By De’Vonna Pittman, Founder & CEO of Nature’s Syrup Beauty
For as long as I can remember, women with textured and curly hair have heard the same line: “Our hair just doesn’t grow.”
We’ve invested in “miracle” products that overpromise, sat through hours of protective styling, and wrestled with routines that left us frustrated when the length never seemed to come.
I call this cycle the Curly Hair Crisis, a lived experience of disappointment, breakage, and distrust.
But here’s the truth: our hair does grow. What many of us face isn’t a growth problem- it’s a retention and health problem. And once you understand that, your natural hair journey transforms.
Why the Curly Hair Crisis Exists
There are three major reasons textured hair struggles with visible growth:
1. We’ve been misinformed.
Generations of myths like “cutting hair makes it grow faster” or “grease alone keeps it healthy”—left us confused and misled.
2. We’ve been given the wrong products.
Harsh relaxers, sulfates, and petroleum-based formulas stripped away moisture and strength. Many so-called “natural hair growth products” were never designed for textured hair in the first place.
3. We’ve carried cultural pressure.
For too long, our curls, kinks, and coils were deemed “unprofessional” or “unmanageable.” Instead of learning how to grow natural hair and care for it, we were taught to hide it. That shame fueled the crisis.
The Science of Curly Hair Growth
Here’s the science: hair grows, on average, half an inch per month, whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, or kinky.
So why does it look like textured hair doesn’t grow? Because each bend in a curl is a weak point. Without consistent moisture, strengthening, and gentle handling, breakage outpaces growth.
That means your hair is growing, it’s just not being retained.
How to Grow and Retain Textured Hair
Ending the curly hair crisis requires consistent, holistic care rather than chasing quick fixes. Here’s what works:
Start with the scalp. Healthy hair begins with a clean, nourished scalp. Use clarifying shampoos, gentle exfoliation, and scalp oils to support follicles.
Moisturize consistently. Hydrated curls thrive; dry curls snap. Use water-based products followed by rich butters and oils to lock in moisture.
Strengthen naturally. Ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, and essential oils are some of the best natural remedies for hair growth.
Be gentle with styling. Protective styles are only protective when the hair underneath is moisturized and cared for. Avoid tight, neglectful styles that cause breakage.
Wearing Your Crown
This isn’t just about hair—it’s about identity. The curly hair crisis is also a cultural issue. Too many of us grew up disliking the hair that naturally grows from our scalp.
The shift begins when we embrace our natural curls, coils, and kinks. When we understand that healthy hair care for Black women (and anyone with textured hair) isn’t about fixing our strands—it’s about feeding them, protecting them, and celebrating them.
Your hair is not a problem. It’s your crown.
From Kitchen Scientist to Beauty CEO
When I first began mixing oils and butters in my kitchen, I wasn’t thinking about building a company. I was thinking about survival—finding solutions for myself and others who had lost faith in our natural hair.
Those kitchen experiments became the foundation of Nature’s Syrup Beauty, a plant-powered beauty brand committed to ending the Curly Hair Crisis with potent, science-driven solutions designed for textured hair growth and retention.
Because at the end of the day, your growth journey starts with knowledge, continues with consistent care, and thrives when you wear your crown with confidence.
✨ Your hair is growing. Now it’s time to see it, protect it, and believe it.
Ready to start your own growth journey? Explore our plant-powered, curl-loving products today:
Shop online: naturessyrup.com
Find us in-store: at select Hy-Vee Minnesota locations (Robbinsdale & Brooklyn Park)
Also available on Macy’s Marketplace and Walmart.com
Your crown deserves nothing less.