Questions We Ask : Where Is The Line Between Protective and Non-Protective Styles?

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I've been thinking about this question for weeks now. When I first started my natural hair journey, everything that was not twists, braids, flat twists, weaves and wigs was not a protective style now two years down the lane, I disagree. 

One thing a newly natural always has to fight with are misconceptions. There are always misconceptions but it's up to you to verify whatever is being said according to the knowledge you have gained then you can check what is being said yourself. 

I believe one misconception a newly natural or even any natural can have is this : only twists, braids, flat twists, weaves and wigs are protective styles, the others will definitely break my hair and I will not gain any length.

Now, looking back to my experiences, I stand to differ.I have worn these traditional  "protective styles" and also worn the non traditional ones and I have had protective effects and destructive effects with both categories. Generally, a protective style is supposed to minimize damage to near zero, help retain moisture to the maximum and thus help retain the most length as possible. 

But let me say that you do not need to wear twists 100% of the time to have any one of this. You can wear updos, pin ups and buns and get the same effects with traditional protective styles and on the other hand, you can also damage your hair while wearing these protective styles. I've lived through both experience : I got dry hair and knots from wearing updos and also got knots from wearing small twists on the other hand, I have also been able to keep my hair healthy with both types of protective styles.

At the end of the day, all I can say is that, it's not really the style alone that is protective, but also how you manipulate your hair and maintain it. It's also true that the traditional protective styles are easier to manage and it's easier to avoid damage with them. 

Quite frankly, I think the line between protective and non-protective styles is not definite or the law. It is up to you to try each style and see how protective they are on your hair and practice how to take care of your hair as much as possible while wearing which ever style you choose.

What are your staple protective styles?

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Questions We Ask : Why Isn't My Hair Growing?

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A number of us naturals find ourselves asking this question or have asked this question at least once in our natural hair journey so far.

Firstly, we have to be aware that natural hair shrinks a lot therefore, sometimes, we have the impression that it's not growing but actually it is. To make sure your hair is growing/not growing, try tracking your hair growth (every month or every two months) by doing length checks. To do a length check, pick a few strands from a particular spot on your head and stretch them out then take a picture. The next time you do a length check, pick those same strands from that particular spot and take another picture. When you compare the pictures, you'll know whether your hair is growing or not.

Secondly, it is good to know that averagely, hair grows about half an inch a month. This is true for me, personally. If you see that your hair is growing that much or more in a month, then you hair is pretty much growing but if you are struggling to grow 2 inched of hair in six months, then that's not normal.

Now let's get down to the two main reasons why you might be lacking length :

1. the scalp : hair grows from the scalp yet, most of us fail to take care of our scalp rather we prefer to nurse our ends . Both is good but if your scalp is not being taken care of then you are impeding your hair growth. For hair to grow like it should, the scalp needs to be clean (no clogged pores) and produce the normal amount of sebum. Most of the time, the problem is in cleaning our scalp. When the scalp is dirty and clogged with all kind of things, it is hard for hair to grow properly.

Washing the scalp regularly helps to avoid this. You can shampoo, use cleansing clays such as bentonite clay or if you do not like to shampoo regularly, you can try alternatives like apple cider vinegar.

To avoid getting your scalp so dirty easily, it is good to avoid product build up, that is, avoid piling too much product on your scalp/hair. Also, avoid products that naturally clog the pores, like mineral oil and petrolatum.

Another healthy practice are things like scalp scrubs. This helps cleanse the scalp thoroughly. It is also useful to nurture and feed your scalp with healthy nutrients such as oils that are easily absorbed into the scalp (for example jojoba oil), diluted essential oils that help with sebum production (for example ylang ylang EO) and that favor blood circulation to the scalp (for example peppermint EO) thus favoring growth. To favor blood circulation to the scalp it is also useful to try a scalp massage.

If you are finding it challenging for your hair to grow, the scalp is a very good place to start.

[please note : seek advice from a profession before using any kind of essential oils epecially if you are pregnant or nursing]

2. the ends : your ends are the oldest part of your hair therefore, they are more prone to damage. Many naturals experience normal growth from the scalp but since there ends are damaged or very weak, they break off and it ends up looking like their hair is not growing. The only thing I can say is, if you have damaged ends, cut them off! Don't try holding on to your slit ends, fairy knots and so on because they will only make cause more damage!! (and I should know). 

Now, if your ends are not particularly damaged in anyway, it is still very wise to nurture them and nurse them. Try protective styles that protect your ends like buns and updos. Don't wear your hair down, if it's long enough to reach your shoulders because the friction against whatever fabric you might be wearing will weaken them (unless you are wearing satin or wear a satin scarf around your shoulder). 

Try moisturizing your ends regularly and sealing them with oils and butters because since they are farthest from your scalp, they get less nutrients. 

Don't treat your ends anyhow because if there is no point in your hair growing only to break off at the ends.

If you are experiencing difficulties with growing your hair out, try taking care of your ends to retain all your growth.

3. your body : if you are trying to grow your hair properly, try eating properly and drinking lots of water. Your skin, nails and hair are all a mirror of what's going on inside of your body so if your hair is not growing properly, though you take care of your scalp, it is most likely what you are eating/drinking. Refrain from junk food and processed sugar, but rather eat lots of vegetables and fruits because they contain lots of vital minerals that you need to grow your hair (and retain length). Water is also very key when trying to grow out your hair...it is the ultimate moisturizer for our hair!

All that being said, please note that, genetics, your age, your present situations and so on play an important role in how your hair grows. Some naturals have hair that naturally grows really fast, while others, because of their genes, grow their hair at a slower pace. Stress and pregnancy can also slow down hair growth.

The best thing you can do is just to take care of your scalp, your hair, watch your intake and be patient!

Happy growing!

What are your issues with growing your hair?

Any tips?

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