Protective styling preferences: Braids or Weaves?

Protective styling preferences:

 Braids    OR    Weaves ?

Remy Hair

 Continuing on the issue of protective styling, many women are now choosing to wear weaves rather than braids. Weaves, if installed properly can have a very realistic look and provides more styling choices. Some will also argue that weaves have a more professional look and is more fitting for the workplace. This last statement is debatable and is perhaps more of an issue where cultural issues exist.

However my focus for this post is primarily on the issue of which styling choice is best as a protective style.

Braids are lovely especially within the first 2- 3 weeks after its instillation. But once the roots begin to grow out to the point where it becomes obvious, the style loses its appeal.  For this reason I think that weaves have more longevity. I also believe that weaves provides more styling choices if done properly. Because the weave is stitched to a base it is easier to conceal the growing roots. For this reason weaves can be kept in for longer periods of time.

As it relates to the care of the natural hair underneath the braid, it is easier to get to the roots of the hair when that hair is braided in order to apply oils to the scalp and so forth. This task tends to be harder with a weave that is stitched to the head. This can be achieved though, through with the use of spray bottles to apply concoctions to the hair while the weave is still attached.

My personal choice is weaves.

Remy Hair 

 I just love a good weave because I cannot go for a long period without combing hair.  Whether it’s my real hair or a weave I love to pass the comb through hair, the braids restrict me in this regard. I also love the weave because it allows me to take more risk with my hair styles that I wouldn't do with my natural hair such as the use of direct heat more often, using curling irons, crimping irons, blow dryers without the worry of not using a heat protectant. However, in spite of this I do not like the fact that I cannot give my scalp a good massage when I get my weave washed. I always think that my hair doesn't get a good clean whenever I wash it with the weave in.

Of course the quality of the hair used for your weave will determine whether or not you enjoy your weave. Some hair types matt so easily that it stresses the process more than is necessary. The best choice for me is Remy hair. It’s expensive but long lasting.

Remember that as good as the weave looks its purpose is defeated if your natural hair underneath is not being nourished and protected. The purpose of this style is to ensure that your natural hair is rested, free of manipulation and is given a chance to rest and grow and be healthy.

I always use hair that matches closely to my natural hair color type and texture that way it suits my face and complexion. That’s my view. What’s yours?

Until next time, happy hair growing!!

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.