Afro Hair Myths and Lies We Grow Up With

There are tales about natural hair that stick around and get passed down from generation to generation. We grow up with them and often internalize them without realizing. Language is powerful and the more we hear in childhood that our hair is difficult or won't comb, the more it shapes us.

The more I learned about afro hair care, the more I questioned the tales about natural hair and curl care.

I still remember my mom doing my hair for school, I was always top styled. My hairstyles always stood out, especially with the bright colorful hair ribbons. As a kid I noticed my hairstyles were different from my classmates'. The bold, colorful ribbons made it even more obvious. Sometimes my teachers would touch my hair and (admiringly) comment on its complexity. I was very lucky that my parents always explained positively why I looked different, as the only Black kid in class. Today I know how valuable that was, because not everyone has that luck.

Let's bust a few of the lies and myths about afro hair:

1. "Natural hair doesn't grow long" I used to believe this! When I started my natural hair care I was pretty clueless. I actually washed my hair with soap, sounds crazy, I know! Of course it didn't grow, it was dry as straw. The dryness was a real struggle and I only thought about length much later. But the fact is: afro hair can really grow. Avoiding breakage is part of it. Comb when wet, use a satin cap or satin pillowcase at night, gentle styles and regular trims are key. Natural and strengthening care like Afrolocke Shampoo can be a game-changer for a clean and healthy scalp.

2. "Oil provides moisture" Many think so, but pure oil is actually there to seal in moisture. You use it after a moisturizing product (like water or a leave-in) to lock in the moisture and add glow. Use the Afrolocke Leave-In Conditioner to give your hair the moisture it needs, then the Afrolocke Oil to seal it. It keeps moisture in your hair longer. So, once more for everyone: water provides moisture, oil seals it.

3. "The more products, the better" At our last team meeting, Anna, Nadine and I realized we used to think that too. I used to pile on tons of product hoping my very fine hair would magically get stronger overnight. What it actually did was weigh down my low porosity hair and cause product buildup that clogged my pores and prevented growth. Depending on the product, porosity and hair properties, this varies. Remember: use the amount that fits your needs and your hair type, sometimes less is more.

So, those were a few hair myths we busted for you! Stay curious and keep experimenting, but don't forget: every hair is unique and deserves its own individual routine.

Your Nana