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Is Box Braids Good For Hair Growth?

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Look at the ingredients in your hair products

The hair grease attracts dirt and the best way to grow natural hairis to keep the hair and scalp clean.

Moisturizing should not cause build-up and the hair is healthier. It is recommended to avoid excessive use of hair grease.

One area that seems to be neglected when trying to grow hair and that is the necessary benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

Having a good diet, eating habits including taking vitamins or supplements will allow your hair to grow faster.

Many ingredients in black hair care products as in the case of sodium lauryl sulfate it can be too drying for african american hair.

As you are probably aware if you use hair oil petrolatum that is found in mineral jelly or petroleum jelly to your scalp it will clog your pores making it hard to grow your hair long.

The reason these ingredients are used is because they are cheap and give a shine to the hair, which can be hard to achieve on natural or relaxed hair.

Box Braiding Method
See all 3 photos

Choosing the right braid hairstyle

Micro braids and tree braids are popular hair braiding styles because it keeps the hair styled during the summer months as one works out at the gym or goes swimming.

The easy hair care techniques allows the wearer to keep the hair braided for months at a time.

The downside of havingmicro braids is that it puts alot of stress on the hair and causes hairloss along the hairline.

Many times the individual braids are so small in size that they require the hair to be put into a knot to keep them tight and last longer.

Celebrity Braid Hairstyle Pictures

brandy micro braids hairstyles
brandy micro braids hairstyles

Braids for Hair Growth

Natural hair grows anyway no matter if you get hair braids or not. The key is to find a style that will fit your schedule.

Personal preference will also determine if tree braids, micro braids or box braids will be something that you like to wear.

As the hair begins to grow out the new growth will pull on the braids causing breakage, then by the time the braids are taken down in a few months the hair that was attached to the braid falls out.

So getting micro braids could cause too much damage and tree braids could be a better option.

Avoid breakage and dry hair

Part of the problem with breakage from dry hair is the use of grease and oils on the scalp while the hair is in these types of styles.

Most braid wearers will keep them in for months at a time so their is little upkeep just the need to keep the braids clean by using a mild shampoo and moisturizer.

If you are transitioning from relaxed hair it could be the best way to allow for the new growth after a few months have the braids removed, trim your ends and then re-braid the hair again.

Some women who have kinky curly hair have noticed that the braids will keep their hair stretched out and the reduced hair shrinkage can actually help the hair follicles.

Hair Loss from Weaving

A study was done that showed that braids and hair weaving causes balding in black women.

Apparently the techniques used to keep the hair unit in place such as thread, glue or tape can pull on the natural hair removing it from the scalp when the hair piece is taken out.

The hairline will grow back but it will take time also with the help of essential oils can make a big difference if massaged into the balding area.

If you decide to use hair braiding for hair growth be careful and try to protect your natural hair and don't sacrifice it for the latest trendy hairstyles.

Alicia Keys Cornrows Braids
Alicia Keys Cornrows Braids

How do Tree Braids work?

They are also known as invisible braiding method that puts your natural hair in cornrows or mini braids that are then covered with hair extensions or pinch braids. It is another form of having a hair weave without the pain of hair glue.

The braids will crossover from each other and the hair that is being added to make the braids can be pulled through to create a long flowing straight or wavy hairstyle.

Professional stylist have the years of experience to use a wavy hair extension to hide the cornrow pattern underneath.

Logically having your hair in braids for 2 or 3 months will allow it to rest and reduce damage from heat and chemicals.

You can read more about the braiding method at the hub entitled: Tree Braids for African American Hair.

How to make a box braid video

How do Box Braids work?

Most braided hairstyles utilize natural hair and box braids uses synthetic hair instead and the braids are wider in size which is best compared to the small size of micro braids. The popularity of the three strand braids is that it sometimes requires two braiding stylists to accomplish the finished look.

African hair braiding and box braids with cornrows are popular in winter months as well as summer months. The maintenance is low and the versatility is higher. Saving the hair from excessive combing, brushing, styling and eliminating hair breakage.

Heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers can dry the hair and cause hair loss if not used properly.

Long box braids can be created with synthetic hair extensions and loose bulk hair in multiple colors. The longer the length of the braided hairstyle it is easy to wear the hair in a updo, bun or ponytail.

The various types include: umbrella box braids, large box braids and medium box braids. the philly box braids are usually long enough to have the ends loose and crimped or wavy.

How to do: TREE BRAID SINGLE / INDIVIDUAL PLAITS

Comments

Eiddwen 12 months ago

A great hub and thanks for sharing.

Take care

Eiddwen.

Earth Angel 12 months ago

Blessings to you this lovely Monday morning RA!

GREAT Hubs on hair! I would love to see more photos on this one if you can find them! Especially showing the natural with synthetic hair being woven together!

I have really long hair (below my thighs) and credit both a high protein diet (tuna/salmon/eggs/cottage cheese) and wearing it up most of the time!

Wearing my hair up seems to cause it less damage during the day from over brushing and rubbing up against things ~ especially for the ends, which I sit on when I am wearing it down! It also allows more of the hair follicles to breathe!

I LOVE the look of braids and always read your Hubs on hair! You provide great information! Thank you!

Blessings always to you, yours and your lovely locks!

Earth Angel!

LisaG 12 months ago

This is an excellent hub. I've had my hair natural now for three years. I braided it first and then grew it into dreadlocks. It is now longer and healthier than it ever was. Natural hair works for me.

KoffeeKlatch Gals 12 months ago

Great hub. I love the looks of the braids. Thanks for putting in the pros and cons.

Research Analyst 12 months ago

Eiddwen - glad you found the information useful

Earth Angel - Wow you have some really long hair, hope you use a shower drain catcher or does the shed hair clog up the plumbing in your home?

LisaG - dreadlocks are really nice and I have seen some long natural ones too.

Koffeeklatch Gals - it is something that is very popular among woman with natural hair and even those with relaxed hair like to wear braids to give their hair a break from all the heat styling tools.

Earth Angel 12 months ago

Yes, dearest RA! My hair, when I wear it down, gets into everything! The drain, chairs, screen doors, car seats, boxers, etc.! My hair measures about 4 and 3/4 feet in length so each strand is like ten! I wear it up most of the time! I LOVE hair! I am so glad you are writing these Hubs! I know you concentrate on brown hair but many of the tips you have work for blonds as well! Blessings to you dearest RA! Earth Angel!

Research Analyst 12 months ago

Thats cool Earth Angel, LOL

Earth Angel 12 months ago

Oooooooooooh, I love your new avatar! Blessings, EA!!

Jo_Goldsmith11 12 months ago

I like to have my hair in a single braid down the back or two braids, in the style of "pippy long stocking". I have noticed that after I have my hair braided, it seems to make my hair grow. I love long hair~ great hub! Very detailed and I enjoyed watching the how to video. Really cool stuff! Voted up...

Research Analyst 12 months ago

Earth Angel - Thanks, I thought it would be nice for a change and I like the big afro.

Jo Goldsmith - It must be easier to take care of your hair in two big braids, thanks for sharing!

agusfanani 12 months ago

Why I like people with braided hair is that it makes the wearers look unique and more attractive.

Research Analyst 12 months ago

agusfanani - I agree with you especially since hair braid designs come in a variety of lengths.

C-Bless 12 months ago

Great information as usual. Thank you for sharing...

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