For years, African women have been having their hair braided professionally. If you have long hair, the stylist may use just your natural hair, but if you have shorter hair, they may weave in some artificial hair to add length. Although hair braiding is popular, it is not necessarily for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to wear your own hair in braids.
Pro: Braids cut down on the time spent styling your hair daily
With braids, you can often just wake up and go. You may want a quick spritz of some moisturizer for your scalp, but that's about it. For this reason, braided styles work really well for busy professionals, moms, students, and others who don't want to spend a lot of time styling their hair each morning.
Con: Getting your hair braided does take time
Yes, you will save time by not having to style your hair every morning, but you will need to dedicate a good chunk of time to being in the stylist's chair. It can take anywhere from three to twelve hours, and occasionally a bit longer to have your hair braided. You only need to do this every couple of months, but it is still something to consider. Some stylists can break the braiding up into two sessions so you don't have to sit still for as long at once.
Pro: Braids can protect your natural hair
If you are trying to grow out and protect your natural hair, having your hair braided in the meantime can actually help with this. The ends of your hair will be tucked into the braids, which will keep them from being further damaged by the elements. Each time you go back to the salon and have your hair combed out, you should see that it's longer and in better condition.
Con: Having your hair braided can be a bit uncomfortable
Your stylist will need to make the braids tight in order for them to stay in. As such, they can feel a little uncomfortable and pinching when you first put them in. This discomfort does tend to wane after a day or two, and ibuprofen can help a lot. But some people still find the discomfort too much to deal with in order to rock a braided style.
Wearing your hair in braids can be a good way to minimize styling time and protect your ends. As long as you don't mind a little discomfort and some time in the stylist's chair, having your hair braided can be a lovely choice. Talk with a professional who provides hair braiding to make an appointment.
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