Box braids can damage Caucasian hair, just like they can damage any other type of hair. The braids require you or a stylist to braid extension hair with your natural hair using tension (to ensure the braids won't slip or unravel).
Are braids good for white hair? Braids should not damage white or Caucasian hair if they're not done too tightly. In fact, they're a great style for damage protection as long as they're not putting excess tension on the scalp!
Feed-in braids are one of the least long-lasting protective braid styles. They only last up to 2 weeks.
When you have fine/straight locks, a bunch of closely packed braids are a bad idea, because it'll make the hair more prone to snapping off or breaking, which is exactly what happened to this young woman.
Although braids can last anywhere between two to eight weeks depending on which kind you go for and how you wear them, you should be prepared to cleanse roughly every two to three weeks. If you've been swimming (or happen to sweat a lot), your scalp will require a bit of TLC.
The Diva Hair White Girl Micro-ring weave is designed for Caucasian hair and will not damage it. Your natural hair will actually grow a lot while you have the white girl micro-ring weave in like it should and is meant to be. (Designed for all hair types; this includes as short as 1.5 inches of hair can be done.)
In reality, braids don't make your hair grow, they assist with length retention. Each time you style, detangle or manipulate your hair in any way, there's a risk of breakage. Keeping your hair in a confined style protects your locs from the daily breakage it would normally encounter.
Curly hair can be a little dry and brittle, so braiding your hair too tight can lead to hair breakage at the crown and around your edges. Braiding your hair also tames the hair so if you need to calm those curls, braiding will get the job done! If done correctly, braiding isn't bad for curly hair.
“Braiding the hair is a good, protective practice that can save your hair from any breakage as it strengthens the hair structurally. In fact, a loosely-tied braid can work alongside your body's natural process to boost hair growth,” Shah explains.
Wash your braids once every two weeks
Your box braids are not resistant to sweat and dirt buildups, and you certainly do not want your braids stinking. Wash your hair the regular way or dry-wash using a cloth, shampoo and some water. Do this by wiping your scalp down in parted hair sections, using a damp cloth.
Keeping your hair in braids reduces friction between your hair and pillow, reducing hair breakage. Amp it up, and get silk pillowcases for even less friction! It also keeps your hair tamed and more structured, resulting in less snarls and frustrating tangles when you wake up in the morning.
Though braids don't have a direct impact on hair growth, they have an impact on hair health. They can help growing hair stay healthy and strong, keeping it moisturized while it continues to grow. For more information on hair braiding and health, visit a hair Pro in your neighborhood and discuss your style options.
Mythbusting: Braids & Hair Growth
But unfortunately, braiding hair does not speed up growth rate. Your hair grows at a rate determined by genetics, while lifestyle factors like your diet and stress levels can cause thinning and breakage.
The answer is yes, when your braided hair gets loose it's normally a sign of growth and length-retention, there's a caveat though. Only when braids are installed and treated right, loosening braids after three weeks or more often means hair growth.
Knotless Box Braids
Because braiders start with your natural hair (instead of adding extensions at the root), it doesn't create as much tension at your scalp, so it's more comfortable with less chance of breakage.
Keeping them any longer may cause damage to your scalp and hair. Instead of tight braids, try loose ones like French braids, linear plaits, or fishtail braids.
Weaves are held better in thicker hair but a lot of those with fine hair can also enjoy the same benefits if applied correctly by a trusted technician. Both, individual and weave hair extensions, have their charm & pros and cons.
If you're showing your sew-in love and taking proper care of it—more on that in a bit—it'll last up to six to eight weeks, says Nash. If you try to keep it in longer than that, you're risking damage to your hair and scalp (aka irritation, excess oil buildup, and breakage).
Tape Hair Extensions
Tape Extensions are the best type for fine hair. Their flat bond offers a natural look that is easily blended in even the thinnest of hairs. Wefts are sandwiched between the natural hair and are secured in place with polyurethane tape secured close to the root.
Typically, if you leave it in for longer than that, not only is there going to be a considerable amount of build-up (even if you do wash it every few weeks or so), but the new growth can cause your braids/twists to put too much pressure on your hair; that can result in breakage.
If your head hurts, it's because your hair is braided too tightly, or you have too much extension hair added. In either situation, this doesn't bode well for the future of your hairline.
You can get your braids wet in the shower, pool, and when it's raining. However, we do recommend taking certain precautions to protect your braids from fungal growth, hair damage, frizz, and unraveling.
"I recommend a loose french braid starting just behind the front layers of your head." Remember, you're going to be sleeping in this style, so the looser and more comfortable it is, the better. Keep the elastics loose, too, to avoid hair dents.