Most women for centuries have been obsessed with growing long hair and many women just want strong healthy hair. For African American women, it can be a little harder to retain growth. Our hair can easily get dry causing breakage. Protective hairstyles provide protection, and with the right amount of moisture, can stimulate hair growth. Here are 3 hairstyles that have kept my hair protected and has helped me retain hair growth.
1. Box Braids
Photo Credit: Huffington Post
Box braids isn't just a trendy hairstyle but it's also a protective style too. Box braids are usually braided with some type of hair weave which allows you limited access to your own hair. This can be very beneficial for people who are constantly experimenting with their hair and want to give it a break. My experience with box braids were awesome. They are extremely versatile, being that they are individual braids, and allows you to rock pretty much any kind of style you want from a high ponytail to a French braid.
2. Twist Outs/Braid Outs
Photo Credit: Glamour Magazine
Twist and braid outs are usually the first thing that ladies who go natural want to experience. However, most twist outs can be achieved with or without natural hair. I was very optimistic about twist and braid outs when I first went natural and I still am. This hairstyle is an alternative to putting heat on your hair and can last for weeks. My favorite twist/braid out hairstyle is the Bantu knots. Bantu knots are cute when you have them twisted up or when you untwist them. The actual Bantu knots were a trendy hairstyle back in the 90s and are slowly making a comeback.
3. Wigs
Wigs have been prevalent for centuries and are nothing new. However, wigs have become a huge staple in the African American hair community. Wigs, similarly to box braids, help to limit access to your natural hair. They allow you to achieve any hair style and hair color without excessive manipulation to your actaul hair. You can easily take your wig off whenever you want, unlike sew-ins. You also don't have to worry about a needle going through your hair which can cause damage.
-J. Marie