Lady T's Blog: PROTECTIVE HAIR STYLES

Every ones been asking.....what are some protective hair styles I can wear while I'm growing my hair out and what are the benefits of it?

Well a few styles that can be worn are: Crochet Braid's, Box Braid's, Kinky twist, flat twists, sew-in weaves , Bonded weave installments, and Wig installments. Below are some pictures of a few of the hair styles. Now, how can they benefit you? Well first off, they can be worn for months at time if done properly, they can be worn in a variety of ways, your hair stays moisturized longer, it prevents breakage, tangles, and it cuts down on the time you spend manipulating your hair. Although some of these hair styles can be a little costly, it is well worth keeping the hair on your head and retaining your length. Keep reading below............

Faux Locks ( done using the Crochet method of installment)

Wig Installment

THE PROS AND CONS OF WEARING A WEAVE

Pros:

Less Manipulation: This is one of the ultimate pros of wearing a weave. Manipulation of your natural tresses is drastically reduced which can guarantee retaining more length.

Easier Transitioning: Though short hair is extremely beautiful and sexy as hell. For women who do not consider transitioning as an option, the Big Chop can be a scary plunge if one prefers longer lengths or is use to a certain look. True confidence comes from within but a weave can provide an easier transitioning period for a woman who may be debating on eliminating straightening chemicals and going through with the Big Chop.

More Time Management: Unlike myself, let’s face it, not everyone is completely satisfied with only manipulating their hair once a week. Many naturals want more variety during the week concerning hairstyles. Weaves can provide constant manipulation without the stress on your tresses. Weaves also provide a great option for a highly active lifestyle.

Assists in Patience of Growth: Weaves can assist in patience of growing your natural hair since your focus is taken away because daily contact with your natural hair is now eliminated which can control your urges in grabbing that measuring tape every 5 seconds to progress new growth.

Protection from the Elements: Your weave has now become the cloak of protection for your hair, automatically resistant from harsh elements such as weather, too much sun exposure, and materials from clothing that can cause friction to natural strands. If wearing 100% human hair you now have the freedom to use heat based appliances without fear of damage to your natural strands.

Change: Cut and color with ease. Experimenting with color and cut while wearing a weave is a safe and easy way to play around with different looks.

Cons:

Temporary or Permanent Traction Alopecia: This is not to be taken lightly. Traction Alopecia is a form of alopecia or moderate hair loss caused by a self -induced pulling force or action usually caused by too tight braids, twists or styles, pony tails, weaves and extensions. Traction Alopecia is one of the most common examples of hair lost among African American women.

Hair Care Neglect: Neglecting of natural hair especially washing while sporting a weave can be a very easy mistake to make since your focus is on hair that is not your own. Extreme dryness of hair and scalp is one of the biggest and most common factors of natural hair while wearing a weave which can lead to breakage. Also lack of weave maintenance can cause odor and molding due to lack of regular air circulation and moisture that will accumulate within the weave creating an easier playground for fungus to grow and induce excessive shedding.

Constant upkeep: Even though I previously mentioned less manipulation with your natural hair as a pro while wearing a weave, there is a flipside of that coin in the constant upkeep of the weave itself. Since your hair is constantly growing about ½ an inch a month, weaves require consistent maintenance. Too much tension on new growth increases your chances of traction alopecia. Professionals suggest no more then 6-12 weeks. I followed a consistent schedule of every 8 weeks.

Budget: To put it in lament terms, weaves ain’t cheap! Unless you know how to apply your own weave, constant upkeep means constant expenses. If you are thinking about a weave calculate the figures for a year and see if it is an investment you are able to afford, if not this can cause problems with upkeep that in the future could cause irreparable damage to your natural hair.