Hair Myths We’re Leaving Behind

Introduction: Type 4 natural hair is beautiful, versatile, and resilient – but it’s also surrounded by a lot of misinformation. Over the years, many well-meaning “tips” about caring for coily hair have proven to be myths that do more harm than good. Let’s shed a light on some common hair growth and care myths we’re finally leaving behind. No scare tactics here – just clear facts and a healthier approach to loving our Type 4 hair.

Myth #1: “Type 4 Hair Doesn’t Grow (or Grows Super Slowly)”

Reality: All hair grows – including Type 4 hair – and usually at about the same rate on average (roughly half an inch per month). The reason it might seem like coily hair isn’t growing is often due to shrinkage and breakage. Tightly curled strands naturally coil up on themselves, so new growth isn’t always obvious at first glance. Additionally, if hair is dry or handled roughly, it may break at the ends as fast as it grows from the roots. The good news is Type 4 hair can absolutely grow long and healthy. Focusing on length retention – keeping those ends moisturized, detangled gently, and protected – will let you see the true length your hair is achieving. In short, your coils are growing (promise!), and with the right care and patience you’ll retain more of that growth over time.

Myth #2: “You Should Wash Your Hair as Little as Possible”

Reality: While it’s true that over-washing with harsh products can dry out any hair, avoiding wash day for weeks or months is not the secret to growth. In fact, a clean, healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Dirt and buildup don’t make hair grow – they actually hinder it. Celebrity stylist Kim Kimble puts it plainly: “It is actually a big myth that dirty hair grows faster than clean hair. Having dirty hair can cause bacteria growth and scalp irritation….” In other words, letting grime accumulate on your scalp can slow growth by clogging follicles and causing issues. Water is your friend, not the enemy – hydration is literally moisture. So, don’t be afraid to wash your hair regularly on a schedule that works for you (for many Type 4 naturals, that might be weekly or biweekly with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo). The key is using moisturizing cleansers and deep conditioners so your hair gets clean without being stripped of all its natural oils. A fresh scalp plus proper moisture = a happy environment for your hair to thrive.

Myth #3: “Oils and Grease Will Moisturize Your Hair and Make It Grow”

Reality: Oils and hair grease are often passed down as miracle fix-alls – “Just grease your scalp and it’ll grow!” – but this is an oversimplification. The truth is that slathering on heavy grease or oil won’t magically speed up hair growth, nor do oils actually hydrate your hair strands. (Remember: water is the ultimate moisturizer.) What oils and butters do well is seal in moisture and add shine. For dry Type 4 hair, sealing is important – but it works best after you’ve added water or a water-based leave-in conditioner. Grease alone on a dry scalp can actually block moisture from getting in and even clog pores if overused, which isn’t great for growth. So, by all means, use natural oils or light creams to lock in hydration and reduce breakage – just know they’re supporting actors, not the main star. Healthy hair growth comes from a clean scalp, good nutrition, gentle handling, and consistent moisture. Think of oils as a helpful tool to retain length (by keeping hair lubricated and protected), rather than a magic growth potion.

Myth #4: “Type 4 Hair Is Stronger (Tougher) Than Other Hair Types”

Reality: This one might sound encouraging – after all, Type 4 hair often looks thick and robust – but in reality our tightly-coiled hair is delicate. In fact, Type 4 coils are considered the most fragile of all hair types. Each strand has a twisty, zig-zag structure with fewer outer cuticle layers protecting it, which means more potential breakpoints along the bends. Many people assume kinky hair is “coarse” and indestructible, but on the contrary, those fine strands tend to be prone to breakage and need careful care. What does this mean for you? Treat your hair to some TLC. Use a wide-tooth comb, paddle brush, or your fingers to detangle gently (preferably when the hair is damp and coated with conditioner for slip). Keep it moisturized regularly since dryness can make those fragile strands even more brittle. Bottom line: Type 4 hair is strong in personality 😄 but physically it benefits from gentle handling. When you baby your hair, it rewards you by staying strong and retaining length. 

Myth #5: “Protective Styles Will Guarantee Faster Growth”

Reality: Protective styles – like braids, twists, wigs, and sew-in weaves – are fantastic for giving your hair a break from daily manipulation. However, they aren’t a magic button for hair growth, especially if done improperly. Your hair will still grow at its normal rate no matter what style it’s in; the benefit of a protective style is that it can help you retain that growth by minimizing breakage. But here’s the kicker: if a style is too tight, too heavy, or left in for too long, it can actually do the opposite of “protect.” Constant tension on your scalp from overly tight braids can lead to traction alopecia (hair loss due to pulling) – definitely not the outcome you want. Likewise, neglecting your hair while it’s under a wig or in extensions (forgetting to cleanse or moisturize your scalp for weeks) can result in dryness, buildup, and breakage once you finally take the style down. The fix: Choose protective styles that are comfortable and not painfully tight. Give your hair and scalp some TLC even while in the style (think light oil on the scalp if it gets dry, gentle wash or witch hazel on a cotton pad to clean the buildup, etc.). And don’t keep one style in for eons – most stylists suggest about 4-8 weeks max, with breaks in between. The type of hair used for extensions matters too: heavy extensions can tug on your roots, so opt for lightweight options. For example, Curlkalon offers lightweight, non-toxic, alkaline-free extensions that put less stress on your real hair, aligning with a healthier hair practice ethos. Protective styling should indeed protect – so when done right (and coupled with good maintenance), it can help you preserve length and reach your hair goals, without sacrificing scalp health.

Conclusion: The world of natural hair is full of dos and don’ts, but we don’t need to cling to myths or use scare tactics to care for our curls. By leaving these common myths behind, we make room for confident, informed hair care. Your Type 4 hair can grow long, it loves water and gentle care, and it thrives when you treat it with patience and knowledge. Here’s to healthier hair journeys based on facts, not fear!