Hello Lovelies!
Ariella K. has a great question about protective styles. Ariella wants to know:
Love your website. I’m a bit resistent about this protective styling thing. I mean I know it makes sense, but I just don’t know about wearing buns and other styles like it all the time. I’m just so used to wearing my hair down everyday, and I’d much more prefer it. So is it possible to grow my hair long and not get split ends without wearing protective hairstyles?
Hello, Ariella! Thank you so much for your question. For those of you who don’t know, protective hairstyles are hairstyles that allow you to protect the ends of your hair and go without re-styling your hair for days at a time. Protective hairstyles are conducive to growing long hair because your hair is retains moisture better, it’s free from damaging hair care practices, and the most vulnerable parts of your hair, the ends, have the utmost protection. While protective hairstyles are the best styling option for ladies who want to grow out their hair, they aren’t the only styling option that will allow you to reach your long hair goals.
If protective hairstyles aren’t your thing, low manipulation hairstyles are an alternative styling option. Unlike protective hairstyles, low manipulation hairstyles, don’t involve tucking away the ends of the hair. Low manipulation hairstyles also don’t last as long as protective hairstyles without the need to re-style or tidy up the hair to make it look presentable. However, low manipulation hairstyles are simple enough where manipulation to your hair is kept to a minimum and will not cause unnecessary damage to your hair.
So to answer your question, you absolutely can grow your hair long without protective hairstyles. I just recommend them because they’re a foolproof way to get guaranteed longer hair. If your hair is up, protected, and has virtually no chances of sustaining damage, the only thing it can do is grow. Depending on your hair type, you may be able to get away with not wearing any protective hairstyles at all and still reach your long hair goals. Straighter hair types may have no problem retaining length without protective hairstyles because straighter hair strands tend to have a stronger cuticle layer and retain moisture better. Curlier and highly textured hair types may have more difficulty retaining length without the aid of protective hairstyles because curlier hair tends to be drier and more prone to breakage when it’s worn in it’s natural, unaltered state. Protective hairstyles help preserve the delicate hair strands of curlier hair types and place less friction on curly and highly textured hair strands.
You never stated your hair type Ariella, so I don’t know for sure, but if you have curlier hair, then I would absolutely suggest that you give protective hairstyles a try. Otherwise, if you have a straighter hair type, experiment with low manipulation hairstyles for a few months and see if they aid or hinder your long hair goals and adjust your hair care regimen accordingly. Good luck on your long hair journey!
