3 Misconceptions You Still Have About Curly Hair - EP 51
When it comes to curls there is a lot of misinformation, and this week we are setting the record straight. Natalie and Sadie, cosmetic formulation chemists are covering the 3 main misconceptions when it comes to curly hair, and explaining why you might not be treating your hair right. We break down why curl type is a weak predictor of what your hair actually needs, why “wash less” is not universal, and why products do not magically change your curl pattern.
Starting with the origins of curl typing, including its uncomfortable ties to racial classification and the later Andre Walker system that still dominates online charts today. We show why two people with the same curl label can need completely different routines depending on porosity, elasticity, thickness, product load, and how much manipulation their hair gets.
This week we learn:
Why curl typing can be useful for estimating shrinkage and gel-cast behavior, but not for choosing products
Why scalp oil, sweat, climate, and product buildup matter more than curl pattern when deciding wash frequency
How hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds actually shape what your hair does—and what heat, bleaching, and chemical services can permanently change
Why wet styling, gentle handling, and the right level of hold can enhance your natural pattern without “creating” new curls
We also get into the wavy-versus-curly debate, the fear around brushing dry hair, and the beauty-industry habit of turning pseudoscience into product advice. If you’ve ever been told your hair routine “has” to be done a certain way because of your curl type, this episode gives you permission to stop following rules that do not fit your hair.
Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start.
Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!
(801) 901-3804
Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources.
Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!
@beautyxbeaker
@natbxb
@sadiebxb
Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com
Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.
More description
When it comes to curls there is a lot of misinformation, and this week we are setting the record straight. Natalie and Sadie, cosmetic formulation chemists are covering the 3 main misconceptions when it comes to curly hair, and explaining why you might not be treating your hair right. We break down why curl type is a weak predictor of what your hair actually needs, why “wash less” is not universal, and why products do not magically change your curl pattern.
Starting with the origins of curl typing, including its uncomfortable ties to racial classification and the later Andre Walker system that still dominates online charts today. We show why two people with the same curl label can need completely different routines depending on porosity, elasticity, thickness, product load, and how much manipulation their hair gets.
This week we learn:
Why curl typing can be useful for estimating shrinkage and gel-cast behavior, but not for choosing products
Why scalp oil, sweat, climate, and product buildup matter more than curl pattern when deciding wash frequency
How hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds actually shape what your hair does—and what heat, bleaching, and chemical services can permanently change
Why wet styling, gentle handling, and the right level of hold can enhance your natural pattern without “creating” new curls
We also get into the wavy-versus-curly debate, the fear around brushing dry hair, and the beauty-industry habit of turning pseudoscience into product advice. If you’ve ever been told your hair routine “has” to be done a certain way because of your curl type, this episode gives you permission to stop following rules that do not fit your hair.
Welcome to Beauty by the Beaker, the podcast where Sciences Gets a Hot New Makeover! We're two cosmetic chemists who want to reveal what really goes into your favorite products. Join us in the Science Salon! Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a curious consumer, or just tired of being told coconut oil cures everything, you’re in the right place. Let's gossip about all things beauty together! Pull up a chair, your appointment's about to start.
Questions About Your Cosmetics? Call NOW!
(801) 901-3804
Visit our website to read more about this episode and check out our blog post with more sources.
Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube!
@beautyxbeaker
@natbxb
@sadiebxb
Contact us at info@beautyxbeaker.com
Special thanks to Flip Twogood for our photos and music and Hailey Romero for our branding.
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