I recall when my friend, who was natural at the time, shared with me that her co-worker wanted to return to her natural roots. The young lady had already started growing her Relaxer out. After my friend felt her new growth, she informed her that she would need a Texturizer because her hair was entirely too rough to simply be natural.

Now this didn’t surprise me coming from my friend, because natural hair for her was more about style; not lifestyle. She hadn’t mentally transitioned. Still, I became agitated because she had discouraged the other young woman and told her to texturize her hair.

I explained to my friend that our hair has to recover and heal from the effects of relaxers so what she was feeling was not indicative of how her co-worker’s hair would ultimately be. She was not convinced at all.

There are many myths and misconceptions when it comes to natural hair. A lot of women are afraid and shy away from embracing their natural Texture because of lack of information, misinformation, negative labels attached to natural hair, feeling like they have no other options but to remain relaxed, and the list goes on.

Let's explore some of the most common misconceptions

My new growth is already very Nappy so I can’t imagine going natural. My hair is just too thick and nappy for that.
The "new growth" that you feel growing under your Perm is not what your true natural texture will feel like. The new growth’s overall appearance and feel is still affected by the chemicals
from the relaxer. Even after you cut your relaxer, your natural hair will still be affected initially. You may not see and feel your true texture for some time.

Natural hair is not professional and may not be accepted at my job.
I have discovered since being natural that we tend to magnify the way we think others will feel about our hair. That’s not to say that negativity toward natural hair does not exist, but I have found that no one seems to be as hard on our natural hair’s appearance as we are. Natural hair is very professional; there are a number of styles such as two strand twists, twist outs, a chic TWA, or an afro puff with a decorative scarf, that will give you great professional style and flair. Also be aware that society as a whole will not change its opinion if there is no one to question or challenge it.

Natural hair doesn’t grow.
This is one of my all-time favorite myths. Regardless of whether the hair is natural or not, on average a person’s hair grows anywhere from a fourth of an inch to a half of an inch per month. The beautiful thing about natural hair is that it shrinks into coils and kinks, which allows for flexibility and resilience. The assumption is that natural hair doesn’t grow, but actually shrinkage masks the length of natural hair.

Natural hair is too hard to manage and care for.
There hasn’t been a time in my life when my hair was healthier or required as little time and money, yet it is "done" everyday. I have been able to do away with curlers and blow dryers, and have the freedom to wash my hair every day if I so desire.

In addition, natural hair doesn’t require nearly as much upkeep. You can wear twists for two weeks without having to comb your hair, and you have the freedom to rinse and keep your scalp and hair clean at your leisure. There are also some great resources that exist today to help us learn how to properly take care of our natural hair - including Naturally You! magazine of course.

curly natural hairI will not attract a man with natural hair.
This is another one of my favorite myths. Contrary to popular belief, many men that I have asked have shared with me that they love a natural woman. They love the fact that that woman embraces her natural roots, and wears her hair with pride and confidence. They also love the fact that it’s different - a natural woman does not project the image of what’s beautiful according to European standards.

Overall, it takes an open mind and receptiveness to the beauty of natural hair. Those things will allow you to ask questions and get them answered correctly. From there, you can make an informed decision about natural hair, versus one that is formed from natural hair myths.

It’s not really a question of whether or not natural hair is “for you,” because you were born with it that way. The real question is: how can I fully embrace that?