Curl Myths We Hear All the Time (and What Actually Works)
Curly hair comes with a lot of advice, and not all of it is helpful. In fact, many of the “rules” people follow are based on outdated information or routines that don’t take into account hair type, lifestyle, or climate.
In the salon, we hear the same myths all the time. So let’s clear a few things up and talk about what actually works, especially here in Bendigo’s dry conditions.
Myth 1: “Curly hair needs heavy oils to stay moisturised”
What actually works:
Curly hair needs water-based hydration, not heavy oils.
Oil and water don’t mix. While oils can make the hair feel soft initially, they create a barrier that makes it harder for moisture to get into the hair over time. This can lead to dryness, buildup, and curls that feel coated or heavy.
Your scalp naturally produces its own oil (sebum), which helps protect the hair. When we overload the hair with additional oils (especially without cleansing properly) it can disrupt that balance and make the hair harder to manage.
Instead, focus on:
Hydrating, water-based products
Leave-ins and curl creams suited to your hair type
Cleansing routines that support a healthy scalp
Myth 2: “The more moisture, the better”
What actually works:
It’s about the right balance and the right weight.
One of the most common things we see (especially with fine hair) is overloading the hair with heavy products. Fine or low-density hair simply can’t hold the weight of rich butters or oils.
This can leave curls:
Flat
Stringy
Hard to define
Instead:
Choose lighter products if your hair is fine
Build your routine gradually
Focus on structure and definition, not just moisture
Myth 3: “Curly hair shouldn’t be cut often”
What actually works:
Curly hair still needs regular cutting, just not too often.
We generally recommend every 4–6 months for hair health, depending on your hair and goals.
Unlike straight hair, curls can start to compact internally and lose their shape before you even see split ends. If you’re noticing snagging on the ends, that’s usually a sign you’re due for a trim.
That said, overcutting can work against you. Because of shrinkage, cutting too frequently can mean you’re removing length as fast as it grows which can make it feel like your hair isn’t progressing.
Also keep in mind:
Shorter styles may need more frequent maintenance to hold their shape
Longer styles can often go longer between cuts
It’s about finding the balance between maintaining shape and allowing growth.
Myth 4: “Diffusing causes heat damage”
What actually works:
Diffusing is one of the safest ways to dry curls when done correctly.
For best results:
Use medium to high heat with low airflow
Avoid blasting the hair (this separates curl clumps)
Think low and slow
Aim to dry around 70–80%, not completely
Curls dry best when they stay grouped together — we often say strength in numbers.
Myth 5: “Hot or cold water will fix your hair”
What actually works:
Water temperature plays a role, but it’s not the whole story.
Cool water can help smooth the hair slightly
Very hot water can dry out the scalp and impact colour longevity
A healthy scalp supports strong, healthy hair growth, so it’s worth keeping your water temperature moderate rather than extreme.
Myth 6: “More product = better curls”
What actually works:
Using more product often leads to buildup, not better results.
Too much product can:
Weigh curls down
Reduce volume
Create a coated or sticky feel
Interfere with curl formation
It’s less about quantity, and more about:
Using the right product
In the right amount
Applied the right way
Myth 7: “Frizz means your routine isn’t working”
What actually works:
Frizz is not a failure, it’s your hair responding to its environment.
What actually causes frizz?
1. Moisture imbalance (the biggest factor)
Hair is constantly reacting to water in the air:
In dry climates (like Bendigo) → hair loses moisture → expands → frizz
In humid conditions → hair absorbs moisture → swells → frizz
Frizz is often your hair trying to rebalance itself.
2. Disrupted curl clumps
Curls naturally want to group together.
Frizz increases when that grouping is broken by:
Rough towel drying
Brushing dry hair
Touching hair while it’s drying
High airflow when diffusing
Less clumping = more frizz.
3. Cuticle condition
The outer layer of the hair affects how smooth it looks and feels.
Rough or raised cuticle → more friction → more frizz
Smoother cuticle → more shine → less visible frizz
This is influenced by how the hair is treated, products used, and overall hair health.
4. Hair type and natural texture
Some hair is simply more prone to frizz.
Fine hair → frizz shows more easily
Curly/coily hair → more surface area = more opportunity for frizz
New growth (“baby hairs”) → will always create some frizz
Not all frizz is something that needs to be “fixed”.
5. Product mismatch
Using the wrong products can create more frizz, not less.
Too heavy → curls separate and drop
Too light → no hold → fluffy results
Too much → coated, undefined hair
It’s about the right product, not more product.
✨ A Helpful Mindset Shift
Frizz doesn’t mean your hair is doing something wrong.
A small amount of frizz often means:
Your hair has movement
Your curls aren’t overloaded
Your result is soft and natural
Trying to eliminate all frizz often leads to:
Heavy, greasy curls
Flat shape
Lack of volume
The goal isn’t “no frizz”.
It’s:
Controlled frizz
Intentional texture
Soft, defined curls with movement
💛 So What Really Works?
Healthy curls usually come back to a few key things:
Hydration from water-based products
Choosing the right weight for your hair type
Supporting natural curl clumping
Gentle drying techniques
A balanced cutting schedule
Looking after your scalp as well as your hair
✨ Need Help Figuring Out Your Curl Routine?
Curly hair isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it can take time to understand what your hair needs.
At Mikaela Jane Hair, we work with curls every day and love helping clients simplify their routine, choose the right products, and feel confident managing their hair at home.
If you’re feeling unsure where to start, we’re always here to help.
👉 Book a curl-friendly appointment here
👉 Or reach out via our contact page