If you have curly hair, chances are you've heard your fair share of myths about your curls. It doesn't grow, it's always dry and tangled–these are probably some of the most common misconceptions you've heard. However, although curly hair has its own set of unique features, some myths are just downright ridiculous and it's time for us to debunk them.
In this article, we'll be busting some of the most common curly hair myths out there. Keep scrolling to find out the most common curly hair myth out there.
1.Curly Hair Does Not Grow
Fact: This is one of the most common misconceptions related to curly hair, especially for those with type 3 and 4 curls. However, it is not true at all. Just like all other hair types, curly hair grows as long as you do not have any underlying health conditions. However, your hair growth rate is determined by your genetics and how well you take care of your hair.
The main reason people feel like their curly hair is not growing is because of a lack of proper hair care practices. Curly hair is prone to dryness and has slightly different needs from other hair types. If your hair is not getting adequate moisture and nourishing hair products, it will become brittle and continuously break off and as a result, you will not notice any hair growth.
2.Myth: Curly Hair Is Naturally Dry And Frizzy
Fact: curly hair is indeed more prone to dryness and frizz than other hair types but it is not naturally always dry and frizzy. The natural oils in the sebum are slower to travel down the curly hair strands because of their growth pattern so it is always best to help speed things along by adding an external source of moisture like our Manuka Honey Leave-In Conditioner. However, the hair still received some moisture and nourishment from the scalp.
3. Myth: Curly Hair Does Not Need Shampoo
Fact: Curly absolutely needs shampoo just like every other hair type. The only important thing is to make sure you don't use a harsh shampoo that will strip your hair of its natural oils and make it even more dry and brittle. Although some people like to avoid shampoo and opt for co-wash conditioners because they are worried about shampoos making their hair too dry, the truth is that nothing will ever replace a shampoo.
It is very essential to remove the build-up of oil, dirt and other products from your scalp so, if you want healthy hair and scalp, you need to shampoo your hair. The trick is to use a gentle shampoo like our Hydrating Shampoo and also avoid washing your hair too often. Curly hair does not need to be washed every day, stick to weekly or bi-monthly washes.
4. Myth: Curly Hair Care Requires Multiple Steps
Fact: Although it is common in the curly hair community to help an elaborate routine with several steps. You do not need to do all that if you don't want to. The most basic needs of curly hair care include: shampooing, conditioning, detangling, and moisturising and you can do all four of these steps with our Manuka Honey Shampoo, Moisture Rich Conditioner, and Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner. So if you have a schedule and do not have time for multiple steps. Keep your routine simple and just stick to the basics. The only additional step you may need to do is style your hair with our Stylers Bundle.
5. Myth: Curly Hair Is Always Tangled
Fact: Since curly hair grows out of the follicles in a curved pattern, it tends to easily fold into itself very often, especially if you have type 4 curls. However, this does not mean curly hair is always tangled. Once you take your time to properly comb through your hair from ends to roots it will remain smooth and tangle-free. The only reason your curly hair may always feel tangled is because you're not detangling properly. To detangle your curls, use a wide tooth comb or brush and start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots
6. Myth: Curly Hair Is Always Thick
Fact: Curly hair comes in several different types and densities so it is not always thick. The thickness of your hair strands varies from person to person and it is determined by genetics. So some people with curly hair can have fine or low-density hair while others may have very thick hair strands. The health of your hair has nothing to do with how thick or fine it is.
7. Myth: You Need To Apply A Lot Of Products To Achieve Good Results
Fact: You do not need to apply a help load of product on your curly to get your desired results. In fact, for those with fine or thin curly hair, doing this can weigh the hair down and leave it feeling greasy with buildup. Whether you're using our Hydration Shampoo, Manuka Honey Deep Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioner, or any product in our Stylers Bundle; all you need is a small amount and you will reap the benefits of the product.
8. Myth: Curly Hair Only Needs Moisture
Fact: Yes, curly hair needs moisture but it also needs protein to help maintain the structure and strength of each hair strand. This is why maintaining a balance between moisture and protein is important if you want healthy hair. Moisture is important but if you overload your hair with too much moisture, it starts to feel weak and lose its elasticity. So try to incorporate a protein treatment into your routine 1-2 times a year while also maintaining a consistent moisture routine.
9. Myth: You Can Only Grow Curly Hair With Protective Styles
Fact: As long your curly hair is getting the proper care and nourishment it needs, it will grow regardless of what hairstyle you wear. Protective styles are great for helping you minimise breakage and retain the length but they are not the only way you will notice hair growth. The key to growing curly hair is to prevent breakage as much as possible. So, if you can do that while wearing wash n’ gos, twists outs or any other hairstyles, you will still notice hair growth.
10. Myth: Oil Moisturises Curly Hair
Fact: Hair oils are amazing for keeping the hair nourished, improving shine, and strengthening the hair. However, they do not hydrate the hair. Oils are lipids that act as emollients that help improve the smoothness and softness of the hair but they are not moisturisers.
If you want to properly moisturise your hair, you'll need to use a water-based product like our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner or Everyday Curl Refresh. These moisturizers contain a cocktail of deeply hydrating ingredients that will provide your hair with the moisture it needs. After applying a proper moisturizer, you can then use an oil like our Hair & Scalp Oil to seal in the moisture since oils create a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture from escaping.
There are so many misconceptions about curly hair and if you want to embrace your curls and give them the proper care, debunking some of these myths is very important to help you determine what your hair really needs. Now that you can easily identify myth from reality, you'll be well on your way to achieving flawless curls.