5 Things Curly Hair Influencers Have Brainwashed Us Into Thinking Are Normal But Aren’t

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Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of hair care products and routines that influencers swear by? If so, you’re not alone.

Social media has a powerful way of shaping our views on beauty and self-care. With countless influencers showcasing their lush curls and seemingly flawless routines, it’s easy to feel like we need to follow suit to achieve similar results. But are these practices truly essential for healthy curls? Let’s break down some myths and get to the heart of what your curly hair really needs.

In this post, we’re diving into some common misconceptions about curly hair care that have been popularized by influencers but aren’t as necessary as they seem.

this is not normal text overlay on selfie with influencer screenshots debunking curly hair myths

1: Excessive Product Collections

Have you ever noticed how many different products influencers have in their hair care arsenal? It’s not uncommon to see shelves filled with an array of creams, gels, mousses, and oils, all claiming to be must-haves for perfect curls. Often, these collections are a result of sponsorships or gifted products rather than personal necessity.

In reality, maintaining such a vast collection is both impractical and wasteful. Most curly hair types can thrive with just a few key products. A good cleanser, conditioner, leave-in treatment, and styling product can go a long way in keeping your curls happy and healthy. Quality over quantity is the mantra here!

My lineup is really simple: shampoo, conditioner, volumizing foam, gel, spray, and clarifying conditioner. I don’t use these every wash but these are the only products I need.

Read more: Curly Hair Essentials: Top Products and Accessories

2: Long and Complicated Routines

Influencer routines often involve multiple steps and numerous products applied in a specific order. Lots of steps that all do the same thing, like the bowl method, brush styling, finger coiling… so many products and techniques! While it might look impressive, you really don’t need to do all this to have good results.

A simple routine can be just as effective without consuming your entire morning. Try this instead: cleanse your scalp thoroughly, condition your strands well, apply a leave-in conditioner for moisture retention if needed, and finish with a styling product that suits your curl type. Use a brush or finger coil any key areas if you want and either sir dry or diffuse. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a quick yet efficient routine.

Check out my quick and easy routine below ⬇️

3: Weekly Hair Resets

Another trend I’ve seen is the weekly hair reset, where influencers use detox shampoos, scrubs, and multiple deep treatments to refresh their locks. While occasional treatments are beneficial, doing them too frequently, or doing multiple at a time, isn’t necessary.

Instead of weekly resets, aim for a balanced schedule, maybe once or twice every month for clarifying washes or deep conditioning treatments. Over-treating can strip your hair of its natural oils or cause buildup from too many products.

If you have damaged or dry hair, then weekly deep conditioning is fine. But it doesn’t have to be an hours long treatment with multiple products, nor does it have to be a set schedule.

I don’t do these resets, but I do clarify my hair on a weekly basis. I do not use any deep conditioners or treatments ever. This is what works for me.

4: Unrealistic Expectations for Hair Duration

How often have you seen influencers claim their styled curls last perfectly for days on end? I see this all the time! While it sounds amazing, expecting styled hair to remain flawless for more than a few days isn’t realistic for most people. Influencers might refresh their hair regularly for content, but for most, hair naturally loses its shape and shine between washes.

Curly hair naturally changes over time due to factors like humidity and movement during sleep. Embrace this cycle! On day one, enjoy those defined curls; by day three or four, if you’re not ready to wash (you should be, though), rock those relaxed waves or put your hair up in a chic bun.

And while more recently more influencers are sharing their refreshing routines showcasing their before hair, it’s also setting the expectation that you need to refresh if your hair doesn’t look perfect. And refreshing usually it not worth the time, many times making your hair look even worse than before.

My hairstyle usually lasts 2 days. I can maybe stretch it longer if I refresh, but I don’t want to. I’d rather wash my hair and start over.

selfie showing curly hair after using curl refresher

5: The Frizz-Free Misconception

Lastly, there’s the idea that frizz-free hair is the ultimate goal. Thanks to editing tools and filters, influencers often present an image of perfection that’s hard to achieve in real life.

Paired with the media messaging of sleek, frizz free hair, it’s no wonder that’s what most of us are aiming for. But it’s a fruitless battle. You’ll never really have frizz-free hair.

The pursuit of zero frizz is fueled by curated content, but frizz is a natural part of having curly hair. Embracing some level of frizz is part of accepting and loving your natural hair texture.

It’s hard to see the regular frizz I have in my photos and videos, but I do have frizz every day. And I’m ok with that.

You can reduce your frizz, but you’ll still have some. Instead of battling it constantly, find ways to work with it. Use lightweight serums or creams if needed but remember that some frizz adds character and volume to your curls.

Bottom Line

Understanding these common misconceptions can help you approach your curly hair care with confidence and realism. It’s important to remember that influencers often present an idealized version of reality. Your hair doesn’t need to meet these standards to be beautiful or healthy.

5 things curly hair influencers make us thing are normal that aren't

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