Facts & Myths about Curly Hair

Fact or Fiction: "The Curly Girl Method works for all curl types."

Myth:

While the Curly Girl Method has helped many people with curly hair achieve healthier, more beautiful curls, it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. Every hair type is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. You may have to experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your curls.

Fact or Fiction: "You can no longer use silicone with the Curly Girl Method."

Fact:

The Curly Girl Method generally recommends avoiding silicones, as they can form a barrier on the hair and cause buildup. However, not all silicones are the same and some are water soluble and rinse out easily, making them suitable for the Curly Girl Method. It is important to carefully check the ingredient list of products and choose silicones that are water soluble when following the Curly Girl Method.

Fact or Fiction: "Not all silicones are bad for the Curly Girl Method."

Fact:

While the Curly Girl Method generally recommends avoiding silicones due to their tendency to form a barrier on the hair and cause buildup, it’s important to understand that not all silicones are the same. Some silicones are water soluble and rinse out easily, making them suitable for the Curly Girl Method.

Water-soluble silicones are often referred to by terms like "PEG" or "PPG" in their name, such as PEG-8 Dimethicone or PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate. These silicones can be easily washed out with water and generally do not cause buildup on the hair.

Avoiding silicones with the Curly Girl Method is primarily focused on insoluble silicones, which form a film on the hair that is difficult to rinse out and can lead to saturation and buildup. These silicones are often referred to by names ending in "-cone", "-conol", "-xane" or "-siloxane", such as Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, etc.

So it is important to carefully check the ingredients list of hair care products and choose products with water-soluble silicones if you choose to use silicones within the Curly Girl Method. This way you can enjoy the benefits of silicones without the risk of build-up and saturation of the hair.

Fact or Fiction: "The Curly Girl Method is only suitable for people with naturally curly hair."

Myth:

While the Curly Girl Method was originally developed for people with naturally curly hair, people with wavy hair, or even wavy-to-straight hair, have also found success following the principles of this method. The focus on hydration, minimal manipulation, and the use of hair-friendly products can be beneficial for all hair types, not just curly hair. It’s all about finding what works for your unique hair structure and needs.

Fact or Fiction: "You can only have high porosity hair if you have dyed or bleached your hair."

Myth:

While chemical treatments such as dyeing and bleaching can damage hair and increase porosity, there are other factors that can affect hair porosity. Natural factors such as excessive sun exposure, heat styling, chemical processes such as perms, or simply genetics can also contribute to higher porosity. It is important to recognize that porosity is a complex characteristic of hair that can be affected by several factors, not just chemical treatments.

Fact or Fiction: “High porosity curly hair is naturally drier.”

Fact:

High porosity hair often struggles to retain moisture due to the wide openings in the hair cuticle. This causes moisture to evaporate quickly, resulting in drier hair that requires more hydration and care.

Fact or Fiction: “Heat damages high porosity curly hair more than other hair types.”

Fact:

Due to the wide openings in the hair cuticle, high porosity hair can easily be damaged by heat, such as blow-drying or using flat irons. It is important to be careful when applying heat to this hair type and always use a heat protectant product.

Fact or Fiction: “Medium porosity curly hair is the easiest to style.”

Myth:

Medium porosity hair can easily retain moisture and is generally less prone to breakage than high porosity hair, but it can still require specific care to get the most out of your curls. Choosing the right products and styling techniques remains crucial to maintaining healthy, bouncy curls.

Fact or Fiction: “Medium porosity curly hair is less likely to develop product buildup.”

Fact:

Due to its medium porosity, the cuticles of medium porosity hair have an optimal balance of opening and closing, allowing products to be absorbed more easily without buildup. However, it is still important to cleanse and moisturize regularly to maintain healthy curls.

Fact or Fiction: “Low porosity curly hair has less need for protein.”

Myth:

Although low porosity hair is naturally less porous and therefore loses protein less quickly, it can still benefit from protein treatments to improve the overall health and resilience of the hair. However, it is important to use protein treatments sparingly and not overdo it, to avoid making the hair stiff and brittle.

Fact or Fiction: “Low porosity curly hair absorbs moisture slowly.”

Fact:

Low porosity hair has closed cuticles, making it harder for moisture to penetrate. This can cause the hair to absorb moisture more slowly, which can result in dryness if not regularly moisturized with moisturizing products. It is important to use moisturizing products that help the hair retain moisture and soften it.

Fact or Fiction: “Proteins are only good for damaged hair.”

Myth:

Proteins can also be beneficial for healthy hair! While they are known for their restorative properties for damaged hair, proteins can also help strengthen and protect healthy hair. They replenish the natural proteins in the hair, resulting in more bouncy locks. However, it is important to find the right balance and not overdose on proteins, especially for low porosity hair.

Fact or Fiction: "Large proteins, such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, oat, and pea, are not really large proteins."

Fact:

That’s right! Hydrolyzed wheat protein, oat, and pea are often mistaken for large proteins because of their names, but they actually fall into the category of hydrolyzed proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that have been chemically broken down into smaller fragments, making them more easily absorbed by the hair. These hydrolyzed proteins are excellent for strengthening and hydrating curly hair because they can penetrate deep into the hair shaft and improve its health from within.

Fact or Fiction: “Shea Butter suffocates my curls and weighs them down.”

Myth:

Shea Butter is actually a great ingredient for curly hair! It’s a natural moisturizer that penetrates deep into your hair, leaving it soft and supple without weighing it down. Shea Butter helps prevent moisture loss and protects against environmental damage, all while maintaining your curls’ elasticity. Look for products that list Shea Butter as one of the key ingredients for intense hydration and soft, frizz-free curls.

Fact or Fiction: "Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Makes Curls Stiff and Dry"

Myth:

This is a common misconception! Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is actually an excellent ingredient for curly hair because it helps strengthen and repair damaged hair without weighing it down. It penetrates deep into the hair to strengthen the structure and improve elasticity, making your curls more bouncy and less prone to breakage. Look for products with hydrolyzed wheat protein to strengthen and protect your curls from damage, while still keeping them soft and flexible. Keep in mind that some curls can handle more protein than others. Find the right balance.

Fact or Fiction: “It's better to comb your curls when they're wet.”

Myth:

This is a common misconception! Curly hair is at its most fragile when wet, so combing it can lead to breakage and damage. It is better to gently detangle your curls with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb while they are soaked in your mask/conditioner in the shower. Combing or brushing while styling is also done with product in your hair to reduce damage.

Fact or Fiction: “All styling products work the same for curly hair.”

Myth:

Not all styling products are created equal when it comes to curly hair! Curls have specific needs, so it’s important to choose products that are designed to enhance the bounce, definition, and hydration of curls. Look for products like curl creams, gels, and mousses that are formulated to enhance the texture of curly hair without weighing it down. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your curl type and desired style.

Fact or Fiction: “Alcohol-free products are always best for curly hair.”

Myth:

This isn’t always the case! While some alcohols can be drying for curly hair, not all alcohols are bad. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, can actually lock in moisture and soften hair without drying it out. Pay attention to the types of alcohol in your hair products and only avoid those that are known to be drying.

Alcohols with high volatility, such as SD alcohol, ethanol, alcohol denat, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol, are known to be drying to curly hair. These alcohols are often used as solvents and drying agents in hair products and can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and frizzy. Avoiding products that contain these types of alcohols can help maintain the hydration and health of your curls.

Fact or Fiction: "It doesn't matter what shampoo I use because it rinses out anyway."

Myth:

This is a common misconception! The right shampoo is essential for curly hair because it lays the foundation for a healthy scalp and hair. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that gently cleanse without stripping your curls of their natural oils. This will keep your curls hydrated and bouncy. Also, look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil to nourish your curls while cleansing.

Fact or Fiction: “Glycerin in styling products is bad for curly hair because of the risk of frizz in humid conditions.”

Fact:

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it can attract moisture from the environment and bind it to the hair. In humid conditions, this can lead to excessive moisture absorption by the hair, which can cause frizz. For some people with curly hair, this can result in frizz and loss of curl definition, especially in high humidity.

Fact or Fiction: “Proteins are most effective in leave-in conditioners and hair masks.”

Fact:

Leave-in conditioners and hair masks provide long-lasting hydration and can effectively penetrate proteins into the hair to improve strength and elasticity. These products have more time to work and can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, making them ideal for protein use.

Fact or Fiction: “Protein styling products can make curls stiff and brittle.”

Myth:

This depends on the type of protein and the formula of the product. Some proteins, like hydrolyzed wheat protein, are lightweight and can strengthen hair without weighing it down or making it feel hard. It’s important to look for products with lightweight proteins and to combine the proteins with plenty of hydration to prevent hardness.

Fact or Fiction: “Proteins are especially helpful for damaged hair.”

Fact:

Protein can help repair and strengthen damaged hair by filling in and strengthening damaged areas of the hair shaft. However, even healthy hair can benefit from the occasional use of protein products to improve overall strength and resilience. We even know people who take protein daily. Again, what works for one person may not work for another.

Fact or Fiction: "Aqua in curl products is just tap water."

Myth:

Although "Aqua" is simply the Latin word for water, it is used in hair care product ingredient lists to indicate distilled water, not regular tap water. Distilled water is water that has been produced by distillation, where impurities are removed through evaporation and condensation. This process results in pure water without any minerals or contaminants that may be present in tap water.

There are benefits to using distilled water in hair care products because it is pure and neutral, making it less likely to cause irritation or buildup on the hair and scalp. It also acts as a carrier for other ingredients in the product, helping them to be evenly distributed throughout the hair.

So, while “Aqua” technically means water, it’s important to know that in hair care products it’s usually distilled water and not just tap water.

NOTE:

It's important to remember that curly hair needs can vary, so it's a good idea to experiment with different products and formulas to find what works best for your curl type and hair condition.