Do braids damage hair?

[GinaC]

I was thinking of getting braids while I wait for my hair to grow out. That's not going to hurt my hair, is it? I couldn't think of any reason it would, except the pulling might be bad. My hair is about 3-4" long right now.

I'm going to get some biotin too.



Gina

 

[poetist]

Check out growafrohairlong.com. She has some great techniques of minimizing damage while maximizing growth. basically, the best size braids are about the size of a pencil. Too small and you risk damage. Too large and they become heavy and stress your hair. She also discusses how to moisturize your hair, leanse the scalp and of course, make sure the braids are not too tight.

 

[Everything Zen]

Not if they're done right and you give your hair a break in between wearing them. Some people suggest that you should wear them for no more than 8 weeks to prevent breakage and to retain the most length. I do my own and I have been known to wear them for 4 months straight after putting them in my hair 8 weeks post relaxer. I did this for most of 2006-2007 following the routine of

Relax
Braid (8 weeks post)
Wear braids for 4 months
Take braids out
Relax and trim (1 week later)

Repeat

I stopped because my hairdresser said that doing that cycle again could cause all of my hard work to be cut off but after this cycle I stopped for a while. I can also be honest and say that I wasn't taking any vitamins or eating properly (still working on that one) so that could have contributed to any hair weakness that he saw. I'm going to start wearing them again this winter/spring

Good luck!

 

[cutiebe2]

I love the crown and glory method and braids have been a great tool for growing my hair.
BUT to play devil's advocate..there are some women on the board who said they haven't had great experiences and that no matter what method they use their hair can't take the braids

I say go to www.growafrohairlong.com and try her tecnique for two months..thats the only way to see if braids are right for you