Curly Hair Myths That Could Be Ruining Your Curls

Every curly girl can relate to the fact that caring for your curly hair is like a relationship. One where you go through endless trials and errors. To maintain your hair’s spirit, you test different products, and if we are being honest, we also face a lot of misinformation. As plenty of misinformation and myths are circulating on the internet, it has become necessary for us to debunk the curly hair myths that could be ruining your bouncy curls. 

We follow outdated salon tips, and most of us even consider viral social media hacks. These tips and hacks do more harm than good to your hair. So, if you think your curls aren’t bouncy and shiny, then don’t blame your hair texture. Blame the myths you are following! 

Myth #1 - You Shouldn’t Use Shampoo On Curly Hair

What is the myth here? They say co-washing, using conditioner to cleanse your scalp, is the holy grail for curly hair. But it gets shady when you know the fact. 

So what’s the reality? Co-washing is gentle and nourishing to your scalp, but do you know what happens to your scalp when it is not shampooed at all? It can lead to scalp buildup, itchiness, dandruff, or even follicle blockage. It gets worse when you are using heavy hair stylers, oils, or have a humid climate around. 

A study by the American Hair Loss Association states that not washing your hair will result in poor scalp hygiene, and this may worsen androgenetic alopecia. 

Tips For Shampooing Your Curls

• Try to use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser weekly

• Clarify with a stronger shampoo once a month

• Look for shampoos with tea tree, apple cider vinegar, or salicylic acid if you have scalp concerns. 

Remember that your scalp is like soil, and if it is clogged, it won’t grow properly. So, choose the best curl-friendly shampoo at Beauty Depot Online.

Myth #2 - Sulfates and Silicones Are Always Bad

Yes, sulfates and silicons are bad, but not entirely. Sulfates have become the curl world’s villain, ironically. And silicon? They are treated as equal culprits. However, the reality is different for curly girls. 

Sulfates, for example, SLS or SLES, can dry your scalp if you use them very often. But as we said, they are not entirely bad because they can be effective in removing heavy buildup. Tip - Should be used occasionally!

Whereas silicones, for example, dimethicone, are considered toxic for your curls but are not inherently harmful. Why? They coat your hair shaft to reduce frizz and add slip. It is good if you have high porosity hair or your curls are very dry. 

Here is a tip for you: 

Instead of choosing products on the basis of fear and myths, be logical and learn how ingredients work with your porosity and curl type. Because not all curls are the same, and not all need the same thing. 

Good Silicones And When To Avoid Them 

• Dimethicone and Amodimethicone, but avoid them when using daily without clarifying.

• Water-soluble silicones (PEG-modified), but avoid them when hair feels weighed down or coated. 

• Cyclopentasiloxane, but avoid when you prefer silicone-free routines.

Myth #3 - Oils Hydrate Curls

This is insane and can make you go against oiling if you love your curls. However, if you don’t oil your hair, your follicles will get weak. So, get this straight that oils don’t HYDRATE, but they SEAL your curls. Hydration comes from water, and oils only make a barrier. 

So, if you’re applying oil to dry curls and expecting moisture, then you are doing this wrong. Here, you’re missing a key step. Oil works as a cling wrap, and you won’t wrap a dry sandwich in cling wrap and expect it to be juicy. Or would you? The same goes for your hair.

What To Do Instead

• Step one - You can mist your curls with water or use a hydrating leave-in.

• Then, you can seal that moisture in with a lightweight oil like jojoba or argan.

• Also, avoid thick butters unless your curls are coarse or very dry.

If you want to treat your curly heads right, go for deep treatment by applying oil to dirty, dry curls before washing. Do not use oils after a shower.

Get the best scalp care oils only at Beauty Depot Online. 

Myth #4 - Curly Hair Grows Slower Than Straight Hair

They say curly hair grows slower than straight hair. Most curl queens often say, “My hair just doesn’t grow,” but this contradicts the fact that all hair grows at a similar rate. Yes, all hair grows in the same manner, which is about half an inch per month. 

Studies published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology have shown that different hair types grow at approximately equal average rates of about 0.5 inches per month or 6 inches per year.

Why It Appears To Grow Slower

Here is your answer for what makes you think your lovely curls are growing slower. 

• Curls shrink, and a 12-inch curl can look like 6 inches.

• For curly hair, the damaged ends break before even showing the length. 

• You are not protecting your ends, you are not retaining growth.

 Try sleeping with a satin bonnet or pillowcase, use scalp massage to stimulate follicles, and avoid styles that pull or twist wet hair.

Myth #5 - Try Protective Styles That Always Protect

Have you heard of protective styles? Well, protective styles are very popular in curl culture for all the right reasons. However, you have to be cautious when selecting your protective style. For example, if you opt for tight braids, slicked-back buns, or weaves, you will feel tension on your scalp. This tension can even cause traction alopecia, follicle stress, or even curl pattern disruption.

Protective Style For Curly Hair

• Loose pineapples or buns

• Low-manipulation styles like twist-outs or wash-and-go

• Avoid styling when hair is wet and vulnerable

The true purpose of protective hairstyles is to preserve curls and provide convenience. 

Myth #6 - Trimming Slows Hair Growth

Well, this is a very common myth in curl culture that trimming will slow down your hair growth. The hair grows from the root to the ends. Left untrimmed, despite how healthy the root's growth may be, our split ends will progress. This will continue to travel upstream to our roots, to a point of breaking, ultimately creating more damage than if you had kept up with the trim.

Anything involving skipping trims results in more breakage and less defined curls. But how often should you trim your curls? Every 3-4 months, or sooner if you feel any crunchiness at the ends or your curls are losing their shape.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your curls don’t need rescue, but they need your understanding to slay with confidence. By debunking the myths that prevent your hair from attaining its potential, you are regaining control of your hair journey. 

You do not need 15 products. You do not need to trend. You just need the right information and some curly love! Here’s to healthier hair, less complex routines, and unapologetically loving your curls!