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MANE MYTH: Natural hair is stronger than relaxed hair.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, natural hair is actually quite fragile. “It should be treated gently at all times to prevent breakage,” she says. To maintain your strands’ strength, never brush your natural hair while it’s wet; instead, use a detangling comb or your fingers. Also, skip cotton pillowcases — the rough fibers can cause fragile hair to break off. Try a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf.

MANE MYTH: Braids make hair grow.
TRESS TRUTH: We think this myth started when Black women began sporting braids to carry them through the grow-out process. But while braids are a cute style option, they have nothing to do with the rate of hair growth. “Hair grows about a half inch a month, period,” says Stephen. “Strong, healthy hair comes from the inside out… it has nothing to do with any attachments you might wear!”

MANE MYTH: Black hair doesn’t need to be shampooed often.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, there isn’t a “correct” schedule for washing hair, but infrequent shampooing can result in dirt, oil and product buildup, which weighs down the hair shaft and makes it look dull. It’s best to wash hair once a week, at least.

MANE MYTH: Greasing your scalp keeps hair healthy.
TRESS TRUTH: Stephen says that grease actually clogs pores, which can inhibit scalp circulation and hair growth! “A healthy scalp is gained by a healthy diet,” she adds. To help maintain strong, healthy hair, eat tons of proteins (like fish and chicken), and foods high in vitamin C, which help with scalp circulation.

Ok so the myth about the braids was surprising. When I was younger I went to Florida for the summer with my siblings to visit my aunt and cousin. I went to the pool EVERYDAY rain or shine. To make a VERY VERY long story short, my hair was badly damaged from the chlorine. My mom ended up doing the “big chop” and I had to start all over. From the middle of 8th grade until the end of 9th grade I wore my hair in braids-in every style you could imagine. My hair grew TREMENDOUSLY in within a year and a half. I went from not having a pony tail (not even a stingy one smh) to hair that reached my shoulders. So I was shocked to when I read that because I thought the braids helped with the hair growth, not the actual extension, but just having my hair in one set style for 6-8weeks and not fussing with it. I guess for me there is some truth to that myth.