The decision to go natural is usually a hard one to make but in the long run, it defiantly pays off. The path to ale natural is usually filled with excitement because you will finally understand all those black-girl-hair blogs. You will finally get to go in that section of the hair aisle and examine all the natural hair products just ripe for the picking. It's all fine and dandy until you realize that being natural is not all it is cracked up to be. Here are some common misconceptions about going natural:
1. It's cheaper
Uh no it isn't. Natural hair products are fairly expensive because of the fact that it is supposed to be natural. The idea is that you are putting natural vitamins and oils directly into your hair so therefore those are going to cost more. I know some might say "well getting a good weave cost a couple hundred dollars." Ok! That weave probable last a month if not longer. Add up all the natural hair products you have to buy just within that one month time period...more then likely it will come up more expensive. Reason being because you have to make sure the product gets all throughout your hair and that can be a lot more difficult..especially for thicker hair girls. Another reason being natural is not cheaper is because the products are not large in size along with them being expensive.
2. It's easier
Where? How? Please explain to me how having to twist your hair almost every night to keep moisture in easier? Or how the struggle to think of different protective styling in harsh weather is easier? Natural hair is not easier but once you have gain knowledge on your specific type of hair, dealing with it can become easier. Once you have mastered the tweaks and tricks that work with your hair, doing your hair will become a breeze. Sadly, the annoyance might still be there.
3. Natural hair is stronger
No. It's really not. The tighter your curls the weaker and more vulnerable it is to damage. Without proper care, natural hair can become dry and because of its already fragile state - breakage turns into a nightmare. The fact that natural hair is usually curly/kinky - each point where the hair bends is susceptible to breakage.
4. Natural hair shouldn't be washed as often
Probable one of the worst lies. Constant wash without proper handle afterwards is bad but water is the best moisturizer for your hair. I do not mean wash your hair everyday with shampoo but find alternative ways to clean out your hair - **cough** oils or just conditioner **cough**. Washing your hair frequently helps to remove product and oil buildup and allows for your roots to flourish. Remember your natural hair loves water.
5. Natural hair won't grow
LIES! Whoever told you this doesn't love you. Yes, shrinkage happens but that's the beauty of natural curly hair. The tighter the curl pattern the more shrinkage the hair will have. The shrinkage makes the hair appear as if it is not growing but do not get discourage your hair is growing. Keep in mind that applying heat and harsh chemicals can hinder the growth of your natural hair.
Though there are lots of other misconceptions about natural hair, just make sure whatever you are using on your hair is "good." You cannot just use what works for someone else because you have to use products that work with your texture and porseity.