So Which Is Better?
Really the answer to that depends on the type of hair that you have. It’s a sobering thought but the truth is some of us simply cannot retain a great deal of length without protective styling.
Sure most of us will be able to retain some good length with low manipulation styling in the beginning of our hair journeys but some people may find themselves plateauing at certain lengths where they are not losing length but they are no longer gaining length either.
Shoulder length and armpit length are pretty common plateau points for both natural and relaxed women.
If you find that low manipulation styling is no longer working as a length retention tactic even though your regimen hasn’t changed significantly, then it may be time to bring out the protective styling guns!
It is difficult and more than a little unfair to give a sweeping generalization on hair types and if protective styling is needed to retain length or not.
Many women of all hair types and textures have managed to retain length quite nicely with just low manipulation styling. And conversely, women of multiple hair textures have found that they need to protective style exclusively in order to retain length.
This is why is is so important to know your own hair! Learning what your hair likes and dislikes will be the single most important thing you learn in your journey to grow long hair.
If you are a newbie or you simply don’t know your own hair yet and you are wondering what to choose, the best advice I can give is that it really depends on you and what you like. Both methods will significantly increase length retention so if you are the type of girl that prefers to wear her own hair but wants to reap the benefits of high retention then low manipulation might be right up your alley.
If on the other hand you really want to give your hair a break for an extra long time while benefiting from maximum length retention then go for a protective style. You won’t regret it! Either way you will be solid on your goals.
Audria says
So Ive decided to wear two strand twists as my protective styling for 2015. However, I usually group my twists and re twist and put it in a chiney bum (bantu knot) to achieve curls without pulling out the twists. Is that considered too much manipulation?
Ashley Blue says
Protective styles don’t protect your hair from anything. It’s just a style that allows u to wake up and go.
Saprila Mclean says
Low manip from now on
Soraya Miller says
Protective styles doesn’t mean don’t tend to your hair because its tucked. You still need to moisturize and massage your scalp and keep the scalp clean.
T-anne Fal says
Ive tried all but fail massively….so i dont even bother to style i jus wash n go. I try not to comb my hair but wash, protein treatments n deep conditioning and thats all i do now. Just waiting to see if its makes any difference in couple of months.