Increasing numbers of black women today are going natural, embracing their natural texture and learning how to take healthy care of their curls. However, there are many myths about natural hair that simply need to discarded into a black hole of nonsense and misinformation. Here are seven silly myths about natural black hair: 

1. Black Hair Doesn't Grow

This myth is one that is held about black women, whether they have relaxed or natural hair. Black hair does indeed grow, and it grows a lot. However, problems with length retention give the impression that it doesn't. Women are able to exhibit longer tresses (if they want to) by learning about and implementing better hair care techniques and products into their daily regimen.  

2. You have to do the "Big Chop" in order to go natural

A big myth that stops a lot of women from going natural is the idea that they have to do the big chop in order to seriously embrace their natural hair and go natural the "proper way." While many women do the "big chop," it is not a prerequisite to going natural. Many women choose to transition into natural hair slowly by cutting away over time at their chemically-processed ends while the naturally curly roots grow in. That way, they can retain some length and wear certain styles that require length while their new growth grows in. 

3. Natural hair has "herculean strength" compared to chemically-processed hair

Every single curl in a strand is a potential breaking point, and the likelihood of breakage heavily depends on the overall elasticity of the hair.  Just because hair is not chemically processed does not liberate it from the threat of breakage, mishandling, and overall abuse/lack of care. Hair, whether natural or relaxed, can be quite fragile and must be handled with care. Chemically straightening black hair permanently breaks down the curls, but hair can still be strong, elastic and healthy if it is straightened properly (there is absolutely no need to "chemically burn" the roots straight) and treated with care. 

4. You must grease your scalp and hair with natural hair

When you think about nourishing your scalp and hair, you should not think about using "grease". Ultimately, your scalp responds to products that actually stimulate and nourish follicles. Any product with a lot of grease, petroleum or mineral oil simply doesn't make the cut.

5. Natural hair isn't versatile

This is by far one of the biggest myths. More and more women are sporting a myriad of natural styles and rock them well! The internet has a plethora of natural hair style ideas that you can consider.

6. Shampooing too much will harm your hair

We've heard people say, time and time again, that shampoo is bad for black hair. Whether shampoo does or does not have sulfates, shampoo is ultimately designed to cleanse your scalp and prep it for a conditioning treatment. You should be picky about which shampoo you use (consider the ingredients (and the order of those ingredients), the Ph level, and how it matches with your conditioner or leave-in treatment. Co-washing your hair only cleans your scalp to a certain extent. In order to truly create an environment for healthy hair growth and follicle development, you want to make sure that you incorporate a reasonable shampoo schedule into your hair care regimen. 

7. Natural hair is hard to manage

Whether hair is or is not difficult to manage is a matter of perspective and personal preference. While some natural hair styles require a lot of energy, time investment and upkeep, other styles do not require a lot of maintenance. Natural hair is very manageable once you determine a healthy hair regimen that works for your natural curls and a style that fits your personal tastes.

-Written by: Cafe Belle's Healthy Hair Barista