For years, people with looser hair textures have had these false misconceptions about Black hair. These people also probably offend many people in the process or some may just be afraid to ask. It’s time we clear up the fear and myths about Black hair. Here are 5 myths about Black hair:
1) Black Hair is dry.
Black hair is built to keep out sun rays. It is an adaptation to African heat.
It has to produce less oil in order to keep people’s heads from getting sunburned. But that doesn’t mean it is dry.
Many people with curlier hair textures simply just add various oils to their hair.
2) Black hair is “nappy.”
I always found the word “nappy” to be offensive and negative. Why is it “nappy” because it looks different?
Actually, Black hair comes in a variety of textures because not ALL Black people are just 100% Sub-Saharan African. Black people even in Africa are mixed with French, Portuguese, Belgian, Dutch, English, Spanish, and a variety of other things. So, Black hair can range from straight to extremely curly.
3) All Black hair is short.
Stop asking Black women if that’s their hair as if they are not allowed to have hair that grows. It’s offensive. First of all, even Black people with curlier textures that may seem to have short hair can have long hair.
The curlier the texture, the more it shrinks. Meaning as the hair dries, it will shrink closer to the scalp.
Because remember, Black hair is supposed to guard the scalp. The less it shrinks, the more likely that person is to experience scalp burn.
4) Black people can’t get lice.
False! Yes, we can. Contrary, to popular belief, lice actually like clean hair.
Lice don’t like Black hair as much in Black hair because of the hair products we use in it. The extra oils and sheens that we use cause the lice to stick.
BUT if one is not using these products they can get lice.
5) Black hair is rough.
People who aren’t Black are always so surprised at how soft Black hair is. They’ll even take it a step further to say “They didn’t think it would feel like that.” I… WHAT?
What is Black hair supposed to feel like? Do people really think it feels like brillo?
Any hair texture can be rough depending on how it is cared for. Curlier hair textures are more likely to be drier faster if not cared for properly.
But what do you think those braids and “ethnic” styles were for? Those styles are supposed to be protective hairstyles for people with curly hair that want to retain hair moisture.