5 Common Curly Hair Myths Debunked

5 Pros Dispel Common Curly & Wavy Hair Myths

We love the internet for things like bingeing our fave Netflix shows and shopping the best sales, but when it comes to researching wavy and curly hair types, the information out there can be a little misleading. So if your head is spinning trying to determine what’s myth vs. what’s fact, allow us to make your life easier. We reached out to five DevaCurl pros to get the scoop on some of the most common curly hair myths—keep scrolling for their advice!

Products Used

Curls

High Shine

DevaCurl

Detangler

No-Comb Detangling Spray

DevaCurl

Conditioners

Heaven In Hair®

DevaCurl

Haircare

Melt Into Moisture™

DevaCurl

Myth #1: Curly hair is stronger and not as prone to breakage as fine or straight hair, which is more delicate.

Fact: Most curls are actually quite delicate and fine in texture (meaning the individual strands are thin). The reason curly hair is often mislabeled as coarse is because it’s not properly hydrated and, without moisture, wavy and curly hair types are more susceptible to intertwining which then leads to breakage from rough detangling.  “Due to the complexity of curls and sometimes the very often manipulation of it, curly hair can break off and it may not be as immediately noticeable due to its texture,” notes Taylor Tugman (@taylored.curls), a senior stylist and Devachan educator. 

Myth #2: Curly-haired clients should not use oils on their hair.

Fact: They can as long as it has a lightweight, silicone-free formula like DevaCurl High Shine. “In the past, there were so many oils on the market that were heavy and contained silicones, which creates a barrier against much-needed moisture penetration,” shares Brian Hawthorne (@brian_devacurl), a colorist at Devachan. But High Shine features a blend of five oils—babassu oil, coconut oil, pequi oil, flaxseed oil and passion fruit oil—that are nourishing, fast-absorbing and curl-enhancing, which means it’s safe to use on any curl type.

Myth #3: Curly girls should rarely wash their hair.

Fact: The amount of times a client washes her hair depends on the texture of her hair. Deanna Brown (@deanna_devacurl), a senior stylist at Devachan SOHO, says some of her wavy-haired clients wash their hair every other day while some of her super curly-haired clients wash their hair every two weeks. 

Myth #4: Curly hair should never be brushed or combed.

Fact: When detangling, it’s better to finger comb at the bowl when the hair is wet to avoid breakage and being too harsh on the curls. “Detangling can be a tedious and tiring process and sometimes our frustration with the process can cause us to wreak havoc on our curls,” notes Mia Emilio (@mia_devacurl), a master stylist at Devachan SOHO. A detangler like DevaCurl’s No-Comb Detangling Spray makes the job easier—without a comb or brush!

Myth #5: All curly hair is fine.

Fact: Not all curly hair is fine but all curly hair is delicate, which is why Devachan Stylist & Educator Candace Witherspoon (@curlsbycandace) says it is so important for clients with textured tresses to give their hair the TLC it deserves. To ensure her clients’ curls stay healthy and looking their best, here’s what Candace recommends:

• Get a curly cut every 3 to 6 months.

• Use a deeply moisturizing hair mask like DevaCurl Heaven In Hair® or DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture™ once a week or as needed.

• Give the scalp gentle massages when cleansing.