The Toxicity Of Protective Styling 4C Hair-Rant And Chit Chat

Nikobun: A few months ago I attempted to put in faux locs and because I was afraid of them slipping out I basically knotted them to my scalp and ended up having to cut alot of my own hair out just to remove them.I definitely learned that no style is worth the health of your natural hair.I’m working on growing my hair out again making it healthier and longer then it’s ever been and I pray it works in Jesus name

masseiy: My momma did not play she’d be in the salon harassing the braider not to pull too tight. It was embarrassing then but I’m glad she taught me to advocate for my edges. Now I want to learn to braid so I can do my own hair because these new age braiders are stressful

C M: Unpopular opinion: wigs aren't always protective. I’ve gotten thin edges from gluing down wigs. And yes, even if you apply glue to a wig cap instead of your actual hairline, the glue still seeps through the cap and gets onto your hair (causing hair strands to rip off when you remove it). Even regular synthetic wigs that don’t require glue cause thinner edges because it rubs continuously against the hairline.

depnewshound: Take them out now. The longer you leave them in, the more the hair follicles will be damaged and the greater the likelihood that said follicles will no longer be able to produce hair again.

Lise Plans and Journals: It’s less about the protective style & more about the installation, like you said. Since I learned to braid & crochet braid my own hair, my hair has thrived in protective styling. No more stylists gripping my edges into braids etc. I am gentle on my own hair and I don’t see it as a burden like many stylists do so my hair always thrives & grows in protective braids. I also don’t do them tiny.

Alexa Rexach: Health over cutness!That's why I do my own braids. I no longer go to stylists. They never make me happy. ( Afro-latina here) I've been natural 3 years...I'll be damn if a stylist destroys ALL my hard work. Just be careful taking it down! Good luck mama

T. Thomas: I dont fool with the braids for these reasons. I protective style my hair just by itself. My mama had alopecia for 30 years. I let that be a lesson to me

Shara: In my 40s and will say that you are lucky it is growing back. The last set of cornrows I had several years ago took my hair out and I now have a permanent bald spot. Even went to a dermatologist and the follicle is gone. So be careful. When you get to a certain age we have to preserve edges as restoration (unless it’s surgical) may no longer be an option. And every style is not for every one in different phases of your life and hair health. I love braids but love my hair more to not get them again because I know my hair can’t handle the tension anymore.

thelovelysherrie: Yes, we must be more cautious and vigilant about our protective styles. Ps… after watching those pictures I had to touch my scalp, to see if it was still there… scary

Tabitha Howard: We rebuke those receding edges amen!!And this is why I always do my own hair! I just don't trust anyone else with the proper tension/technique. Only I know what my hair and edges can handle.

Lise Plans and Journals: It’s also crucial to moisturise *and* wash hair while in braids.

natasha smith: If they are still tight you may want to consider taking them out. They will end up stressing and thinning your edges....

Sherri Okere: Hey Nappy Fu, I had got a weave several years ago and my hair was braided too tight. It was my first weave ever and I didn't know any better. When it was time for me to take the weave out I had a big spot missing in my crown area and it was skin bald. I thought never again my hair has grown back. now I only trust myself to do my protective styles.

Deborah Bonner: I feel that leaving braids in over three weeks will definitely cause my hair to break off (it dries out after 10 days). My hair is sensitive to synthetic hair also.

Lemon Cat: I recently discovered braided wigs. They might be an interesting option for some people. I have locs now so it doesn't really make sense for me to get one, but I wish I had known about them years ago. I would've definitely tried it.

ashy ankles 101: This is why I give myself raggedy twists. If I do get a protective style it’s medium to large box braids maybe a couple of times a year. Having edges is more important than being cute.

RPB: I’ve never had braids for this reason and it takes too long . I just wear my hair. Protective styling kind of defeats the purpose of me going natural. I want to see my hair So, I never started. When I feel my hair needs a rest I’ll just do a low bun with ends tucked in.

SetApart RDB: Wow!! Now all those pictures got me fuming over here! I’m at SOOOO happy that I’ve learned to do my own hair. I also do not use additional hair anymore because it causes entirely too much damage for me. I have learned to appreciate my growing hair in all stages because I’ve decided that the health of my hair will no longer be compromised. Thanks for sharing Fu. I’m so glad you didn’t have as much damage like the beautiful sisters in those photos. Love you sis. Peace and blessings to you

Low Ball Mama: My niece and I were having a conversation and we started talking about things our parents did to our hair when we were children. During the school year, we got our hair combed or touched up everyday or every other day depending on how it held up. We would only get braids during the summer for going to camp and swimming and stuff like that so hair didn't have to be combed everyday. Once those braids or plat's came down, there would be so much new growth that it was unbelievable. Sometimes I just believe that we need to go back to basics. Our hair does need attention and it needs to be touched and combed and oiled and washed on a regular basis to keep it healthy but I know that everybody is different. I really enjoyed this video and thank you for sharing !

Ossie R: I’ve learned during my 71yrs on earth that your hair can fall out no matter how you style it. I’ve done it all. I worn my hair natural, pressed, blow dried, relaxed, protein straighteners. I lost hair and had dehydrated hair in each of these styles and it was because I failed to take proper care of my hair when I got home.

Geministar616: Listen, lemonade braids, Fulani, corn rows, even if the stylist is gentle, it’s gonna put pressure on your edges. They’re cute but I never get them cuz my edges just can’t handle it

NuDiva14: I used to have all kinds of breakage and damage from protective styles until I started watching Youtube tutorials and learned how to do them myself! Ive never been naturally good at doing hair, but Ive been learning how to do my own braids and faux locs for about 3 or 4 years now and each time I get a little better. I can take my time, be extra careful around my fragile problem areas, pay close attention to how tight Im braiding , pay attention to if there's too much weight on a certain section and also pivot the style based on the condition of my hair and scalp at the time. Im certainly no professional, but its really been a game changer for the health of my hair and bank account.

Blu Diamond: I got medium size single braids in my head for an event. The braids were so tight my head was hurting, the skin on my head was red as a tomato; and as I was walking a braid fall out from the back of my head with my entire hair in it. One of my friend had to tell me, one of my braids was on the ground. Plus, people were laughing at me….talk about the hurt in my heart. In regards to what you said…I agree with you, nappyfu. I’m against heavy handed people because I had to grow my edges back as well. I should’ve been direct with the person about how tight she was braiding my hair, but I didn’t because as a kid I grew up thinking braids were suppose to be tight to grow your hair. I had to learn in order for me to realize this. This is the main reason why I won’t get braids, but I understand the danger of tight braiding will do to the hair. Thank you for the video and advice for sure. ❤️

Diamond Prisca Minha's secret #3: Yes, everything you said is true. I was beat into submission so even if it hurt I would stay quiet. Now that I've been re-learning how to take care of my whole body inside and out I've been telling people if there is any pain and tightness. My sister doesn't even pick up my edges now. But sis she definitely took every single strand of hair you had, past present and future. Wow.

Jazzy: Whew… folks need to hear this! I know someone that got tight braids in order to grow their hair. Needless to say it broke their hair off more because they didn’t tell the person not to braid so tight. Also traction allopecia is real. Stop letting people do crazy stuff to your hair.

Warley On Wednesday's: Oh yea, I’ve started doing my own hair after I went to one if my African aunties and she gripped my real hair so much that I now have 2-3 scars in the middle part of my scalp. Crochet and patience with learning to do my own knotless braids has been my best friend

Jones T: I've been wearing 2 strand twist for several years and never had issues. My stylist rolls the first few inches instead of braiding. She also doesn't braid or twist tight at all-I know some people dont go to her for that reason. Usually 4-5 weeks they look like they need to come out and slip. My damage was from taking them out. I think after 4 -5 years I'm taking them out with little damage.

Just K: I get feed ins but not little ones--large ones with a few little ones in between CAYUTE styling. AND my stylist knows how I feel about healthy hair and scalp and tightness, so she adjusts how she braids my hair. And I LOVE it! Glad that you found the best takeaways for Contour and praying with ya for restoration!!

Devon Stewart: I went through this and it has taken years for my edges to get somewhat where it used to be. It took so long to realize what I needed to help with the growth and it's still a struggle today but I have at least have more progress than before

Virenda Victoria: i went to the saloon the day before yesterday and the braider started to braid my edges abd immediately after feeling the pull i stopped her and tell her there is no need to catch the edges and im thankfully she understood and i felt good after she finished. WE need to tell people neatness isn't tighteness

Tanya Latrice StaysonFire: Thank you for this video. I’ve had this happen from folks braiding too tight. You are so right, speak up when getting your hair done! Thank God all hair returned healthily in Jesus name!

Oluwadara Adepoju: I installed a weave last month, my hair stylist was out of town and I was desperate. So, I found a stylist and before she installed the weave she braided my hair too tight. And I already had thin edges. After two weeks, I couldn't take it anymore. My edges were severely damaged. It was so bad that I wanted to shave my head altogether. I got a low manipulative hairstyle, my edges are still in recovery yall. Pray for my edges

NatDon: We must also take into consideration how long we keep these protective styles in for. The first sign of breakage or damage should be your indication to take that protective style out. It's not a protective style if you are loosing your edges.

Kay B.: I just found this channel and I feel so blessed to finally come across a YouTuber who actually has 4c hair. Thank you for the authenticity. Also, do you know of a good shampoo that works for our hair? I can’t find one that lathers my hair properly. I’ve been using dish soap and I know that’s horrible but it seems to be the only thing that has been working.

D H: For me, it wasn't any particular style. It was the repeated abuse of the edges that led to them coming out over time. Because it was such a gradual process, I didn't realize until it was advanced to the point of needing medical intervention. Leave the edges alone. Kinkystyles1980 here on YouTube had a good video about how to protect your edges when protective styling. If you see your edges getting thinner, even if it's not that advanced, stop what you're doing now and leave them alone. I know it's hard because we want to look "cute", and our culture is all about edges being on point. Trust me, it's not worth it. Otherwise it will get worse and you'll have to do a lot to grow them back and maintain them. Just my two cents. My edges are just now starting to grow back after years of going to a dermatologist to find solutions. The best thing is prevention if it's not too late.

Paula Addai: I love you sis! And these verses are beautiful! Thank you for ministering!

Demi: I have to be so cautious with my natural hair & pay attention to what is going on with it. My nap area is a finer texture along with my edges. my middle is coarser. I will not place anything such as braids etc...in my hair. Will just do my natural hair, there seems to be know easy way. Just have to keep it simple. As it grows, I can do it in twists & just let it hang, put on my make up & keep it moving. Can also dress them up.

Asia: This is why I actually don’t protective style with weave anymore. When I do protective style, it’s super simple, like pigtails. My hair has grown so much more, and I feel more in control because I don’t have to rely on finding the right braider or weave to maintain my hair.

Curly Q: I don’t protective style. Period! Too much manipulation and tension. For me, it defeats the purpose of natural hair. I use a lot of scarves and wear my own hair to change it up. I can take care of my hair better without all that fake hair on my head. I have watched your videos and you always get protective styles from what I see. Seems like your hairline goes further back over the years. Happened to me years ago that’s why I don’t do it. Just how I feel for my hair, anyway.

Natajah Fuller: Y’all gotta realize that u have to do your own protective styling styles. It’s the only way your hair will actually grow. Learning to do it will not only save you hundreds but it’ll allow u to actually know the state of your hair at all times. ALSO don’t sleep on leave in conditioner and oil your scalp before you go to bed every night and wear your scarves!!

marvia thomas: Many years ago I stopped braiding my hair because each time I had it braided take down meant I was almost bald. Some months ago I had my niece braids my hair the first time in 20 years take down was a good experience for me very little shedding and bountiful edges ☺

Blue: I've worn braids my entire life my hair has been getting cut and constantly damaged up until last year since I was a kid. This is what I learned. Don't wear too small or too tight braids Don't have braids that are too heavy DO NOT leave your braids up past 3 weeks- 4 weeks TOPS. Do not over moisturize while in braids- oil brings dirt! Your hair will come out a lot in those buildup areas. If there are ANY areas that is too thin or fragile DO NOT braid it - gel it down or something but it won't make that area strong by braiding it. Do not grip at it and force a braid in that area. Let it rest. This worked for MY hair I'm saying. I would over moisturize and leave them up 8- 12 weeks. Fu- take those braids down.

Noluthando Zikode: I had faux locs which I took out about 5 months ago, but for some reasons, my hair is still breaking and coming out in huge chunks. I am so heart broken, and I honestly don't know what to do. I am tempted to just cut all of my hair and start from scratch. Thank you for this video and sharing your story.

IM BELLY: Girl i just found a braid hack for my thin 4c hair. Instead of knotless braids that break my hair off, I do knotted braids then at the top do cornrows down to the sides with a buss down part in the middle. You get the same look and keep edges in tack!

Deer Heart: There’s so much toxic stuff in the hair world , I’m sick of hearing about heat damage relaxers don’t do this don’t do that omg it’s awful the self righteous of the non relaxed … I’m sick of it

Blu_rey: I’m sorry. African braiders have a reputation of braiding way to right. I can’t even take a chance going and having that happen.

1 Love: It's not hard to keep it simple anymore. Twists, wash and go's and braids with my own hair. I am loving the growth.

Erin Symone: I didn't want to hear this, but I NEEDED to hear this lol. Now if only I could find a hairstyle that works that doesn't require hair care basically becoming a part time job for me to manage. That is my biggest deterrent to just wearing my natural hair at this point. Every time I try I end up spending an entire weekend on a style.

Hometown Girl n' Curls: I've had issues with having protective styles installed too tight. I had a sew in and my hair was braided too tight. The stylist claimed it is supposed to be tight when I spoke up. I took the weave out and I found several bald spots. I do my own hair after that and having braids installed too tight or they're too heavy. I use my own hair. Don't be afraid to take them out so soon. I've had to take down braids after having them for a few days because I couldn't take it. I'd rather waste my money than not have edges or have bald spots.

The Art of Ang: for me it was crochets. this was after i had done the big chop(2018) and my hair grew out more. my edges broke off just a little, thank God it wasn't bad though. after that, learned how to do my own hair, box braids, twists, and my favorite, butterfly locs! i definitely prioritize taking care of my natural hair while in protective styles.

Canisha Moten: I washed my hair immediately after taking my braids down without detangling my hair first. At the time I didn’t know any better. My hair got so matted and when I tried to detangle it I made it worse. I took out a lot of my hair because I didn’t know the proper way to detangle. I was so hurt because I always had long pretty hair. After I decided to go natural so I just got the rest of it cut off and now it’s about the same length it was before I damaged it. It’s even thicker now.

GigglesnGaggie: I had tight braids once and decided to take them out on day 3. The money I spent wasn’t worth my edges going bald. I learned how to do my own braids and never looked back.

L R-H: Fell in like with a Curly weave, I chose a Curly from my usual straight option. I soon noticed that where the parts where located was thinning my edges. I took notice that the well paid stylist opted not to treat the weaken areas. Instead the stylist opted to rake a metal brush to further traumatized my natural hair. Covid caused me to walk away from the stylist & to rediscover guarding my edges, which caused me to embrace a holistic hair regiment that has my hair healthy, full & meeting others in the healthy hair community. Since 2020 till now, my strands are healthier, stronger & growing. Thank Nappy Fu & others for inspiring me on taking care of me.

Viciousone V: Yes as I age I cannot stand NO tension on my head. Braids, buns, wigs, etc. But let tell you I did crochet Braids for the first time in about 4 years. I didn't Braids tight and didn't use heavy hair. My hair is thriving now. Still have a bald spot in the crown from 1st time getting a sew in by a professional 10 years ago. Crochet are my go to now.

pretty huis: Don't be like me and chop ur hair off. I know u can grow them edges back. The journey continues. Thank u for sharing with us. Cant wait to see the tips on how to grow ur edges back. Coz my crown area went through the most during my second pregnancy

Libby’s Daughter: Put some respeck on our edges!!! I haven't done braids or cornrows with extensions ll since 2020 because the breakage from my box braids was too much. I have tried low manipulation styles and this has helped

Jasmine Jazzie J: When I was younger a lady out a ponytail on my hair. She used all these Bobbie pins but the didn't have the protective plastic on it. She put like ten in one spot so it felt like knives is my head. When I took it down I had a two inch whole in my head . To this day I still have a indention from those pins. I should have taken it down immediately. I never let her touch my head again. I was only 14 at the time. I don't go to stylist anymore thank God he grew my hear back

Arewa hair care TV: I learned to use my hair alone to do protective styles and addition and my hair rejects it with extreme breakage. Never again.

hoosieraussis1: I always experience some mild thinning on my edges after braids, even single box braids when there is not much tension on the braids and very light weight yarn extensions; likely due to the small size of the braids that I prefer (not micro). I find that as long as I take breaks, and wear my natural hair out, in between braids only 1-2 times a year, my edges recover. I messed around and got my edges re-done on an existing box braid installation, and ended up with much more noticeable thinning. I'll never do back-to-back installations again!

angel_arabella: I used to wear micros and corn rolls HS before going natural but after a couple of times with pain, I started telling them when it was tight or pulling somewhere. Lost some hair but not too much in my edges. I am in the process now of finding someone to do knotless braids; I’ve heard they were not too stressful on the edges. I would drive over 2 hours for senegalese twists because the person never did tight.

precious underwood: I don’t like how they use the word protective for styles that literally destroy your hair. And most of the time people don’t even show the hair that they’re trying to protect.

naturalpn7: I been so over braids. I got locs. Best decision ever. In college I had time 2 weekly was deep condition and wash n go. Blow dry for 2hrs. I'm an adult with responsibilities and I decided I WONT do it anymore. No more braids wigs nothing.

Irenic Cryogenic: Could you talk about how scared naturals are of heat? Frankly, mechanical manipulation will damage the hair a lot more than heat, and even then, heat damaged hair can still grow. Most straight hair naturals (people with natural hair but they keep it in the flat-ironed state) have long hair more often than not.

Sussex Sandra: The stylist definitely snatched up every follicle. I can almost hear the hair follicles popping out…ouch The temples and front hairline are so delicate. They need TLC. I’m in my 50s and i’m talking from experience. Save yourself from traction alopecia when you hit your 30s and above. Tell your braided to NOT grip every strand in the front and temples. If you look like you’ve had a face lift, then it’s too tight. Bless you all

Ms. 5 head & 4 eyes: I'm getting jumbo knotless braids. I deliberately go bigger when it comes to braids. I don't like sitting for hours getting my hair done.

Sarail Vazquez Ortiz: Thank you so much for share your experience and I appreciate a lot that you didn't blame the lady who braid your style. We are responsible to speak when we are feeling discomfort and protect our own hair for the protective style. Also love that you do not continue punishing yourself for you mistake (it's all done.... you identified and recognized what was wrong, made a resolution /plan to avoid and to not repeat the same and keep moving forward, working on restoration and healing your beautiful and blooming Contour. See you next time

Kristina Mitchell: Back in the day I got microbraids..girl I did NOT have them braid past my natural hair because I didn’t want to be there for 2 days..when it was time to take them down I had SOOOO much breakage both at the root and the ends..I had to cut off a nice amount of hair and just keep tension off of my hair

Jeannine Gorden: I went to HI right before the COVID lockdown. It was amazing!! Can't wait to go back!

lifeofalady: You look so pretty though! Thanks for sharing..I lost some hair keeping my braids too long..child mess but my edges stayed in tack. Scalp massage is essential though for stimulation.

nakea simone ♊️: And this is why I have permanent locs!! Im no longer at the will of stylists or doing long intermittent installations of braids and or faux loc styles. I’m LOVIN IT!!! My prayers are with the Queens still on the battlefield. #nattyqueen #locdandLOADED #stressfree

Dolly: I braided my own hair and i it was my first time getting braids because i was waiting for someone else do it for me because ididnt know how to do it myself. So i finally figured out how to do them and my braids were my gawd so cute. The design i did on my hair was so beautiful i wanted my hair not to grow because I wanted it to last as long as possible. They caused no damage at all, so I started braided my hair more, but this time i wasnt probably taking care of my hair before or after probably. It was never too tight ofc since i did it myself but I wasn’t putting much product on my hair before braiding and was just ripping through it because I wanted the process to hurry up bcus u know how long braids take lol. So yeah I learned my lesson

Ashley Kirby: I was wearing a lace front wig a few years ago and it ripped my edges out. Granted I don't know how to style a wig properly so I probably didn't install it correctly. So what I've been doing is making sure I've been massaging my edges and the sides of my head and just making sure that I take special care of those parts of my head as well as my crown giving it the tender loving care that it really needs. And so far from that experience my hair has grown a lot more. My go to protective style is mini twists because it allows my hair to slip and slide as it needs to. Typically whenever I do braids I get a lot of breakage regardless if it's tight or not and I don't understand why. I'm moisturize my hair. I do protein treatments so I know that my hair is being tended to. And so I usually just go with mini twists because I experience a lot less breakage with that style.

Dani Brown: Lady bug I totally feel everything you said... I just went back to cornrows cuz they honestly grow my hair buttt my edges suffer. Sooo I had a bright idea to do the egg n oil trick. Washed it out literally an hr before I got braids installed... it grew by the next day yes auntie yass. I only did it once cuz I gave my hair a break so I hope its not beginners luck but it worked . I had no tight bumps no spraying water none of that

marvinandjosh1: You look gorgeous! I totally agree. An incorrect, tight install is what causes issues not the braids/protective style itself. I stick with knotless braids. They aren't tight, they are moveable, and most importantly, no tension. Also, be sure to give your hair a break between installs.

Nunya Binis: I tend to call protective styles neglective styles because it makes a person go too long without caring for their hair.

Apara: I don't do any sort of faux hair in my hair...BUT, one time I went to the salon and ask for a twist out, and she twist my hair so tightly. I didn't say anything because I was taken them out the next day. But next time I go, I will definitely tell her not too! Any tension, even brief can cause damage. Thank you for the video.

Minney Me: Wore my braids and got my money's worth but I Will NOT do that again!!

Bisa and TT ‘s life Treasures: It can happen without braid hair in that is what happen to my daughter edges we went to a kids salon .... thanks for the video

Virginia Claiborne: Sorry for your loss. Stimulating oils with frequent massages should get things back in order. I also think that the current faux and human hair is more abrasive to the hair strand than it was years ago. Case in point: if you have ever had a weave even with the supposed 100% human hair did you notice than any left out hair was always shorter and less robust that the protected hair under the weave?! If you left the base out to be able to wear a pony tail that hair would always break off to be 3 inches or less…the same with edge leave out. Crown leave out for parting camouflage was always shorter no matter how well cared for your hair was. I truly believe in 2022 that all extension type hair additions are abrasive to natural hair even with care taken to lessen the tension. That’s terrible because braided and faux loc styles are so pretty.

Afi B: Oh my goodness when you said Homegirl gripped every hair you had I did not expect it to be every single hair you had on the front. That was very tight visually, your scalp was suffering.

Od Ferrera: Let's Pray for your edges sis and like you said move forward

Bunnilicious: I feel so blessed to have an African braider who is gentle with my natural hair

Naturally_Nica: Nuh uh!!!! Ain't no level of tight that's acceptable that's not normal. I'm sorry you had to suffer in silence. My whole chest felt those braids, ain't no hair left out. It's definitely the toxicity of the stylist. No style in the right hands will ever be damaging.

mohmd man: Apreciando a una mujer tan hermosa. 2:6 sentadillas son unos QQGIRLS.Uno muchas y un buen ejercicio. 5:25 Se deja ver que hay muy buenos resultados Saludos desde la Cd.. de world losn mortales abian apreciado tan hermosa mujer

kmj2000: To treat your edges try The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Density Serum. It helps strengthen your hair follicle and reduces hair fall. I used it for a month and then tried to pluck a gray hair and that bish said "nah". She and her lil friends are still there till this day.

Polite Reminder:: I live here in Uganda, East Africa. Them African braiders do the most! I just do my own at home for the sake of my edges. They put too much extension on too little root hair and pull so hard

Cece Diamant: Them imaged of the damaged edges gave me ptsd my mum would braid our hair so tight but thankfully would loosen it up when i asked.. even if it was by the littlest bit! Now i just do my own hair as I value health before vanity. Modern day hairdressers wanna be blowing out your hair till its bone straight and apply no sort of nourishment to your hair before plaiting the ‘protective’ style. There’s nothing protective about it!

Sunfire fire: I wrapped the end of my two flat twists with a hair tie. I noticed that my hair came out but I don't know why I did not think it was a big thing. Now I use bobby pins to pin the ends of my flat twists to my head.

Jessica Fenestor: Mine was conrow braids but and she fried my hair trying to get it straight for this style and after removal I had severe heat damage. To remedy I had to cut it all of.

crazysexycool: You're such a beautiful woman. Ever thought of growing locs? 'Contour ' will flourish without products & manipulation set her free ❤

Enyatta Landreaux: It’s more beneficial to do protective styles with your own hair. Because really and truthfully those styles don’t be protecting anything. Also they cause alopecia

Lorine Adams: I was soooo scared to take my braids down.

indria drayton: I had my hand over my mouth looking at all that scalp damage....

CasuallyJan: I kinda have two instances. One is my edges. I am definitely trying to put less tension on my edges as my hair at the front are way shorter than they used to be, especially in the two corners at the ends. So if I am doing any updo style, which is a rarity now, I try and use the least amount of tension as possible. If I have twists, I just let them roam free and not put them in any low buns. Two is that I am more wary of protective styles after doing passion twists on myself last year. I did not like the hair I used as it was pretty rough and that made the takedown even worse and a lot of ends just damaged or broke off during the takedown. Granted I don't think I used any water or conditioner to take them down so partially my bad. I want to do some protective style for the summer and am wary about someone else doing it but I really don't want to spend several days braiding so I need to find the right person.

D rob: What really worries me is when people keep putting those tight braids although their edges keep going further back. I’ve seen edges in the middle of the head.

memysefani: Yes ma’am- I learned all too late that these PS are fine IF you have a full head of healthy thick hair that has not seen a lot of damage from heat, too tight ponies, sew-ins, relaxers etc. Then go on braid it up no problem but after years of my African sisters tight braids,( No Shade to my sisters, I only single them out cause back in the day they were the only braiders available where I lived), all of the no-no’s I listed above I now see that it was all quite damaging & these so called PS now aren’t so protective as they are part of the problem. Hind sight and all that but I can’t even enjoy a good crochet braid anymore and for fear that’s gonna pull out what I got left.

Summer: You did a video (which I can't find now) on taking out braids. I think you used coconut oil to work out the matting at the roots and remove shed hair. I applied this method using a DIY whipped shea butter and tee tree oil. It WORKED WONDERS!!!! The matting and shed hair slipped out so easily and I didn't notice much, if any, breakage. My hair is low porosity so when I finished it was not very soft but super greasy, lol! When all the matting and shed hair was out, I sprayed water in my hands and worked it into each section which made it SUPER soft. Next, I put alligator clips down the length of my hair to keep it stretched. Finally, I put it in chunky twists. I'll wash it in a week. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the results. Thanks for sharing this great tip in taking out braids.

DragonFlies: I had to feed in braids also and it did take my edges out as well.

Zeke W: Nah you absolutely should NOT have left the style in. I did the same thing and wound up with a lil traction alopecia that thankfully corrected itself. It's never worth leaving those tight "protective styles" in.

Missy Grando: She gathered the ancestors' edges too! I have a wig similar to this style that was constructed on a frontal lace wig and as beautiful as it is, that thing is heavy. Like weigh down on me, meeeeee! heavy.