Busting the Black Hair Myths

5 Myths about Wearing Hair Locks

Leading trichologist Noon Etienne busts the 5 myths about wearing hair locks, sister locks, brother locks, interlocking or traditional locks, twists and extensions.

Myth No. 1: 'Locks breaks the hair line of your hair!'

Noon Etienne: This does not necessarily have to happen if you use other styling options. Most people with long hair tend to prefer pulling the hair into pony tails and it is that particular style that causes breakage at the hairline and neckline area called Traction Alopecia.

Myth No. 2: 'Locks don't need maintenance.'

Noon Etienne: Well-maintained locks look fantastic! Moisturizing shampoos, oil treatments, spray leave-on conditioners and liquid protein treatments are the best types of conditioners to moisturize and strengthen the hair. Cream conditioners are difficult to eliminate within the locks which can cause a dry rotting of the locks from the inside and cause it to break. Re-twisting the locks at the roots level every 6 to 8 weeks will keep the locks looking fresh at all times.

Myth No. 3: 'I'll get headaches due to wearing locks.'

Noon Etienne: The headaches from wearing locks are from wearing the hair too tightly, or from wearing scarves or a wrap.  It can also be from pulling a pony tail with the locks too tightly or when re-tightening the roots is done too tightly.  The locks themselves do no harm to the hair; it's the styling options that can cause the discomfort!

Myth No. 4: 'My hair is too fine to have locks.'

Noon Etienne: Fine hair or soft silky hair will have difficulty forming locks without the help of adding extensions to them or using wool yarn to help give it the support that it needs.  But, then, the naturalist would not call these proper locks, which are formed from the natural hair with no additions!  But there are so many styling options available for the hair to look like locks, especially with yaki extension pieces, if that is your preference.

Myth No. 5: 'Locks don't look professional!'

Noon Etienne: Well maintained locks, make-up, and a proper business outfit will give you the total professional image required for the office. Also, locks could be set with rods to give a curly effect, or can be plaited while damp; take a few at a time and plait them.  Once dried, loosen the plaits and, voila, a textured look!  Locks can also be put up in an intricate fashion flat on the head to make them look like basket weave. There are so many creative options - your only limit is your imagination!