Curl Science checks popular hair advice against the research, one question at a time. Does rice water help your hair grow? Does the porosity float test work? Why does your hair keep breaking no matter what you do? Each weekly episode runs about six minutes, covers every curl type from 2A to 4C, and ends with what you’ll want to try on your next wash day. The show comes from Kenneth and Kira Byrd, the husband-and-wife team who have run Curl Centric since 2008. Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice.
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
If your curls feel stiff after a protein treatment, protein is one possible reason, but buildup, dryness, and damage can feel similar. We'll explain what protein treatments do to your hair, whether protein overload is a scientifically defined condition, and how to tell what your hair may need without breaking a single strand.
Our free Protein and Moisture Check, in our protein treatment guide: https://www.curlcentric.com/protein-treatment-for-natural-hair/
Sources:
Malinauskyte E et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43(1):26-37. PMID 32946595
Fernandes C et al. Polymers. 2023;15(3):608. PMID 36771909
Draelos ZD. Int J Trichology. 2010;2(1):24-29. PMID 21188020
Gavazzoni Dias MF. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. PMID 25878443
Silva AL, Nunes AS, Gesztesi JL. J Cosmet Sci. 2004;55 Suppl:S175-9. PMID 15645094
França-Stefoni SA et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(3):204-8. PMID 26177865
Santos Nogueira AC, Joekes I. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2004;74(2-3):109-17. PMID 15157906
Malinauskyte E et al. Biopolymers. 2020;111(11):e23401. PMID 32926408
Rele AS, Mohile RB. J Cosmet Sci. 2003;54(2):175-92. PMID 12715094
Di Foggia M et al. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;167:620-632. PMID 33279560
Khumalo NP, Dawber RP, Ferguson DJ. Exp Dermatol. 2005;14(4):311-4. PMID 15810890
Yu Y, Yang W, Meyers MA. Acta Biomater. 2017;64:15-28. PMID 28919511
Lazarus BS et al. iScience. 2021;24(8):102798. PMID 34355149
2 Nov 2026
What Does Low or High Porosity Hair Actually Need?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
High porosity often reflects damage that has built up over time, and low porosity usually doesn't. We explain what the two mean, how to tell where your hair may sit, and what each one really needs.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/hair-porosity/
Our free hair porosity quiz: https://www.curlcentric.com/hair-porosity-test/
28 Oct 2026
Do You Need a Clarifying Shampoo?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
If your curls feel coated or look dull, buildup may be why. We'll explain what a clarifying shampoo does, how often to use it, what hard water has to do with it, and when it can leave your hair feeling worse.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/how-to-clarify-curly-hair/
Our free wash day builder: https://www.curlcentric.com/wash-day-routine/
20 Oct 2026
How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
Curly and coily hair can usually go longer between washes than straight hair, but your scalp can't wait forever. We explain both sides and how to find a wash schedule that works for your hair.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair/
Our free wash day builder: https://www.curlcentric.com/wash-day-routine/
13 Oct 2026
What Does Your Hair Type Actually Tell You?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
The 1A to 4C chart started with a stylist's book, not a lab. We explain how to read it, what it can't tell you about your hair, and what to check instead when you choose products.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/hair-typing-system/
Our hair porosity quiz: https://www.curlcentric.com/hair-porosity-test/
8 Oct 2026
How Do You Get Rid of Dandruff?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
Dandruff isn't just a dry scalp, and the oil you add may be feeding it. We explain what causes it, how to use a dandruff shampoo when you only wash once a week, and when flakes need a doctor instead.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/why-do-i-still-have-dandruff-after-washing-my-hair/
3 Oct 2026
Does Biotin Really Help Hair Grow?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
Biotin helps your hair when you're actually low in it, and that's rare. We go through what the research tested, what's in the bottle, and why high doses can throw off your blood tests.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/biotin-for-hair-growth/
One-page printable of biotin's daily amounts by age and life stage: https://www.curlcentric.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/curl-centric-biotin-intake-levels.pdf
27 Sept 2026
Does Castor Oil Make Hair Grow?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
We followed the castor oil claim back to where it started. Then we tell you what castor oil has actually been shown to do for your hair.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/using-castor-oil-natural-hair-growth/
27 Sept 2026
Does Rosemary Oil Really Grow Hair?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
The main study behind rosemary oil was done on 100 men with pattern hair loss, and it never measured length. We explain what it can and can't tell you about your hair.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/rosemary-oil-for-natural-hair/
27 Sept 2026
Why Does My Hair Keep Breaking?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
Curly hair is not weak hair. We go through what dermatologists found when they looked for a weakness, and the everyday habits that cause most breakage.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/hair-breakage/
27 Sept 2026
Does Rice Water Really Help Hair Grow?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
The rice extract researchers tested is not the rice water in your jar. We explain the difference, and show you how to test rice water on your own hair over eight weeks.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/rice-water-for-hair/
27 Sept 2026
Does the Hair Porosity Float Test Work?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
A strand in a glass of water can't tell you your porosity. We explain why, and what your wash day can tell you instead.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/hair-porosity/
27 Sept 2026
How Fast Does Hair Grow?
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
Half an inch a month is one of two answers from the same study. We walk you through both numbers, whose hair each one came from, and what they mean for your length.
The full guide, with every source: https://www.curlcentric.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-hair-to-grow/
27 Sept 2026
Curl Science Trailer
Researched and written by Curl Centric. Read by an AI voice. Sources are listed below.
Curl Science checks one piece of curly hair advice a week against the research, in about six minutes, for every curl type from 2A to 4C.
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