair-400343
[2] A. Davis-Sivasothy, The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care. Stafford,
Texas: Saja Publishing Company LLC, 2011, pp. 56–60.
[3] S. Mamona, “13 Big Myths About Afro Hair Debunked by the Experts,” Glamour, Aug. 08, 2022.
https://www.glamour.com/story/afro-hair-tips (accessed Aug. 02, 2023).
[4] M. Robinson, “9 natural hair myths that you should forget right now,” Hello Giggles, Nov. 29, 2017.
https://hellogiggles.com/9-natural-hair-myths-to-forget-about/
[5] K. Berohn, “How to Get Rid of Split Ends When You Can’t Get Your Hair Cut,” Good Housekeeping, Sep.
02, 2020. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a33670763/how-to-get-rid-of-split-ends/
