Myths Around Curly Hair Growth You Need to Stop Believing

MYTH BUSTING: Does Curly Hair Really Grow?

If you’ve ever felt like your curls “just don’t grow,” you’re not alone. The truth? Some variation exists between different ethnicities, but the variation is small.  It is more down to perception, shrinkage and a trick of the eye that drives the myth that curly hair won't grow. 

We'll share some of the facts and bust some of the myths.  

Myth 1: Curly hair grows slower than straight hair

Busted: Curly hair appears to grow slower because it curls and twists, this "shrinkage" is actually a sign of health with good elasticity and strength but it does make the hair appear to grow slower.  There are very small variations around hair growth between the races too. Afro textured hair grows about 0.9cm per month, Caucasian hair around 1.2cm per month and Asian type hair around 1.3cm per month. The differences are marginal so its really down to the appearance curly hair appearing to grow slower than the reality.

Myth 2: Trimming your curls makes them grow faster

Busted: Trimming really doesn’t speed up growth, the growth is only influenced at the root.  Regular trims to remove split ends and give the appearance of healthier longer hair.  With continual trimming the hair is protected and breaks and knots less - so the consequence might be faster growth but its really down to the condition. The light fragmentation is slightly reduced too which makes the hair look like it's growing quicker due the trickery of the eye. 

Myth 3: Oiling your scalp overnight will make hair grow faster

Busted: Oil can work wonders but a nightly spreading on the scalp will more likely result in blocking the pores and causing build up rather than encouraging growth.  Rather massaging the scalp as part of your routine can hep to stimulate growth but the oil alone won't magically accelerate growth. A healthy scalp supports growth potential, but genetics, nutrition, and overall care matter more than any miracle oil.

Myth 4: Tight hairstyles help hair grow

Busted: Protective styles are great for leaving the hair alone, allowing it time and subject to less manipulation, styling and environmental stresses. Growth is more of a consequence of leaving the hair be, rather than the style itself and Tight styles, braids, pulled ponytails or buns can actually do the opposite, causing tension, breakage, and even traction alopecia over time. Gentle, protective styles are your friend so go easy.  

Myth 5: You should brush your curls daily to ‘stimulate’ growth

Busted: I'm sure this goes back to the tradition of brushing straight hair 100 times before bed.  But brushing curly hair daily is a recipe for frizz, breakage, and frustration. Your scalp already gets all the blood flow it needs without a bristle beating. Instead, detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb on damp, conditioned hair and don't resort to the brush for stimulation.

So what really supports curly hair growth?

• Healthy scalp: Keep it clean, hydrated, and free of buildup.
• Balanced diet: Your follicles love protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins.
• Gentle care: Minimise heat and harsh chemicals, and use curl-safe products.
• Consistent moisture: Hydrated curls break less, so you keep more of what you grow.

Remember your curls are growing — even if you can’t always see it. The key is retaining that growth by preventing breakage and keeping your hair healthy from root to tip.