Is type 4 hair really supposed to be combed or worn out?

[Vintageglam]

There have been a few threads recently on LHCF contesting the differences in growth rate between hair types. These debates got me thinking about my hair and the fact that despite 24/7 protective styling (wig) and weekly DCing/ mininum heat etc etc I have managed to grow about 4 inches from April this year when I BC'd to about 2.5 inches giving me a total of about 6.5 inches. I am barely neck length .

This then got me thinking that maybe our hair isn't supposed to be combed or worn out but ratherdoes best locked up, in braids or twists on a permanent basis. I mean with all the pain and mess of detangling and the sheer work that goes into maintaining natural hair there has got to be another way.


Personally, I am seriously considering sister locs. I come from quite a conservative African Family/ community so this is a HUGE decision. For those who get the natural inquisition from family at gatherings - trust me this is a whole new level from that when squaring up with African family . I also work in a very traditionalluy conservative feild. That said I am fed up of the amount of time I spend worrying about styling options for my hair.

Looking forward to your resonses as always ladies

 

[bludaydreamr]

Locks are not a bad option at all, but if you just need a break from the wigs; try braids for a while. As your hair grows so will your styling options.
After I did the big chop, I started to twist my hair, and for 2 years I have worn my hair in braids and twists mainly as PS. Now I have decided to use more heat to see if I can reduce ssk and make detangling easier. I thought long and hard about this decision because I have limited heat for the past 4 years. I think this is the best option for me as long as I keep my hair in good health.

 

[shunemite]

I have managed to grow about 4 inches from April this year when I BC'd to about 2.5 inches giving me a total of about 6.5 inches. I am barely neck length .

This then got me thinking that maybe our hair isn't supposed to be combed or worn out but ratherdoes best locked up, in braids or twists on a permanent basis. I mean with all the pain and mess of detangling and the sheer work that goes into maintaining natural hair there has got to be another way.


Personally, I am seriously considering sister locs. I come from quite a conservative African Family/ community so this is a HUGE decision. For those who get the natural inquisition from family at gatherings - trust me this is a whole new level from that when squaring up with African family . I also work in a very traditionalluy conservative feild. That said I am fed up of the amount of time I spend worrying about styling options for my hair.

Looking forward to your resonses as always ladies

@ the bolded: about 7 months and 4 inches if I'm counting right, is a little over half an inch a month which is about average, not bad! And you're keeping what you grew.

Hmmm.... to comment on your question, though, interesting thought. I'm relaxed 4b now but for the first 18 years of my life I was natural. I was in East Africa. I never wore my hair bone straight, my mother managed it and it was about MBL when I was a child. My hair was always braided or cornrowed. The only time my hair was ever worn out was on Sunday for church, weddings, parties etc and even then, my hair wasn't out the whole day. My mom would unbraid it, comb it out for the 4 hours we were out of the house, and on coming back home she would braid it back up in plaits.

I did have friends who wore their hair out every single day, but the problem we had was that the hair would shrink when it was out unless you used heat. A lot of people didn't own hot combs.

The locs thing.... I know where you're coming from African family wise. My brother grew locs and my dad and mom were so upset, my aunts, my uncles... everyone. But he didn't care and kept growing them.

 

[faithVA]

This then got me thinking that maybe our hair isn't supposed to be combed or worn out but ratherdoes best locked up, in braids or twists on a permanent basis. I mean with all the pain and mess of detangling and the sheer work that goes into maintaining natural hair there has got to be another way.

Absolutely nothing wrong with going for locs. There are some absolutely beautiful locs out there.

I think that 4 type hair may do better not being out as much as other types but permanent is a little drastic. Right now my hair is about the length of yours and it does take a while to style because of the length. But I am pretty sure when I hit APL I will have more options to choose from.

I also don't think all type 4s have severe detangling issues. As I learn about my hair, my regimen and retaining moisture, detangling and maintaining my hair is becoming easier.

I think if my hair was in a protective style all the time I would miss it. I do find some enjoyment in doing my hair and styling my hair and trying new things. I also know there are many others that would rather skip all that.

 

[lizzyb168]

I dont think type 4 hair is designed to be in PS's permantely but i do think that we were meant to usw these styles on a regular basis in order gor our hair to be healthier. Not only to retain length but also moisture.

Personally i would think long and hard about sista locks. if its length u want then i would consider it, but if ur goal is healthy hair then u would just let ur hair stay the way it is.

BTW where dat hair update for the laser helmet?! *Waiting Patiently*

 

[BillsBackerz67]

I dont think any type of tightly coiled hair should be combed out/combed frequently from its natural state unless u could care less about retaining and breakage. Permanent protective styles are kind of drastic but wearing a protective style that lasts several days to several weeks that requires little to no manipulation seems to work for most people.

 

[Vintageglam]

Ladies just to clarify I am not saying that type 4 hair has to be work in a permanet ps style but rather suggesting that it appears to flourish when worn, locked, twisted and braided. For example if your say twisted/ braided or locked your hair, the ends are not going to suffer the same fate as compared to if they were left to flow freely. Also there is clearly less of a daily issue with, matting, tangling and shrinkage.

To tell the truth its my hubby who is really trying to encourage me to see through my conviction to keep my hair natural. He has seen all the phases, braids that ripped out my hairline, weaves that compounded the damage. It was actually his suppestion to wear wigs and to tell the truth my hair line has never looked back. My 18 year old neice actually joked recently that her aunty acually has a hair line .

@ the bolded: about 7 months and 4 inches if I'm counting right, is a little over half an inch a month which is about average, not bad! And you're keeping what you grew.

Hmmm.... to comment on your question, though, interesting thought. I'm relaxed 4b now but for the first 18 years of my life I was natural. I was in East Africa. I never wore my hair bone straight, my mother managed it and it was about MBL when I was a child. My hair was always braided or cornrowed. The only time my hair was ever worn out was on Sunday for church, weddings, parties etc and even then, my hair wasn't out the whole day. My mom would unbraid it, comb it out for the 4 hours we were out of the house, and on coming back home she would braid it back up in plaits.

I did have friends who wore their hair out every single day, but the problem we had was that the hair would shrink when it was out unless you used heat. A lot of people didn't own hot combs.

The locs thing.... I know where you're coming from African family wise. My brother grew locs and my dad and mom were so upset, my aunts, my uncles... everyone. But he didn't care and kept growing them.

Great post shunmite. Good to see your bro stuck to his guns.

I dont think type 4 hair is designed to be in PS's permantely but i do think that we were meant to usw these styles on a regular basis in order gor our hair to be healthier. Not only to retain length but also moisture.

Personally i would think long and hard about sista locks. if its length u want then i would consider it, but if ur goal is healthy hair then u would just let ur hair stay the way it is.

BTW where dat hair update for the laser helmet?! *Waiting Patiently*

My photographer has been busy lately. I will get him to take pics as soon as he can. Ive tried taking them myself but because of the lighting it doesn't do it justice to the growth I have received.

I dont think any type of tightly coiled hair should be combed out/combed frequently from its natural state unless u could care less about retaining and breakage. Permanent protective styles are kind of drastic but wearing a protective style that lasts several days to several weeks that requires little to no manipulation seems to work for most people.

great tip !

 

[FebeeSigns]

I think 4 hair is supposed to be combed and worn out, as well as protective styled, but not 24/7.There's balance for everything. By the way, you retained very well. I suggest you keep growing the way you are and if it's not broken, don't fix it.

 

[Vashti]

Ladies just to clarify I am not saying that type 4 hair has to be work in a permanet ps style but rather suggesting that it appears to flourish when worn, locked, twisted and braided.

I think that this is definitely true.

 

[lana]

I have 4a/b hair and I am currently texlaxed. I like this because for me it's the best of both worlds. I love to "whip my hair". Most days I want to wear it heat straightened. I wash it, always condition/deep condition the hair and then wear it down flat ironed with low heat for 2-3 days. As soon as it starts to lose the style, I put it in a moisturized bun. Right now I'm wearing a bun and I will wash and wear it out and bun it again and again. I'm retained everything that I grow at this current time.

Everyone has to do what works best for their hair. I have thick healthy hair, because of the suggestions from this board and finding out what works for me. I love to run my fingers through my hair and touch my scalp. I would never wear a permanent protective style. But that's just me...everything is not for everyone. LHCF has been my hairsaver though. Thanks ladies!

Detangling has never been an issue for me when I use the correct conditioners and styling tools.

 

[MizzBrit]

I dont think any type of tightly coiled hair should be combed out/combed frequently from its natural state unless u could care less about retaining and breakage. Permanent protective styles are kind of drastic but wearing a protective style that lasts several days to several weeks that requires little to no manipulation seems to work for most people.

all of this! my hair does flourish when worn in ps styles..but i dont think it has to be worn permanently per se. i wear it out about 3-4 days every couple of weeks and havent had any setbacks.as stated before, balance is the key.