I had extensions, and I love them, despite the warnings.

[grinlord]

I've read many threads on here about the damage that extensions can cause to your hair. However, I have desperately wanted at least WL since I started growing over 10 years ago! I do just about everything possible that I have learnt from this forum to keep my hair healthy, but I still seem to have a terminal length of about BSL (strange term for a long hair guy, but it's a term we all know!)

I had wondered if I would ever have enough money to spend on extensions, but then I recently went on holiday to visit friends in Ukraine, and I suddenly realised that most of the amazing European hair extensions come from Russia and Ukraine, and the exchange rate makes everything really cheap out there for a British person.

So after several days chasing Facebook messages, and phone calls, and finally accidentally meeting a stranger who spoke perfect English, I had my salon appointment. They spent nearly an hour matching texture and colours (I am proud to say I have quite interesting natural highlights), and then another 3 hours attaching the extensions. I have keratin bonded extensions. It's taken a few weeks for the length to feel normal and to adjust to managing it. It did seem like a crazy decision to begin with!

The bad:

have to plan washing hours before bed!
have to plait every night
can't run my fingers through my head
have to be very careful not to get conditioner or oil near the bonds
head itches sometimes
it's heavy
not many people even notice the difference!
keratin bonds can't be easily rebonded, so will probably have to remove them after 4-5 months


The good:

it's so long and lovely
lots of style options
confidence boost
better condition and length than I'll ever be able to grow
some people notice and comment, which is a fun talking point, and unusual for a guy
not many people notice and ask me awkward questions. I expected to have to justify it to everyone!
it's so long
it's so long
it's so long


The length of my natural hair for easily the past 6 years:
https://s7.postimg.cc/kfyli3l3b/P3150006.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kfyli3l3b/)

This was during the session:
https://s7.postimg.cc/qgwaezzxz/Hair_extensions_during_11.jpg (http://postimg.cc/image/qgwaezzxz/) https://s7.postimg.cc/kspzodb3r/Hair_extensions_during_4.jpg (http://postimg.cc/image/kspzodb3r/)

The finished result:
https://s7.postimg.cc/a5w6iofqf/Hair_extensions_showing_off_3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/a5w6iofqf/) https://s7.postimg.cc/7bt1585uf/Hair_extensions_showing_off_6.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7bt1585uf/)

Then my friend did a perfect french plait:
https://s7.postimg.cc/5iq4h0fjr/P4040548.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/5iq4h0fjr/)

and demonstrated a chopstick bun:
https://s7.postimg.cc/runxafwo7/P4040555.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/runxafwo7/)

Once home, I asked my local hairdresser to blend the natural and extension layers better, then make it straight and shiny:
https://s7.postimg.cc/bwf7kauqf/P4130595.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/bwf7kauqf/)

I then doodled and came up with this plaited style
:https://s7.postimg.cc/r554y2gp3/P4140008.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/r554y2gp3/)

[Shorty89]

I think what really matters in the end is that you're happy with your hair, and it looks great (Before and after)! I hope you enjoy the extensions.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

They look fabulous! I bet you love them :)

[grinlord]

Thank you both so far! I still think the most impressive thing is the colour and texture match. Oh, I forgot to mention they had to use 1 and a half heads worth to match my thickness!

[ravenskey]

The extensions look great and as long as you're happy with them that's all the matters.

[Beckstar]

They look great and they made you feel good. Sounds like a win/win to me.

[nycelle]

I agree about the color and texture match, excellent job.
They look wonderful. I wouldn't have guessed they were extensions if I saw you in person (and I can tell a lot of the time.)

[Aredhel]

I agree with everyone else - what matters above all else is that you are happy with them and that you feel good. End of story. :) I think they look amazing, and totally natural! The salon did an incredible job with them. In my humble opinion, your hair looked lovely (that shine and the waves though!!) before the extensions as well. :flower:

[lapushka]

What matters is that you're happy!

[Dendra]

They look great! So fabulous and swishy, enjoy them :)

[goneJackal]

Looking great, indeed!
And it seems you adjusted well with it, so it's all good news! http://www.felipesv.com/forum/k_brownhair.gif

[lakhesis]

Lovely, it looks great!
I totally understand since I had those for few years and I still look back and I love how it looked like.

If you ever see damage from them (I hope you will not!), I recommend switching to microring or nanoring extensions. They can redo the same hair to that method. It involves beads so it's not as flat as keratin one, but there is no glue in your hair and you don't have to discard so much hair every time you get them redone.

[spidermom]

Yup, have fun. Better you than me.

[Glitch]

One of the best things I love about the LHC is the emphasis on happiness being the greatest goal :o They look great and I'm sure you enjoy them very much! I experimented with extensions (clip ins) many years ago, but it was just too much weight for me. If you find that annoying enough, maybe you could look into hidden crown extensions (no clips or bonds) :) Unfortunately though, I don't have experience to share.

[Rebeccalaurenxx]

Unfortunately I am one of those people that did not have a good experience with extensions.
I actually tried several kinds. The method used on you sadly made my hair break at the root and gave me what I think is alopecia.
I hope you end up with better results. Make sure when you get home, you find a good salon that can take them out when you decide to remove them.
Eventually they have to take a tool that breaks apart the bond, and it will break hairs! So look for someone good that knows what theyre doing :)
Good luck! I did love my extensions when I had them - i just regret the damage it did.

[Kat-Rinnè Naido]

Congratulations and enjoy your new hair length. Hair is there to also give some pleasure and confidence. It does look lovely. Thank you for sharing.

[divinedobbie]

Unfortunately I am one of those people that did not have a good experience with extensions.
I actually tried several kinds. The method used on you sadly made my hair break at the root and gave me what I think is alopecia.
I hope you end up with better results. Make sure when you get home, you find a good salon that can take them out when you decide to remove them.
Eventually they have to take a tool that breaks apart the bond, and it will break hairs! So look for someone good that knows what theyre doing :)
Good luck! I did love my extensions when I had them - i just regret the damage it did.

Me too. Sure they looked really great while they were in but the removal process was awful, they pulled out and broke a lot of hair doing it even being as careful as possible. And I later found out that I also had likely traction alopecia from wearing the heavy extensions for a month and some (actually a lot) of my follicles have never grown back. I would never do it again, a month of nice hair is not worth it to me.

[Alex Lou]

I can see why you're excited. It's a big change and looks good. Hope it continues to work out for you.

[Stray_mind]

Hey, the most important thing is to Enjoy your hair. You want extensions - get extentions. You want to dye it every color of the rainbow - go out and do it. :)
As long as you don't regret doing it, it's all good.

Enjoy your extensions. It looks great.

[Joules]

Me too. Sure they looked really great while they were in but the removal process was awful, they pulled out and broke a lot of hair doing it even being as careful as possible. And I later found out that I also had likely traction alopecia from wearing the heavy extensions for a month and some (actually a lot) of my follicles have never grown back. I would never do it again, a month of nice hair is not worth it to me.

I've never seen a person who had no traction alopecia after wearing extensions for a month+. Itchy scalp is a first sign that follicles are strained. Hopefully everything would be fine in that department for the OP, but still, it's quite risky in my opinion.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

He seems to know the risks. I hope it will go well for him.

[grinlord]

Thank you everyone for the lovely words of encouragement. Yes it is all about whatever makes you happy.

I will take onboard the signs of traction alopecia. Generally the discomfort faded within the first 2 weeks, and now is only noticeable if I tie it up for too long, so same as usual really! If I notice anything getting worse, I'll seek to have them removed. I'm expecting that when I've shed too much, there will be too much strain from the bonds, and that will be obvious.

I have found someone local to remove them when I'm ready. I had thought that because it's just keratin, they only have to heat that up and dissolve the glue and the extensions fall right off?

So more importantly, can anyone recommend some interesting styles for very heavy WL hair?

[lakhesis]

It's usually removed with the solution that dissolves the glue. It's very weird, because it is oily and dry at the same time, can't really explain that, but the extension just slides off. (And then you panic because you see how much of your own hair slides off too and then the hairdresser will tell you that it's just the hair that you would shed naturally and it was just stuck to the glue for the 2 or so months that you had your extensions in :D ) And then you brush out everything and then you wash it A LOT to get all the nasty solution out of your hair.

Braid or low pony worked for me with extensions the most so it wouldn't show the bonds, but I mostly just wore it down.

[elfynity]

I do just about everything possible that I have learnt from this forum to keep my hair healthy, but I still seem to have a terminal length of about BSL

Hi Grinlord, I would be interested to know what our routine has consisted of, or if you have a thread somewhere that discussed it.
I have a different hair type to you, except for the 2a part, and I have only managed to get my hair to WL. And it seemed like some kind of miracle and then I had to cut it. I have always wanted to grow my hair, but honestly never looked after it until now.

Your hair looks absolutely sutnning - very natural, just like your own colour. I don't know much about keratin extensions, but you have course thick hair, and I'm guessing your hair can probably handle the extensions without too much breakage?

[Rebeccalaurenxx]

Thank you everyone for the lovely words of encouragement. Yes it is all about whatever makes you happy.

I will take onboard the signs of traction alopecia. Generally the discomfort faded within the first 2 weeks, and now is only noticeable if I tie it up for too long, so same as usual really! If I notice anything getting worse, I'll seek to have them removed. I'm expecting that when I've shed too much, there will be too much strain from the bonds, and that will be obvious.

I have found someone local to remove them when I'm ready. I had thought that because it's just keratin, they only have to heat that up and dissolve the glue and the extensions fall right off?

So more importantly, can anyone recommend some interesting styles for very heavy WL hair?

They’re removed with two different things.
A solution that breaks down the bond and then basically a tool that’s
Well for the most part like a nutcracker, they use to break open the tougher bonds.
The bonds don’t always slide off very easy, and they will take hair with it when you remove
My biggest issue was I would take a hot shower, the water would semi melt some of the bonds and then the bonds would attach themselves to other loose hairs that weren’t originally attached.
So I developed these areas of matted hair underneath that would, well, eventually rip hair out.
It was not good lol please refrain from using hea/taking hot showers - it will melt the bond and you might end up with the same problems I had.

I remember when I removed mine, when it was all removed it felt like I had lost all my hairs
But it’s because you get really use to the weight look and feel of having the extensions lol

[*Wednesday*]

The extensions are in your head now. Work it! Give it a whirl 😝

[Borgessa]

Looks fab to me, suits you, and thanks for sharing, its nice to see a man trying these things out and getting the male perspective on things. I'm sure they will come out fine, and your hair is very thick since you said one and a half heads of extentions right.. a bit of breakage will prob go unnoticed, and everyone's hair is different, you may not experience the same removal problems that some of the ladies have. No sense in worrying about it now, enjoy that hair, FLIP IT!! Good for you

[xoChesleyy]

They are blended so well! I wouldn't even be able to tell they were extensions if I saw you in person. Happy that you like them. They look great! :)

[missmelaniem]

Wow they look great. I actually love your "before" hair as well

[grinlord]

My biggest issue was I would take a hot shower, the water would semi melt some of the bonds and then the bonds would attach themselves to other loose hairs that weren’t originally attached.
So I developed these areas of matted hair underneath that would, well, eventually rip hair out.
It was not good lol please refrain from using hea/taking hot showers - it will melt the bond and you might end up with the same problems I had.


I haven't had the matting problem, but I don't have super hot showers anyway, which is handy! The bonds have felt consistently very solid so far.


Hi Grinlord, I would be interested to know what our routine has consisted of, or if you have a thread somewhere that discussed it.
I have a different hair type to you, except for the 2a part, and I have only managed to get my hair to WL. And it seemed like some kind of miracle and then I had to cut it. I have always wanted to grow my hair, but honestly never looked after it until now.

Your hair looks absolutely sutnning - very natural, just like your own colour. I don't know much about keratin extensions, but you have course thick hair, and I'm guessing your hair can probably handle the extensions without too much breakage?

I think you're right. My hair is coarse and strong enough to take the bonds without much strain. It only gets weak on the ends.

My routine is to wash approx. every 5 days. I use just a tiny amount of shampoo on the head only and a bit of a head massage, and rinse out over the full length, then spend ages soaking in conditioner, wide combing and finger combing it through everywhere (only currently I have to avoid my head and the bonds). I sometimes do another condition just on the ends. I leave it in while I wash the rest of me, then rinse out and twist it up in a microfibre turban towel.

I have what some might call a bad habit of sleeping on my hair when wet, but it controls the frizz much more easily than air drying or plaiting. I can't risk that with the extensions though. I don't use a brush or even the wide plastic comb between washes, except for extreme cases when it's really tangled. I sometimes use argan oil when it's looking really dry, or leave in conditioner when it's fresh and damp if I'm going outside with it wet.

That's it really. LHC has taught me to discover my hair's natural texture and work with it, not against it. I've resigned to a slightly disappointing terminal length though.



Braid or low pony worked for me with extensions the most so it wouldn't show the bonds, but I mostly just wore it down.

I was actually thinking what are some interesting plaits or buns to do with the length?

[Ondine11]

The difference is HUGE! HOW can people who know you not notice?!? They are well-matched, & natural-looking. I love it! As for keratin bonds, IF you care for them properly, & have them removed at a salon that specializes in managing extensions, your own hair should be just fine. I'd suggest trying the micro ring extensions instead (1g weight 'Remy' hair). The installation is 30-45 mins, & the same extensions can be used many times: the ring is opened with pliers, the dead hairs that shed naturally are combed out, & the extension slides higher up the strand, making them semi-permanent. You can replace the old ones as needed: not necessarily all at once.

[grinlord]

The difference is HUGE! HOW can people who know you not notice?!? They are well-matched, & natural-looking. I love it! As for keratin bonds, IF you care for them properly, & have them removed at a salon that specializes in managing extensions, your own hair should be just fine. I'd suggest trying the micro ring extensions instead (1g weight 'Remy' hair). The installation is 30-45 mins, & the same extensions can be used many times: the ring is opened with pliers, the dead hairs that shed naturally are combed out, & the extension slides higher up the strand, making them semi-permanent. You can replace the old ones as needed: not necessarily all at once.

Some people aren't interested in hair! Hard to imagine here I know!

I only found out about all the options afterwards. It was a bit of a language barrier!

[Unofficial_Rose]

Me too. Sure they looked really great while they were in but the removal process was awful, they pulled out and broke a lot of hair doing it even being as careful as possible. And I later found out that I also had likely traction alopecia from wearing the heavy extensions for a month and some (actually a lot) of my follicles have never grown back. I would never do it again, a month of nice hair is not worth it to me.

Exactly what happened to me over the 3 weeks I had mine. My hair never entirely recovered, thickness-wise.

Some people's hair does fine with them, lucky things. Hopefully the OP is one of these!

[Ondine11]

Someone I know, who is an aesthetician, has worn these for years, & you'd never know it. They look 100% natural. She babies them, & is careful to never tug at the roots area, & never add too much hair, so, the weight overwhelms her follicles. They get carefully removed every other month, & replaced NOT using the exact same strand pattern as the previous time. I know she combines .50g & 1G strands. I prefer the micro ring look on most people, since the rings are small & subtle, & are easier to conceal. With the keratin tips, I have spotted many people who have 'shoelace tip' show-through when their own hair is on the thin side, or if their hair is shorter. They're also more economical, since you reuse the same strands many times, & you're not paying a stylist for 6 hours in the chair.

[cathair]

They look fabulous! Must feel amazing. I think we have similar natural hair, I loved when I had them.

Maybe temper your expectations about how long they will last though. My heat sealed ones lasted decently for four weeks, not four months.

The weight of them on my hair type made them slip. I went back after six weeks to have them tightened, by which time they looked awful. Nearly all of them had to be binned and replaced. Then it happened again and I gave up. Even if they don't slip, I can't imagine how they wouldn't grow out in 4 -5 months.

I hope yours fair better. Make the most of every second while you have them!

[grinlord]

They look fabulous! Must feel amazing. I think we have similar natural hair, I loved when I had them.

Maybe temper your expectations about how long they will last though. My heat sealed ones lasted decently for four weeks, not four months.

The weight of them on my hair type made them slip. I went back after six weeks to have them tightened, by which time they looked awful. Nearly all of them had to be binned and replaced. Then it happened again and I gave up. Even if they don't slip, I can't imagine how they wouldn't grow out in 4 -5 months.

I hope yours fair better. Make the most of every second while you have them!

I've just realised I'm already at 4 weeks and no sign of tangling, slipping or the bonds showing through. There's hardly any discomfort now and I'm starting to think I'll want them for longer than I initially thought I could cope!

[Dark40]

They look fabulous! I also bet that you love them too! I used to wear extensions since 5 years now. Because, of the things that I heard about them cause damage and breakage to the hair. But I think with proper care you can still have long hair, and wear extensions at the same time. Because, the first time when I got extensions put in my hair by sew-ins I wore them for 3 months at hip length, and yes of course they felt heavy but the good part about it is that they did help or make my hair grow a lot longer than it did before I got them. I had gone from shoulder length to armpit length within 3 months! So, I also love extensions too!

[littlestarface]

They look fabulous! I also bet that you love them too! I used to wear extensions since 5 years now. Because, of the things that I heard about them cause damage and breakage to the hair. But I think with proper care you can still have long hair, and wear extensions at the same time. Because, the first time when I got extensions put in my hair by sew-ins I wore them for 3 months at hip length, and yes of course they felt heavy but the good part about it is that they did help or make my hair grow a lot longer than it did before I got them. I had gone from shoulder length to armpit length within 3 months! So, I also love extensions too!

That seems odd that extensions would make hair grow faster and I highly doubt that.

[lapushka]

That seems odd that extensions would make hair grow faster and I highly doubt that.

Maybe not faster, but maybe due to not "doing" anything with the hair, it keeps the growth, like a "protective style", styles I would not necessarily call protective either for that matter, but that's kind of beside the point. :)

[Dark40]

That seems odd that extensions would make hair grow faster and I highly doubt that.

I thought that it was odd too but it did. I was shocked. Because, I took good care of my hair and them at the same time by keeping it moisturized with moisturizing conditioners and oils. But I have fast growing hair anyways, and as it was time for them to come out was vert easy. Because, between the braids and the threads all I had to do was unravel them loose, and they all came out.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Maybe not faster, but maybe due to not "doing" anything with the hair, it keeps the growth, like a "protective style", styles I would not necessarily call protective either for that matter, but that's kind of beside the point. :)

I was thinking this too.

[Dark40]

Yes, I agree with lapushka. While have them i had low manipulation. Not doing to much to the hair, and protective styling.

[littlestarface]

Its not making hair grow faster tho not at all. Thats like saying pulling the hair will make it grow too :rolleyes:

[Rebeccalaurenxx]

What I can see it doing - in regard to "making hair grow faster" is you go a lot longer without looking at your actual length.
Its perceived to have grown "a lot" but in reality, its probably the same amount of growth you'd normally get.
Its just much more apparent because you went a length of time without looking at your real length.
Its the same as wearing your hair up every day for 6 months, it will feel like the hair grew a lot but meh.
The reality is its all you -- not the extensions. Sure, its a buffer but its a small one.
I felt this way when I took mine out -- the extensions arent that protective, especially since you cannot wear hair up as it will expose the bonds.
Its especially difficult since the extensions are often a different texture as your own, so they tend to fight with your natural hair.

My hair was a tangled matted mess by week 6. Give it time, keep an eye on it.
Conditioner is your enemy, it will make the bonds slip, which was another problem for me.
Im a wavy, I need conditioner all over. Conditioner breaks the bonds down, which they never mention.

Some hair does really well -- but I probably would never suggest this, especially on fine hair or wavy/curly hair, until you reach that "last resort" type of situation.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Gosh, really? You can't wear hair up with extensions? I never knew that....wow.

[Rebeccalaurenxx]

Gosh, really? You can't wear hair up with extensions? I never knew that....wow.

Not really. Some people can but if you have fragile or fine hair.
The bonds will not only be exposed but they put extra tension at the root.
I could never wear my hair up when I had them.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I'm glad I never got them then, it would drive me nuts not to be able to put my hair up.

[Ligeia Noire]

Extensions have come a long way. I would never guess. It looks awesome.

[Dark40]

I've just watched a video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ6-vsKeD5g

This girl had grown 3 inches of hair in 6 months with wearing extensions or a weaving.

[nycelle]

I've just watched a video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ6-vsKeD5g

This girl had grown 3 inches of hair in 6 months with wearing extensions or a weaving.

But isn't that normal if hair grows 1/2" a month? That would be 1" every two months, so 3" in 6 months.

[nycelle]

Maybe her hair breaks without the extensions so she's not seeing the full growth. That's all I could think of.

[grinlord]

They actually asked me if I ever tie my hair up, like a high bun, and as I said yes they made sure not to attach the bonds anywhere near my hairline, even at the neck.

I did know not to use conditioner or oil anywhere near the bonds as well, so that was good.

I think by luck, I have good hair for coping with extensions, and I went to a very good salon.

[yahirwaO.o]

Your extensions looks amazing man!!!!!! :applause

They did an awesome job at placing and blending them!

If you don´t feel any heavyness or pulling now chances are they did a good job. I think the worst part is when you remove them and the shedding that accumulate so don´t super freak out! O:O

I have a question. Your natural hair is wavy and the extension look pretty straight. With the layers and such do you have to extra style it or braid waves blend everything together?

Not gonna lie if I had the money and time I would do the same too at least once in my life. But salons here probably would think im weird because im a guy :knuckle:

Anyways rock them on!!!

[grinlord]

Your extensions looks amazing man!!!!!! :applause

They did an awesome job at placing and blending them!

If you don´t feel any heavyness or pulling now chances are they did a good job. I think the worst part is when you remove them and the shedding that accumulate so don´t super freak out! O:O

I have a question. Your natural hair is wavy and the extension look pretty straight. With the layers and such do you have to extra style it or braid waves blend everything together?

Not gonna lie if I had the money and time I would do the same too at least once in my life. But salons here probably would think im weird because im a guy :knuckle:

Anyways rock them on!!!

Yo dude! The texture is also a perfect match.. In one of the photos I had the whole lot straightened just because I wanted to experience that perfect, non-frizzy, shiny look. When I leave it all to dry loose, my real hair is still a bit more coarse and frizzy than the extensions, but I can tame that. The best way I have found to dry it is in two plaits, where it dries in fantastic waves.

I was also hoping I would have the money to have it done near where I live before I realised that I had the chance on holiday! I have found that people in the beauty and fashion industry are very open minded towards men exploring different styles. They recognise that enjoying hair and clothes is not just for women! I've been into a salon in Edinburgh just to ask for french plaits, and they didn't even ask why or anything, just immediately started discussing with me what I wanted.

[Dark40]

But isn't that normal if hair grows 1/2" a month? That would be 1" every two months, so 3" in 6 months.

Yes, that is normal for hair to grow 1/2" a month, and I had measured it and averaged it out that me myself gain an inch per month. Or, in 3 months I would have 2 an a half inches of new growth.

[Dark40]

Its not making hair grow faster tho not at all. Thats like saying pulling the hair will make it grow too :rolleyes:

Well, with my hair being braided in tracks to wear the extensions the braids did help my hair to grow a lot faster. Because, as they do say, "Braids do help your hair to grow faster." When I was a child I used to put my hair is 2 big braids, and it helped my hair to grow a lot faster.

[littlestarface]

Well, with my hair being braided in tracks to wear the extensions the braids did help my hair to grow a lot faster. Because, as they do say, "Braids do help your hair to grow faster." When I was a child I used to put my hair is 2 big braids, and it helped my hair to grow a lot faster.

Hair grows the same whether braided or whatever, I wear braids everyday but my hair grows slow as it always has. Braids, extensions, ponytails, pulling etc dont make hair grow faster at all. Nothing we do to the length makes hair grow. The only thing would be breakage and that would stunt the length but the roots would still grow.

[Aredhel]

Well, with my hair being braided in tracks to wear the extensions the braids did help my hair to grow a lot faster. Because, as they do say, "Braids do help your hair to grow faster." When I was a child I used to put my hair is 2 big braids, and it helped my hair to grow a lot faster.

Unfortunately that simply isn't true. Braids may certainly help your hair grow (as they are a means to protect your hair from the elements and environment, ergo less damage), but they do not and cannot make your hair grow faster.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Unfortunately that simply isn't true. Braids may certainly help your hair grow (as they are a means to protect your hair from the elements and environment, ergo less damage), but they do not and cannot make your hair grow faster.

Though it might appear faster, due to braids being somewhat protective and therefore seeing less breakage etc. Of course the growth rate from the roots will remain the same as always, but the ends might break and erode less than they otherwise would, giving the appearance of faster growth, with more length being retained because of the protective effects of the braiding.

[littlestarface]

Everyone is assuming that because one who wears braids all of a sudden magic growth happens, no not in a million years. There is for some, braids still cause some kind of breakage as well, i've experienced some extreme matting with braids so its not the be all end all of protective styles.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Everyone is assuming that because one who wears braids all of a sudden magic growth happens, no not in a million years. There is for some, braids still cause some kind of breakage as well, i've experienced some extreme matting with braids so its not the be all end all of protective styles.

This is also true. It's a YMMV thing.

[Aredhel]

Though it might appear faster, due to braids being somewhat protective and therefore seeing less breakage etc. Of course the growth rate from the roots will remain the same as always, but the ends might break and erode less than they otherwise would, giving the appearance of faster growth, with more length being retained because of the protective effects of the braiding.

That's just like saying bunning your hair will make it grow faster though. Which we don't say around here because it's not true. That's why I said - of course any protective styles can help your hair grow in general, but the speed of growth will remain unchanged.:shrug:


Everyone is assuming that because one who wears braids all of a sudden magic growth happens, no not in a million years. There is for some, braids still cause some kind of breakage as well, i've experienced some extreme matting with braids so its not the be all end all of protective styles.

Actually same here - braids cause more damage to my hair than any other style. They always give me tangles and the ends of my hair get frayed really bad because they still rub on everything they touch.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

That's just like saying bunning your hair will make it grow faster though. Which we don't say around here because it's not true. That's why I said - of course any protective styles can help your hair grow in general, but the speed of growth will remain unchanged.:shrug:

Indeed.



Actually same here - braids cause more damage to my hair than any other style. They always give me tangles and the ends of my hair get frayed really bad because they still rub on everything they touch.

Yes, I don't braid too often unless it's to be bunned.

[littlestarface]

That's just like saying bunning your hair will make it grow faster though. Which we don't say around here because it's not true. That's why I said - of course any protective styles can help your hair grow in general, but the speed of growth will remain unchanged.:shrug:



Actually same here - braids cause more damage to my hair than any other style. They always give me tangles and the ends of my hair get frayed really bad because they still rub on everything they touch.

Very rightly said.

Yes for me too, I have to put that braid or braids up in a bun or else rip hair.

[Dark40]

Hair grows the same whether braided or whatever, I wear braids everyday but my hair grows slow as it always has. Braids, extensions, ponytails, pulling etc dont make hair grow faster at all. Nothing we do to the length makes hair grow. The only thing would be breakage and that would stunt the length but the roots would still grow.

Yeah, that's true. Because, I know that the normal hair growth rate is 1/2" per month but some people can grow at faster rates than others. Like you've said your hair grows slow as it always has. I had a friend in high school that had hip length hair, and she cut it up to BSL, and within a 3 month period her hair was back down to hip length again. But no, through my experience with braids they have never caused me any breakage or damage, and my mom used be the one to braid in 2 big braids every week. She would wash it once a week, and part it down the middle and put it in 2 big braids, and those 2 big braids did not ever break my hair off.

[Glitch]

That's just like saying bunning your hair will make it grow faster though. Which we don't say around here because it's not true. That's why I said - of course any protective styles can help your hair grow in general, but the speed of growth will remain unchanged.:shrug:



Actually same here - braids cause more damage to my hair than any other style. They always give me tangles and the ends of my hair get frayed really bad because they still rub on everything they touch.

Me too, braids usually leave me with nightmare hair :( I remember when I tried sleeping in them as a protective style and woke up to a ton of tangles, knots and hair loss (due to it being ripped out). They do look lovely but each look definitely varies in results from person to person. My mom, who used to have knee length hair, says she couldn't imagine life without braiding back then :p

[Dark40]

Unfortunately that simply isn't true. Braids may certainly help your hair grow (as they are a means to protect your hair from the elements and environment, ergo less damage), but they do not and cannot make your hair grow faster.

Well, for me it's true. I have fast growing hair. When I was a child my mom was the one combing, brushing, and washing my hair every single week, and she was put it in 2 big braids, and my hair did not break off from the braids or didn't get damaged at all. That was my experience. It may not be true for others but it worked for me, and when you are braiding the hair you have to know what you are doing when you are doing it. Not braiding too tight. Some people braid too tight, and that can cause breakage or damage, and my mom knew exactly what she was doing so that my hair didn't break off or fall out.

[littlestarface]

Yeah, that's true. Because, I know that the normal hair growth rate is 1/2" per month but some people can grow at faster rates than others. Like you've said your hair grows slow as it always has. I had a friend in high school that had hip length hair, and she cut it up to BSL, and within a 3 month period her hair was back down to hip length again. But no, through my experience with braids they have never caused me any breakage or damage, and my mom used be the one to braid in 2 big braids every week. She would wash it once a week, and part it down the middle and put it in 2 big braids, and those 2 big braids did not ever break my hair off.

This has nothing to do with hair growing faster in braids or extensions, all I and aredhel is saying is that braids dont make ones hair grow faster.

[lapushka]

Well, with my hair being braided in tracks to wear the extensions the braids did help my hair to grow a lot faster. Because, as they do say, "Braids do help your hair to grow faster." When I was a child I used to put my hair is 2 big braids, and it helped my hair to grow a lot faster.

You mean you had crochet hair?

[Dark40]

This has nothing to do with hair growing faster in braids or extensions, all I and aredhel is saying is that braids dont make ones hair grow faster.

I totally understand what you and aredhel are saying but that is not true. My mom just told me that braids do help hair to grow faster. It says it on the web. Braids may not help your hair type to grow any faster but it helps my hair type. Which is chemically-relaxed.

[Dark40]

You mean you had crochet hair?

Yes, like an Indian person's hair.

[littlestarface]

I totally understand what you and aredhel are saying but that is not true. My mom just told me that braids do help hair to grow faster. It says it on the web. Braids may not help your hair type to grow any faster but it helps my hair type. Which is chemically-relaxed.

So what do you wear? In braids or chemically relaxed hair? or do you relax it then do braids?

So what your saying is this whole braids grow hair faster thing just works for you? nonsense.

Okay here it goes, post a photo of your hair right now loose down for us and then wear your hair in these "track braids" everyday and then in 3 months come back and take another picture of it loose again and then let us see how fast your hair has grown because of braids. If it grows down to classic in that amount of time then I will admit it is true.

[lapushka]

I totally understand what you and aredhel are saying but that is not true. My mom just told me that braids do help hair to grow faster. It says it on the web. Braids may not help your hair type to grow any faster but it helps my hair type. Which is chemically-relaxed.

Oh that explains a lot! You might "retain" more length that way.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Yes, like an Indian person's hair.

What's crochet hair?

[littlestarface]

Yes, like an Indian person's hair.

What the heck does that mean? Like an indian person's hair??

[Dark40]

What the heck does that mean? Like an indian person's hair??

That means how Indian people wear there hair in 2 braids where you part it down the middle, and braid starting from the front of your head to the back and continue braiding to the ends. Have you ever seen the way west Indians of even American Indians how they braid their hair? Like that, and no I can't afford to buy the hair to get any braids, and I'm referring to braiding my own hair. Not using fake hair.

[littlestarface]

That means how Indian people wear there hair in 2 braids where you part it down the middle, and braid starting from the front of your head to the back and continue braiding to the ends. Have you ever seen the way west Indians of even American Indians how they braid their hair? Like that, and no I can't afford to buy the hair to get any braids, and I'm referring to braiding my own hair. Not using fake hair.

A lot of people wear their hair like that myself included not just indians and you can still do the picture test with any braids you wear to test this theory out since you say it works for only you.

[Dark40]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean crocket hair. Just my straight relaxed hair.

littlestarface, if I wear any type of extensions I relax first, and only leave them in for 3 months. That's the longest they require you to leave them in.

[Aredhel]

I totally understand what you and aredhel are saying but that is not true. My mom just told me that braids do help hair to grow faster. It says it on the web. Braids may not help your hair type to grow any faster but it helps my hair type. Which is chemically-relaxed.

But chemically-relaxed hair is just regular hair that's had chemicals added to it. What does that have to do with braiding hair speeding up your hair growth though? I just want to know the science behind it because it just doesn't make sense to me.

My mom told me that black cats are bad luck but that doesn't make it true. I've read many things on the web that are very untrue as well.

[Dark40]

A lot of people wear their hair like that myself included not just indians and you can still do the picture test with any braids you wear to test this theory out since you say it works for only you.

Oh yeah, I know that. I've already posted a photo on my profile page. It's the same length that it is now. Which is MBL. Look, I don't have to prove anything to you. You really needed to see pictures of my braids as a child. Not as an adult.

[Dark40]

But chemically-relaxed hair is just regular hair that's had chemicals added to it. What does that have to do with braiding hair speeding up your hair growth though? I just want to know the science behind it because it just doesn't make sense to me.

My mom told me that black cats are bad luck but that doesn't make it true. I've read many things on the web that are very untrue as well.

I didn't say chemically-treated hair had anything to do with braiding speeding up your hair growth. I've just read of the web about it too that it can help speed up the hair growth but you have to be careful of how tight you braid close to the scalp. Because, it can break the hair. I was just giving you my hair type.

[Dark40]

Look, here is a video I just watched about it on: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAy5yvfXLA8

[littlestarface]

Oh yeah, I know that. I've already posted a photo on my profile page. It's the same length that it is now. Which is MBL. Look, I don't have to prove anything to you. You really needed to see pictures of my braids as a child. Not as an adult.

Here's the thing tho you can believe its true sure but someone might see a post or a website saying braids make hair grow faster and think its true and then they're going to be doing braids everyday thinking I cant wait for this great growth but then they see that hair is not growing so fast and will be disappointed. Same goes with oils and whatever else we put on our heads.

I would never tell anyone if you want faster growing hair do braids,extensions or oils, in reality only time/years can make ones hair grow long. We can try n stop breakage by any means but no braid or updo can make hair grow faster and that is my point.

[lapushka]

What's crochet hair?

Try YT. ;)

Here's an example of installing crochet hair aka crochet "braids". The hair is braided, then hair is looped into the braids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rU0AZNayyA

If that doesn't "pull" your hair out, then I don't know what does. :(

Here "braids" are looped through, but sometimes just plain straight hair is pulled through as well.

ETA: here is a straight example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGayjRisvuI

[littlestarface]

Try YT. ;)

Here's an example of installing crochet hair aka crochet "braids". The hair is braided, then hair is looped into the braids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rU0AZNayyA

If that doesn't "pull" your hair out, then I don't know what does. :(

Here "braids" are looped through, but sometimes just plain straight hair is pulled through as well.

So is she talking about those kinds or this kind? https://youtu.be/OM-SOPtgUUM cuz im over here thinking its like this.

BTW that "crochet" hair looks so painful! How do people do that. Its so tight at the scalp.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I love the original braiding before she adds all the artificial braids! But yes, I'm sure those tight braids plus all that weight must result in traction alopecia.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I'm thinking she must mean the double Dutch braids.

[Dark40]

Yes, that's exactly what i'm talking about. The, "Double Dutch Braid."

[*Wednesday*]

I thought Dark40 was meaning it helps grow relating to length retention? Not nesessarily from the root. Unless I'm wrong?

Braiding with me has been iffy and can get matted as well. I wear them sparingly. Not a great protective style for me personally.

[Rebeccalaurenxx]

I didn't say chemically-treated hair had anything to do with braiding speeding up your hair growth. I've just read of the web about it too that it can help speed up the hair growth but you have to be careful of how tight you braid close to the scalp. Because, it can break the hair. I was just giving you my hair type.

I think what dark40 is saying is that they have chemically relaxed hair and braids helped them retain growth.
Which is true for chemically relaxed and ethnic hair. Sometimes braids help.

However dark40, you should be aware that braids do not CAUSE growth.
It’s your natural growth, you are just better retaining your growth because 1. You’re protective styling. And 2. Because the hair is braided you’re no longer using chemical straightening. The braid is not making the hair grow faster, you’re just retaining the growth because you’re not doing any other manipulation. This works for you because of your race/hair type especially because it can also be hard to retain moisture, which braids aid in. .
This would NOT however work for EVERYONE. Saying this is a be end all solution, for every hair type, is not true.
And it’s important!! Very IMPORTANT!! that you pay attention to your roots and how tight they are.
No matter the KIND of braid, they ALL can cause traction alopecia.
Any sort of tension to the scalp over time can cause traction alopecia.

[Dark40]

I think what dark40 is saying is that they have chemically relaxed hair and braids helped them retain growth.
Which is true for chemically relaxed and ethnic hair. Sometimes braids help.

However dark40, you should be aware that braids do not CAUSE growth.
It’s your natural growth, you are just better retaining your growth because 1. You’re protective styling. And 2. Because the hair is braided you’re no longer using chemical straightening. The braid is not making the hair grow faster, you’re just retaining the growth because you’re not doing any other manipulation. This works for you because of your race/hair type especially because it can also be hard to retain moisture, which braids aid in. .
This would NOT however work for EVERYONE. Saying this is a be end all solution, for every hair type, is not true.
And it’s important!! Very IMPORTANT!! that you pay attention to your roots and how tight they are.
No matter the KIND of braid, they ALL can cause traction alopecia.
Any sort of tension to the scalp over time can cause traction alopecia.

Yes, that is all I was trying to say, and also in the video I posted on what the lady BeautyKlove said also about wearing 2 big, "Double Dutch Braids," in her hair too. But no, you are not suppose to leave them in your hair for a long extended period of time. When I was a child my mom would put them in, and then the next day take them down for styling. Just like what BeautyKlove said in her video that braids may not work for everyone. I had already known that, and my natural hair texture is curly, and I have to get it relaxed so that it will be more manageable but during my childhood every time I got my relaxer put in after shampooing, conditioning, and drying she would put my hair just in 2 big, "Double Dutch Braids," and the nest day take them down.