The subject of natural hair is sometimes a very complex one and often results in controversies concerning what is truthful and what is mythical about this increasingly popular topic. Natural hair has for many years carried a certain stigma and those who sported it were often stereotyped. These stigmas and stereotypes have resulted in many women, especially black women, being unwilling to explore or embrace wearing their hair in its natural state. Uncertainties about how to care and maintain natural hair have also contributed to the unwillingness to even attempt to experiment with it.

Many facts about natural hair has been either misinterpreted or misrepresented. The misguided view about natural hair has for decades impacted people’s opinions and has formed impressions that are somewhat inaccurate.

Informed knowledge on the subject of natural hair has gradually  increased over the years and people have become more educated about science and dynamics of hair in its unprocessed state.

The negative opinions about natural hair have become more obscure. Despite this fact, there are still many myths that exists which affect how natural hair is approached or viewed. Some of these myths lead to improper hair care or influences decisions against wearing one’s hair in its unprocessed form.

Before forming an opinion about natural hair or before making a decision whether or not to wear it, consider these shocking myths that will open up your eyes to the real truth about natural hair.

 

1. NATURAL HAIR IS STRONG AND IS NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE

 

The expectation that natural hair is stronger than relaxed hair is not likely to be met. Natural hair usually appear to be thicker and stronger than relaxed hair but the surprising truth is that it is very fragile and in many instances, more likely to break than relaxed hair. The truth is, unprocessed hair is more prone to becoming dry and is more difficult to retain moisture. The curly, kinky or wavy texture of most natural hair types prevent moisture from freely traveling down the shaft of the hair. The inability of moisture to freely flow down natural strands poses a challenge and makes it difficult to maintain soft, silky, moisturized hair. Overly dry hair can become brittle and exposes your hair to breakage.

Applying water to natural hair makes it even weaker than hair in its dry state. When hair gets wet, the water molecules sneak between the proteins of the cortex and cause the water molecules to stick to the protein molecules. This causes hair to be much weaker and more likely to break than dry hair. Since wetting natural hair with water is a necessity to keep it moisturized, it is important to be mindful that you have to be exceptionally gentle with your hair when it is wet to avoid it breaking.

While natural hair is a safer, healthier alternative to using chemicals, be aware that it is in a very fragile state and that proper care and maintenance is necessary to get the best results and enjoy a strong, healthy head of hair. It is possible to have a strong, healthy hair, don’t get me wrong, but it is not an automatic perk that comes along with it. It takes dedication, commitment and patience to care for and maintain healthy hair.

Never entertain the myth that natural hair cannot get damaged. It is the furthest thing from the truth and your hair will suffer from it in the long run.

 

2. NATURAL HAIR IS NOT VERSATILE

 

An increasing number of women, particularly black women, are returning to their natural hair texture. With this increase comes the realization that contrary to popular myths, natural hair is in fact very versatile and presents a plethora of different styling options that can be adopted. Not only is natural hair versatile where styling is concerned, but there is also versatility in its shape and texture, presenting the ability to transition from a densely packed head of afro to a soft curly highly defined look or even a sleek straight smooth hairdo.

The choice to stick with one look all the time is a result of an individual’s failure or reluctance to experiment with other options. Styling tools such as rollers, flexi rods or heatless curl formers are able to safely straighten natural hair texture, giving it the appearance of hair that is processed. This adds dynamics to the look and feel of your hair.

Natural hair, in my opinion, has a greater ability to switch between personalities than chemically processed hair does. Heating and curling tools, although potentially harmful if used excessively, can be used to achieve bone straight hair. Provided that there is no permanent heat damage, natural hair that has been straightened has the ability to revert to its natural curl pattern by applying water to it.

Natural hair can be fun, funky, fierce and fashionable. Think outside of the box and tap into your inner creativity and you will surely enjoy the versatility that natural hair presents.

 

3. NATURAL HAIR CANNOT GROW VERY LONG

The misconception that natural hair, especially black hair, cannot grow very long has existed for centuries. In general, hair of all types and textures grows at an average rate of a half an inch each month. Factors such as genetics, hormones and diet can affect your hair growth rate but there is no single, general principle that indicates that natural hair grows at a slower rate.

Black hair in its natural state is prone to shrinkage as it is usually very tightly coiled. The tendency of this hair type to kink up leads to the popular belief that it does not have the potential to grow very long.

While hair growth is definitely being realized, it is sometimes not readily noticeable due to the excessive shrinkage. It may appear that processed hair grows faster than natural hair but this is not the case. The true length of natural hair, however, is best determined if it is straightened.

Natural hair undoubtedly grows but at the same time, you must consider that in order to retain that length you should avoid chemical abuse, excessive exposure to heat and improper care. If hair suffers frequent damage because of moisture deprivation, which results in dryness and brittleness, it will undoubtedly lead to breakage or split ends. The more damage your hair experience, the more likely it will be that you have to trim your hair and frequent trimming will interfere with length retention.

Unless you are experiencing a medical condition that causes hair loss, it is a given that your hair will grow. You will however have to do your part in taking all the necessary precautions in order to keep your hair at its optimal health and length.

 

4. NATURAL HAIR IS NOT MANAGEABLE

 

Many persons will declare that they would never wear their hair natural because it is just too hard to handle. I would be lying to you if I disagreed that there is some truth to that statement. Caring and maintaining natural hair is certainly not a walk in the park. On the contrary, it can be very difficult to deal with as its unique texture requires very delicate care and nurturing.

To say it is unmanageable is inaccurate as with the right tools, products and processes it can be less difficult to manage. Adopting a very simple regimen and sticking to it, will surely save you a lot of undue hassle. Natural hair is not just one big poof ball that is impossible to comb. Using a wide tooth comb and combing hair while damp or wet is an easy way to combat the detangling struggle. The fear of trying to manipulate your hair when it is very dry can be faced by using a good moisture retention product, doing frequent protective styles and keeping your hair free from knots and tangles.

Making a blanket statement that natural hair is not manageable is nothing short of a myth. With a little commitment and dedication, your journey can be a very pleasant and rewarding one.

5. NATURAL HAIR IS COSTLY TO MAINTAIN

Many naturals, especially the very highly enthusiastic newly naturals become overwhelmed by the costs associated with building their natural hair product stash.

Having the urge to experiment with every last product that was ever created for natural hair is actually quite common and in fact very normal. Observing other naturals and adhering to their recommendations concerning products can sometimes be harmful if you decide to blindly get every product that gets a positive review. It is totally unnecessary and not financially prudent to break the bank trying to acquire every hair product that exists. Our hair types differ and, as such, what works well on my hair may have totally no effect on your hair. Do your research and read your reviews before trying hair products and, once you find those that work for you, then pretty much there is no need to keep purchasing endless products.

Natural hair maintenance can be affordable. Products are fairly reasonably priced and usually decent enough to last you for more than a month. There is no need to pile product on to your hair daily, once a good moisture retention product is added, daily moisturizing can be done with a spray bottle of water and sealed in with your carrier oil of choice.

Applying a perm every six weeks at a beauty salon will certainly prove more expensive than your basic natural hair maintenance products. Natural hair can be healthy and well kept without being a product junkie. Keep it simple and you will be sure to discover that going natural can actually be financially liberating.

 

Approaching the delicate subject of natural hair with an open mind is the key to understanding and applying the truths about this interesting hair form. The truth about natural hair is becoming clearer. Experiment, Explore and Embrace!!!!!!

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.