Ten Things You Thought You Knew About Black Hair

By Charleme Salomon

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Think you know everything there is to know about hair care? The truth is that there are some common myths floating around about how to take care of black hair. Learning what is fact and what is fiction will help you take better care of your hair.

Black Hair Care Truth 1: Hair loss does not have to happen when you wear weaves or braids. 

Problems with hair loss occur when your hair is pulled too tight for long periods of time. Either ask your hair care specialist to go a little looser on the scalp or alternate braids or weaves with a looser style on a regular basis. 

Black Hair Care Truth 2: Satin or silk does protect your hair.

Friction is your hair's biggest enemy. When you sleep on a smooth satin pillow or wrap your hair in a silk scarf before you retire, you are preventing the hair breakage that occurs when friction gets hold of your head. When your hair rubs against a coarse fabric while you sleep, hair breakage accelerates.

Black Hair Care Truth 3: Hair growth naturally accelerates during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a woman's body is flooded with estrogen which places hair into a permanent growth phase for the duration. Once the pregnancy ends, hair stops growing and begins to shed in copious amounts. Those prenatal vitamins don't have anything to do with hair growth although they are great for you and the baby's overall health. 

Black Hair Care Truth 4: Black hair is more subject to breakage.

Black hair is curly and because of this, its internal structure is more subject to breakage. The tighter the curl, the drier and weaker the hair will be. That is why good hair care should be on your list of priorities.

Black Hair Care Truth 5: Having long black hair is possible. 

Many people think that black hair simply won't grow long because of the problems with breakage listed in Truth 4. However, with proper care, black hair can grow quite long. Think about how long dreadlocks can grow for starters.

Black Hair Care Truth 6: Black hair grows just as rapidly as any other type of hair.

It's true. Hair grows at an average of one-half inch each month and black hair is no exception. Because of the curls, it only seems like black hair grows slower than other types of hair.

Black Hair Care Truth 7: Natural hair can be easy to manage.

Most black women have learned how to take care of their relaxed hair and don't quite know how to take care their natural hair. The good news is that with proper care, you can alternate your styles between relaxed and natural while always looking great.

Black Hair Care Truth 8: Black hair won't dry out if it is washed more than once a week.

Water is a moisturizer and the number one cause of your hair not growing comes from product build-up so it is important that you wash your hair as needed.

Black Hair Care Truth 9: Greasing your scalp will actually dry out your hair.

In an attempt to moisturize their hair, many women go overboard with hair care products used to grease and moisturize their scalp. The bad news is that these products can actually lock moisture out of the hair follicles. Using products designed to bring moisture into the hair itself will deliver much better results.

Black Hair Care Truth 10: It is not necessary to go to the salon every week to grow your hair long. 

When you follow these truths, you can have great looking and long hair without the need to go to the salon every week. However, where's the fun in that? Why not take excellent care of your hair at home and let your stylist deliver even more outstanding results?

These hair truths might fly in the face of what you have always been told about black hair care, but they work. Regular hair care will help you grow your locks long and lush if you wish or set you up with a perky short look. Let us know which of these truths was most illuminating to you.

Charleme Salomon is a successful business owner and fashion enthusiast. She operates the website, AfricanAmericanHairStyleVideos.com, which provides helpful and up-to-date videos straight from black natural hairstyle aficionados.