Is a megacurll/giant tube of hair somewhat protective?

**Knifegill** · September 3rd, 2014, 07:42 AM

I remember last time my hair was long, if I put it in a ponytail, it would turn into one massive curl-tube thing. Is that slightly less protective than a braid, or does all the free movement of hair against itself still cause damage? Is most damage from hair-on-hair or furniture, etc?

Like this

**Panth** · September 3rd, 2014, 12:00 PM

I can't see why it would be any more protective than a ponytail. All your ends are still hanging out, rubbing on your clothes every time you move your head. If your hair is as long as hers, it's also likely to be rubbing on the top of the back of your chair. It is also still able to be rubbed on bag straps, car seatbelts, etc.

(Also, IMO braids aren't really that protective either (although, yes, they are more protective than ponytails or loose as they prevent tangling and the damage that comes from getting those tangles out). IMO, the only really protective styles are updos that keep your hair secure and off your collar, so that it is not in any way rubbing on anything, and also are made with non-damaging tools. However, I am someone with fine, delicate hair who is trying to grow to extreme lengths. YMMV.)

P.S. The phrase you are looking for is "sausage curl".

**Johannah** · September 3rd, 2014, 12:13 PM

I agree with Panth.

**Sarahlabyrinth** · September 3rd, 2014, 02:28 PM

Also, ponytail holders/elastics damage hair pretty badly.

**Panth** · September 3rd, 2014, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Sarahlabyrinth

Also, ponytail holders/elastics damage hair pretty badly.

This. Especially if re-tightened by splitting the ponytail and pulling the two halves apart.

**Firefox7275** · September 5th, 2014, 08:20 PM

Mine used to do that in my pre-LHC perma-ponytail days. It had a lot of breakage around the face and at the back where the elastic sat.

**Syren_Curls** · September 7th, 2014, 10:41 AM

I think the issues with the protection factor of this style were already pointed out, but you could modify it a bit to *somewhat* offset some of those... maybe try making a bun and then pulling your hair through instead of using an elastic/hair tie and to have less length hanging down. I would only suggest doing this for a short while because your ends are still dangling about, even if you shorten the length :-/ HTH