Natural hair isn’t complicated, the myths surrounding it are. For years, Black women have had to navigate a world of misinformation, texture discrimination, and unsolicited advice all while learning to embrace their crowns in their purest form. But in 2025, we’re done romanticizing struggle and glorifying confusion.

To break things down, Glazia sat with a passionate natural hair advocate, Pamela Morakinyo, whose platform has helped thousands redefine their relationship with their hair. What follows is not just myth-busting, it’s a joyful reclamation of knowledge, beauty, and pride in our natural textures.

What are some common myths or misconceptions about natural hair that you’ve encountered?

Two of the most exhausting myths I’ve had to confront are that natural hair can’t grow long and that softness isn’t in our texture’s vocabulary. These myths have lingered like bad advice passed down through generations.

How do you think societal beauty standards contribute to the myths, and what can be done to challenge these standards?

For so long, society has labeled our hair as unprofessional or juvenile, as though our curls and coils need to be tamed, hidden, or ‘fixed’ beneath wigs and extensions to be taken seriously. If every woman wore their natural hair out confidently and unapologetically, she wouldn’t only be making a style choice but educating more women that our hair is beautiful the way it is.

What’s the most damaging myth about natural hair that you’ve seen, and how has it impacted your natural hair journey?

The most damaging myth I’ve encountered is the idea that our natural hair can’t grow long. It sounds simple, even harmless to some, but for me it was a belief that quietly shaped my self-image for years. I internalized that myth for so long. I genuinely believed my hair had a limit, that it just wasn’t meant to thrive beyond a certain length.

It took unlearning, experimentation, and a complete mindset shift to realize that the problem was never my hair, it was the misinformation wrapped around it. The truth is, our hair grows and flourishes beautifully. It just needs understanding, patience, and care.

How do you promote self-acceptance and self-love among individuals with natural hair, particularly in the face of societal pressure?

Tune out the noise. Let go of the pressure to conform. Instead, surround yourself with women who wear their natural hair like a crown. Because, in the right company, you don’t just learn how to care for your hair, you learn how to celebrate it.

What role do you think social media and influencers play in shaping perceptions of natural hair, and how can they be used to promote positive change?

Social media and influencers play a huge role in shaping the perception of our natural hair. Seeing natural hair influencers show and share their hair journey, how they take care of their hair and how they style goes a long way to show that our hair can grow and be styled on its own beautifully.

What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling with internalized negative perceptions of their natural hair, and how can they work towards self-acceptance?

To anyone struggling with how they see their natural hair, the first thing I’d say is — start with grace. Set realistic expectations. Learn your texture, not someone else’s. There’s power in understanding what your hair can do and patience in learning how to care for it without frustration. Natural hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. You can also follow a community of people with similar textures online and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your crown deserves both curiosity and compassion.

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If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their natural hair journey, what would it be?

Your hair journey is yours alone. Do not compare or set unrealistic goals for your hair.

What’s the most empowering thing you’ve learned about your natural hair, and how has it impacted your life?

I have learnt that my hair is a reflection of self love and discipline. Growing and caring for my hair has made me pay more attention to my health because your hair tells a story of what is going on inside you.

If you could create a natural hair awareness campaign, what would it focus on, and why?

My natural hair campaign would center around one powerful truth; knowledge is liberation. The focus would be on hair education, texture appreciation, and the unapologetic dismantling of outdated beauty standards. So many women are taught to tolerate their hair, not love it.

But when you truly understand the hair that grows from your scalp, its texture and needs, you begin to honor it. And from that place of confidence, you start to break every stereotype that says your beauty must be edited to be accepted. Once a woman fully embraces her natural crown, the world has no choice but to do the same.

What’s one thing you wish people understood about natural hair that they currently don’t?

I hope people will understand that our hair type is unique and beautiful. We are the only people on earth with this hair type which makes us unique.

As Pamela reminds us, “There’s no such thing as ‘difficult hair’ only misunderstood hair.” And that’s the truth. In this new era, we’re trading old-school myths for intentional care and real education. So whether you’re newly natural or a seasoned curl-veteran, know this: your hair is valid, beautiful, and worthy of ease.

Pamela Morakinyo is a natural hair coach who is passionate about helping women with type 4 hair fall in love with their hair and help mothers learn how to care for their children’s hair. She is also the founder of the Ejmore hair care brand.