I realized that many people do not know how most black people take care of our Afro-textured hair. There is so much controversy surrounding the natural hair of black people. Thus, this article would provide an insight on black hair. The following is a list addressing some misconceptions and facts about Afro-textured hair.
1. Not all black hair is coarse.
The hair texture and size of black hair depends on the environment and climate in which a black woman lives in. The texture of her hair depends on the harshness of the climate in which she lives in.
2. We do not wash our hair every day.
Unlike most types of hair, oil is very important for black hair. If we wash our hair every day, we will have to spend more money and time trying to replenish the oil. Thus, we wash our hair every week.
3. Not all us wear weaves.
I personally do not wear a weave, but assuming that black women wear weaves because our natural hair does not grow is wrong. Like every other shade of hair, black hair grows. The reason some black women wear weaves is because our hair tend to get tangled more than any other type of hair.
4. We do not always braid our hair with artificial ones.
Braiding is a way for us to easily maintain our hair as it helps retain our natural oils and minimize tangling and breakage of our hair. Braiding also signifies family heritage and community.
5. Natural hair is not unprofessional.
Suggesting that our natural hair has to be chemically altered to be considered professional is discriminatory. Relaxed hair is a way for us to straighten our curled hair so that we can easily maintain it. Natural hair is not meant to be rebellious.
6. Washing our hair is a difficult task.
We must wash, condition, apply leave-in conditioner and oil, and then wait a couple of hours till our hair air dries.
7. Natural black hair is not bad.
In our society, the type of hair that is considered good is straight hair. This interpretation caused the false assumption that black people do not have beautiful hair. Additionally, it is also a misconception to assume that black people lose their hair very early. Just like all types of hair, afro hair is not subjected to pre-mature hair loss. If taken care, black people do not necessarily lose their hair early unless they are genetically predisposed to do so.
