With so many misleading preconceptions out there, it’s easy to make mistakes when caring for textured hair types.
Jessica Parrish, founder of specialist textured haircare brand, Shedid & Parrish debunks some common myths…
Myth 1: Textured Hair is Stronger Than European Hair
While textured hair might look thick and robust, the bends and twists in the hair strands actually make them more prone to breakage. This quality means gentle handling is essential, particularly if the hair is dehydrated. To protect textured hair, Jessica recommends gentle detangling, moisturising regularly, and avoiding excessive heat styling.
Hero Product: Perfect for nourishing and protecting every curl type, Shedid & Parrish Afro Butter can be used as a deeply hydrating treatment to help combat breakage.
Myth 2: Textured Hair Doesn’t Grow as Fast as Other Hair Types
All hair types grow at around 1cm per month. The myth that textured hair grows slower comes back to its tendency to break more easily. Ensuring hair and scalp are healthy and hydrated, along with a gentle approach to styling, will help avoid follicles snapping and result in longer, fuller hair.
Hero products: Shedid & Parrish Curl Styler not only defines curls, but it also nourishes the hair for ongoing protection from breakage. Silky Leave-In Conditioner gives a smooth, silky finish while also repairing, strengthening and nourishing hair.
Myth 3: Washing Textured Hair Too Often is Bad
Textured hair needs washing like any other hair type to avoid product build-up and damage from pollutants. Washing regularly with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo can help keep the scalp and hair clean without stripping away natural oils. Focus on using nourishing, moisture-boosting products to keep strands healthy and hydrated.
Hero product: Shedid & Parrish Deep Cleansing Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp without stripping away essential oils.
Myth 4: Textured Hair Doesn’t Need Conditioning
Textured hair needs conditioning more than any other hair type due to its natural dryness. The curl of the hair strands makes it harder to distribute oil along its full length, leading to drier, more fragile ends. Conditioning should be part of every textured hair routine. The more moisture, the better.
Hero product: Ideal for regular use, Shedid & Parrish Deep Restoring Conditioner repairs, strengthens, and nourishes hair, whether it needs a lightweight moisture boost or a deeper, restorative mask treatment.
Myth 5: Textured Hair Can Handle More Heat
Textured hair is often more sensitive to heat than straighter hair types. High temperatures can lead to dryness, brittleness, and permanent heat damage, affecting curl pattern and overall health. If you must use heat, keep it gentle and use it sparingly.
Hero product: Shedid & Parrish Curl Control Serum repairs, strengthens and protects hair, while delivering unbeatable styling performance.
For more information, head to shedidandparrish.co.uk.