Braiding as a protective style: Twists, Plaits or Corn -Rows?

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     Braiding as a protective style: 

                 Which to choose?

Single plaits, Single Twists or Corn-Rows

One way of stretching or relaxer or just giving our hair a “break” is by using braids. These braids are usually made of synthetic fiber.  But are all braids created equal?

I have done all three types of braids over the years and I will rank these techniques in my order of preference.

Third: Single Twists/ Rope Twists.

Wow these look so beautiful when finished. When this style just came in I just really wanted to have it in my hair. It had this unique non-traditional flair to it and it looked far more elegant than the traditional plaits.  But when I got them installed and realized how damaging it is to my hair I was shocked. The constant twisting in opposite directions and very tightly at the roots was not my idea of a healthy hair style. Unless your hair is strong from roots to ends I do not recommend this style as a means of giving your hair a well needed rest.  Also if this style is washed while installed and has to be rocked back and forth on the pivots of the hair roots, the hair just plucks out of the root one by one. Ever noticed those white bulbs at the root of your braids? Well while some may be as a result of natural shedding the majority is as a result of tight braiding, and the fact that too much braid is being anchored on just a few strands of your natural hair.

Second: Single plaits.

While these braids may not be as attractive as the twists they can be gentler on the hair at instillation provided that it is not installed too tightly at the roots. The same issue of washing and day to day styling also causes strands to pull out from the root. But I prefer this method because it is gentler on the hair at instillation.

NUMBER 1!!!!

Without a doubt my favorite protective braiding style is corm rows. This style is both gentle on the hair as well as does not usually have that pivoting movement at the roots when styling because it is laid flat on the scalp. Also braiding is usually set in one style that can be kept in place with very little manipulation. Thus it truly allows your hair to be tucked away undisturbed for a period of time thus really giving your natural hair a rest.

Caution: As with any braided style consider the braid as a parasite which sucks your natural strands of its moisture and oils. When your hair is stripped of these essential components it will break. And this defeats the purpose of the process. Hence whenever you wear braids always spray with a leave in, so as to keep your hair underneath moisturised and nurtured during the process. Also, braids when installed too tight can cause breakage at the hair lines and this causes the hair line to recede. So do not choose this style styles too often. Nurture your edges with castor oil constantly to keep them thick and nice.

Until next time, happy hair growing.