For four months I kept my hair in braids. Box braids to be exact, for two months at a time. Though I started my natural hair journey five years ago, my hair growth has been up and down, and it was all my fault. For one, though I did all the research before I went natural, I didn’t practice a solid haircare routine consistently to maintain my growth. I experienced breakage multiple times due to tight hair braiding, tension and pulling due to styling and not keeping my 4c hair properly moisturized. Basically, being a lazy natural.
There were many times in my blog where I expressed that my number one desire was for hair health versus length. After failing at hair health and realizing that being a lazy natural is not the way to go, I developed and have stuck to a more consistent hair care routine. One of the key components I’ve come to realize that work for me are braids.
First off, thank goodness my sister-in-law decided to learn how to do braids. She already has crochet braids on lock. I became her very willing guinea pig as she learned how to install box braids, and she does a great job. More importantly, she doesn’t braid tightly. So many braiders believe that tight equals neatness and longevity of the style. That is not true. I’m proof of it. With my sister-in-law braiding my hair, it has been growing faster than it ever has since I’ve been natural. The shedding I experience after taking them down is normal, and I’m determined to maintain my length.
Don’t listen to the critics who claim that we can grow our natural hair and maintain it’s length without the use of protective styles. We all have to do what works for us individually. No two heads of hair are alike, and there is nothing wrong with the use of wigs, weaves, extensions or braids as long as they are being used in healthy ways. It is important to let your hair breathe, which I am currently doing since taking my braids out a few days ago.
Peep the pics I’ve included, and please forgive me for looking quite busted in the natural hair pics! This was a spur of the moment post and I didn’t want to post this without photos of where my hair is without being blown out or straightened at the moment. Also, before I got my braids I had cut several inches off of my hair due to breakage, and my hair has grown back even more in those problem areas! #Progress
Going Back to my Natural Roots 