" I noticed that my hair grows faster in braids. Have you noticed the same thing? If so, do you know why?"
I received this question a while back and addressed it via email. But thought about it the other night and decided to do a post about it.
Now, I could have simply answered this question by saying:
NO, my hair grows the same rate it normally does, it's just protected for a long period of time so when I see my "new growth" it seems like it grew out of no-where and very fast.
I could say no, to not give false hope...but in all honesty, I do believe when I have braids my hair does grow faster!
Here's my theory on why:
1.) More Scalp Stimulation- The added weight from the braiding hair gives my scalp some stimulation, which results in a VERY slight increase in growth.
Now, we all know how scalp massages can benefit us. For me, having braids is like giving myself a scalp massage daily because of the gentle tugging caused by the braids.
Please note: I NEVER do them too tight, so I don't have irritation.
2.) My Braid Spray- I have always used African Pride Braid Spray while in braids. This particular spray contains many ingredients (herbs and essential oils) which are GREAT for the scalp and are said to stimulate hair growth.
Ingredients:Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG 8, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Articum Lappa Root Extract, Betula Alba Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract, Sambucus Nigra, Equisetum Hiemale Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Rumex Crispus Root Extract, Brewers Yeast, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Oleth 20, PEG 75 Lanolin, Silk Amino Acids, Acetamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, PEG 12 Dimethicone, Panthenol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben Polysorbate 20
Ingredients:Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG 8, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Articum Lappa Root Extract, Betula Alba Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract, Sambucus Nigra, Equisetum Hiemale Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Rumex Crispus Root Extract, Brewers Yeast, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Oleth 20, PEG 75 Lanolin, Silk Amino Acids, Acetamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, PEG 12 Dimethicone, Panthenol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben Polysorbate 20
3.) Summer Growth Spurt- I typically wear braids in the Summer. My hair tends to grow a little faster in the summer. Don't ask me why, but it does and many others say the same(about themselves).
Now, don't run to the nearest braider to get some braids expecting a solid 2 inches of growth a month because I sure don't get that! I get a SLIGHT increase of growth, nothing to write home about, but it's better than nothing!
Have you noticed faster growth in braids?
First of all, you and your braids are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if having braids makes my hair grow faster. Right now I'm wearing box braids so when I take them out, I'm oing to have to do a length check! :)
Thank you so much for the compliment, Melany!
ReplyDeleteLet me know. I'm sure you retained all your growth while in braids regardless if they made your hair grow faster or not... :-D
Your braids are beautiful. I wish I could install my own braids. I don't think my hair grows faster in braids, for me it actually seems to get thicker. I manipulate it less and my weak spots tend to fill in. Braids help me to forget my length for whatever reason and surprise myself. For me, wearing my braids was a way of forgetting about length and regimens for awhile.
ReplyDelete@LaQT/Ty- Thank you! I bet you could with a little practice.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love braids! No manipulation and you forget all about length.
You looked great in braids too!
Your braids do look great! I always say that braids/twists make my hair grow faster, but it probably is because of the low manipulation and the scalp stimulation. I think I pay more attention to conditioning and keeping my scalp clean while wearing braids as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! Same here. It's a good break for the hair and you can retain almost all your growth! Love your avatar pic!
DeleteI have braids I keep it for 3 month max, is the reason y my hair keeps breaking off
ReplyDeleteHow are you caring for your hair in braids
DeleteThe anonymous person it's probably more shedding than breaking. You said your braids were in for 3 months max so your not combing it everyday. We as humans shed 50-100 strands daily. So imagine if you have not been manipulating your hair for 3 months. It's just dead hair that needed to be shed.
ReplyDeleteafter taking out of my braids, what are some protective styles i can do to help my hair grow?
ReplyDeleteBuns, twists, updo's. Basically any style where your ends are tucked in will assist in retention.
DeleteI belive. I will try it. I'm excited
ReplyDeleteHope you get some additional growth!
DeleteI believe braids do help your hair to grow. I use to do my brother's hair every night (in the summer) and he took it down it the morning and i saw some major growth.
ReplyDelete