When you think of dreadlocks do you imagine matted strands of hair that haven't been combed or properly washed in years? This is a common misconception. Yes, the permanent, tightly coiled locking technique allows for low-maintenance (no combs or brushes required -- ever!). But Diane Da Costa, Carol's Daughter Brand Stylist and author of "Textured Tresses," says most women with dreadlock styles shampoo their hair once a week. Which is consistent with the weekly shampoo schedule of most black women.
"Women of color generally don't have oily hair and shouldn't shampoo their hair daily, as this will strip the natural oils from the hair and scalp and leave the hair very dry and brittle," says Da Costa. "Textured hair is dry in nature, therefore, it needs more moisture and hydration and less shampooing. Dreadlocks can be cleansed and refreshed daily with a leave-in conditioner spray."
Ready for a new 'do? Check out these simple, chic options inspired by celebrities.
I'm ashamed to admit this, but for most of my teen years, I didn't wear sunscreen. Not only would I skip the SPF, but my friends and I happily tossed the tanning oil to each other while joking: "Black don't crack!"
The belief that black women don't get age spots, wrinkles, or skin cancer from sun damage was just one of many African-American beauty myths that I lived by. That is, until I become a beauty editor.
Spending every day talking to top beauty experts is the quickest way to suss out African-American beauty fact from fiction, and I quickly discovered that "rules" like dark-skinned women can't wear neon makeup, blonde hair never looks natural on us, or nude lipstick never complements our skin tone are totally bogus.
So, to put an end to these African-American beauty myths once and for all, I chatted with some of the top experts in the field of black hair, makeup, and skin care to get the low down on the biggest African-American beauty misconceptions.
Keep reading to see which "rules" you need to start breaking, too.
