without braids or Locs?
According to Naturallycurly.com:
Many women with Type 4 hair rely on chemical relaxers to make hair easier to control. In its natural states, sometimes Type 4 hair doesn't grow very long because every time you comb it, it breaks. (Of course, if you have dreadlocks and never comb them or keep them braided, your hair can and does grow quite long.)
Then, they add an addendum, with a more accurate description, but it seems as if a lot of naturals actually believe the above description to be very accurate
Here is an personal message I received on youtube after I commented on the offensive portrayl of natural hair:
Um. sorry, God knows, I love ya',but as 'limited', and jarring as the 1st description was, in a way, it's kinda accurate! Hair in it's natural state is the most delicate, and fragile, and more proned to damage, and breakage than other types. In fact breakage is the #1 cause of concern among natural-wearers. Yes, Of Course curly hair can, and does grow to be long, but it goes w/o saying that hair that is less manipulated ie: (braided, locked), will acheive longer lengths!!
What is your opinion?
I agree that our hair is extremely fragile, but with the proper care, it can, and does, grow long without the need for the prolonged wear of braids/Locs.
I rarely wear my hair in protective styles and it's growing just fine. If we care for our hair properly, breakage wouldn't be an issue.