So you’ve decided to go natural? I am sure you have lots of questions now and more will arise as you take this hair journey. There are many blogs, YouTube videos and websites devoted to answering these questions. However, not all of these answers are a 100 percent true for all naturals. Let me help you debunk some of the hard and fast “truths” I’ve uncovered along the way.
Myth #1: Only Natural Oils Should be Used
I will say that natural oils are the best way to go. However, hair care products that contain mineral oil in them can still be used if you shampoo your hair and clarify your hair periodically. The same is true if you use products containing silicone or petroleum jelly. Mineral oil, petroleum jelly and silicones are sealants just like many natural oils are.
The only difference is that they are not easily removed from the hair. So if you still like the way your mineral oil, petroleum and silicone-containing hair products work, keep using them. Just be sure to shampoo your hair at least once a week and clarify with an ACV rinse or clarifying hair mask once or twice a month to remove buildup.
Myth #2: Natural Hair is Porous
There are some naturalistas and websites that believe that all naturally kinky, afro hair is porous. This is completely false. My hair has low porosity which means that it does not readily attract moisture but once moisture is in the hair shaft it does not release it very quickly either.
When hair is porous or has high porosity it absorbs moisture quickly but also releases it quickly. Both levels of porosity are prone to dryness. Since most natural black hair is dry this might be how the misconception that all natural black is porous began.
Myth #3: Once a 4c Always a 4c
Ever since hair typing has come out naturals have been trying to figure out what their type is. Knowing your hair type or rather curl configuration is important. Curl types serve as a guide to help you decide which products may be better for your hair and how to care for it.
However, as your hair grows gravity begins to stretch it. So while you had a TWA your hair may have been in tight 4c coils or 3c ringlets, once your curls reach shoulder length those coils are not as tight and the ringlets are looser. Length and gravity play huge roles in the shape of curls so the longer your hair is the looser your curl. Your now 4c could be a 4a or 3c a year from now after it has grown.
Myth #4: Natural Products Do Not Alter Curl Shape
This is not true. As many chronic users of natural henna have noticed, their curl pattern has become looser. Our curl pattern is different when dry than it is while wet. This is because water breaks down the cystine or sulfur bond in hair which contributes to our curl shape. Once our hair dries naturally, the curl returns to its original shape.
Myth #5: The Same Products Will Always Work for Your Hair
This is something that was not even true for your hair when you used to relax it. Remember your ends are the oldest part of your hair and are what need the most care. The newer hair near the root is theoretically the strongest and healthiest.
When your hair is longer you might find that you need to use heavier products on your ends to help seal them. For the rest of your hair you may need less product or lighter weight products. When I kept my hair at half an inch I needed a little leave-in conditioner and extra virgin olive oil to keep my hair soft and tame between washings. Now that I’ve stopped cutting my hair I have to use products to protect my ends and seal them when I style. Just pay attention to how your hair responds to products as you continue to grow it out.
These five natural hair care myths have confused me and many other naturals along the way. While the advice given by other naturals, including myself, is useful always pay attention to what your hair trying to tell you. Your hair knows best and it will sound off if you use the wrong products or do not handle it the way it needs to be handled.
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