Hair Myths to Unlearn: What Every Black Woman Should Know

For generations, Black women have carried the weight of harmful hair myths—passed down through families, media, and even salon chairs. These myths have shaped how we see ourselves, how we care for our crowns, and how the world perceives Black beauty. But as we continue to reclaim our identity and celebrate our diverse textures, it’s time to unlearn what no longer serves us.

Let’s break down some of the most common hair myths Black women have been told—and replace them with truths rooted in science, empowerment, and self-love.

Myth 1: Natural Hair Doesn’t Grow

Truth: All hair grows. Black hair, like any other hair type, goes through the same growth cycle—anagen (growth), catagen (rest), and telogen (shedding). The real issue is length retention, not growth. Kinks and coils are more fragile and prone to breakage, especially at the ends, which can make it seem like your hair isn’t growing.

The Fix: Moisturize regularly, trim split ends, and protect your hair at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase. Consistent, gentle care helps retain length.

Myth 2: You Have to Grease Your Scalp to Keep It Healthy

Truth: Heavy grease and petroleum-based products can clog the scalp and block hair follicles, leading to buildup and itchiness. While moisture is essential, your scalp produces natural oils (sebum) to keep itself lubricated.

The Fix: Instead of heavy grease, opt for lightweight, natural oils like jojoba or tea tree oil for scalp massages. Focus on moisturizing your strands with water-based products and sealing with oils or butters if needed.

Myth 3: You Shouldn’t Wash Natural Hair Often

Truth: Clean hair is healthy hair. The myth that Black women shouldn’t wash their hair regularly comes from a history of managing styles that were not water-friendly, like press and curls or relaxers. But buildup from products, sweat, and environmental pollutants can clog pores and stunt growth.

The Fix: Wash your hair as needed—typically every 7 to 14 days. Use sulfate-free shampoos and follow up with deep conditioning to maintain moisture.

Myth 4: Protective Styles Guarantee Hair Growth

Truth: Protective styles can help retain length, but they don’t magically grow your hair. If not installed or maintained properly, styles like braids, weaves, and wigs can actually cause breakage or traction alopecia.

The Fix: Make sure your styles are not too tight, give your scalp time to breathe between installs, and continue moisturizing your hair while it’s styled.

Myth 5: Relaxers Make Your Hair Stronger

Truth: Relaxers straighten the hair by breaking down its natural protein structure. While the result may appear “sleek,” the chemical process weakens the hair, making it more prone to breakage if not cared for correctly.

The Fix: Whether you choose relaxed or natural, hair health is all about maintenance. If you relax, deep condition regularly and trim as needed to keep your hair strong.

Myth 6: Heat Is Always Bad for Black Hair

Truth: Occasional heat styling, when done properly, won’t destroy your curls. The danger lies in excessive heat, poor technique, and lack of protection.

The Fix: Use a heat protectant, avoid very high temperatures, and limit the frequency of heat styling. Always, deep condition after using heat.

Myth 7: Only One Hair Type Is “Good Hair”

Truth: There is no such thing as “good hair”—only healthy hair. The “good hair” myth is rooted in colorism and texturism, valuing looser curls or straighter textures as more beautiful or manageable.

The Fix: Every texture, from 3A to 4C, is beautiful and worthy of celebration. Learn what works best for your unique hair and embrace its beauty with pride.

Myth 8: You Can Repair Split Ends with Products

Truth: Once an end is split, no product can permanently mend it. Serums and conditioners can temporarily smooth the appearance, but the only solution is a trim.

The Fix: Get regular trims every 8–12 weeks to maintain healthy ends and prevent splits from traveling up the hair shaft.

Unlearning = Empowerment

Dispelling these myths is more than just a hair conversation—it’s a cultural reclamation. For centuries, Black women’s hair has been politicized, policed, and misunderstood. By challenging false narratives and embracing the truth, we not only care for our hair better—we honor our heritage, our versatility, and our divine beauty.

So, whether you rock coils, kinks, braids, curls, locs, silk presses, or a clean bald fade—know this: your hair is enough. Unlearning the lies clears space for truth, joy, and liberation.

Sis, your crown is sacred. Wear it how you choose—and wear it boldly.

Written by RWAM Team