These Hairstyles Will Grow Your Hair… or Ruin It | Which Protective Style is Best for You?
Struggling with knowing which hairstyle is meant for you and your hair growth journey? Heres a small guide on navigating that.
Protective styles are praised for being the secret to long, healthy hair — but that’s not always the case. The truth is, some styles can actually set you back if they’re done too tight, left in too long, or not made for your hair type.
So if you’ve ever taken your hair down and thought, “Why does it look worse than before I put it up?”... you’re not crazy. It might’ve been the wrong style — or the wrong maintenance.
Let’s break it down:
Which protective styles actually help?
Which ones can cause damage?
And which ones make sense for your hair type?
💌 And if you don’t feel like guessing anymore...
I build custom routines for paid subscribers based on your hair type, porosity, goals, and moisture needs — for just $5/month.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
ALL paid subs get a fully personalized plan made just for them. (Check welcome email + spam folder to fill out the hair form)
Box Braids | The Go-To for Length and Versatility
✅ Pros:
• Easy to switch up: You can wear them in buns, ponytails, or even curl the ends
• Keeps tangles to a minimum since your hair’s tucked away
• You don’t have to style every morning
⚠️ Cons:
• They get heavy fast — especially if the braids are long or thick
• Can dry your hair out if you’re not moisturizing weekly
• If done too tight, they can cause bumps, soreness, and traction alopecia
Best for:
Medium to thick density hair between 3C–4A.
If your hair is fine or low density, go with smaller, lightweight braids to avoid tension.
Mini Twists | Lightweight, Low-Tension
✅ Pros:
• Very gentle on the scalp (no added hair = no extra weight)
• Easy to moisturize and refresh throughout the week
• Super simple to take down — no scissors needed
⚠️ Cons:
• If your hair shrinks a lot, the twists will look much shorter
• Looser textures (3A–3C) might see frizz early on
• Can start tangling or matting over time if left in too long
• Usually lasts 2–4 weeks — shorter than braided styles
Best for:
Type 4A–4C naturals of all densities.
To stretch your hair first, try banding or lightly blow-drying on low heat before twisting.
Cornrows | Functional and Sleek
✅ Pros:
• Great scalp access for oiling and moisturizing
• Makes a perfect base for wigs and sew-ins
• Once braided, you don’t have to touch it for days
⚠️ Cons:
• If too tight, they can cause tension bumps or breakage
• Frizz happens fast (usually around week 2 or 3)
• On low-density hair, they can expose a lot of scalp
Best for:
Most hair types from 3C–4C — especially if your hair holds braids well.
If your hair unravels easily or is super fine, consider smaller braids for better hold.
Faux Locs | Stylish and Long-Lasting
✅ Pros:
• Can last up to 8 weeks with proper care
• No need to style daily — it’s a low-effort routine
• Keeps your ends protected, which helps with retention
⚠️ Cons:
• Can be heavy, especially if they’re long or super full
• Your real hair is tucked in — hard to moisturize fully
• Take-down can be a process (and risky if you’re rushing)
Best for:
Type 3C–4C hair.
If your strands are fine or your scalp is sensitive, look for lighter-weight faux locs to reduce tension.
So Which Protective Style Should You Be Wearing?
It depends on your porosity, your lifestyle, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Here’s the quick guide:
• Want something lightweight and scalp-accessible? Go with mini twists.
• Need a longer-term style that stays put? Faux locs might be your match.
• Wearing wigs or sew-ins? Cornrows are your best base.
• Want versatility and cute styles? Box braids are a classic — just don’t skip moisture or let them get too tight.
But remember: no protective style will help you grow if your actual hair isn’t being cared for underneath.
You still have to moisturize. You still need to protect your edges. And you still need to know what your hair can handle when it comes to tension, dryness, and weight.
Your style should protect your hair, not punish it.
How I Can Help You Right Now?
When you subscribe to my Substack ($5/month), you get a custom routine based on your hair type, porosity, density, goals, and how much time you’re actually willing to put in. Here’s what I include:
• A step-by-step routine for wash days, deep conditioning, styling, and maintenance
• Product recommendations that match your porosity and density (no filler)
• A cheat sheet so you don’t have to keep watching videos or googling anything
• Weekly tips that make it easier to stick with your plan and actually grow your hair
• DM access to ask me questions if you need clarification or adjustments
Why Should You Trust Me?
I’m a 3x Certified Natural Hair Practitioner, and I’ve spent the last 8 years learning, experimenting, and teaching everything I know about afro-textured hair. I’ve helped thousands of people grow longer, healthier, stronger hair by giving them routines that actually work for their hair type.
I price my routines at just $5/month because I remember how hard it was to find real help when I started. Most hair courses and coaching programs charge $100+, and honestly? A lot of them still leave you confused. I want this to be accessible, affordable, and actually helpful — because that’s what I needed back then.
This Is a Limited Offer
I only take on 50 new custom routines per week. I don’t outsource this. I read your answers, I write your plan, and I make sure it makes sense for your hair. That’s why spots are first come, first served.
If you subscribe now, your routine will be delivered within 3–7 days. The sooner you subscribe, the sooner you get started.
Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
If your goal is to grow your hair, define your curls, or just finally understand what works for you — this is the best place to start.
Subscribe now for $5/month or $50/year and I’ll build a plan just for your hair.
P.S. If you’ve ever wanted a space where people actually get your hair struggles — this is it.
Join our free Hair Discord server to connect with naturals who are growing, learning, and sharing real results every single day.
We talk routines, product wins, scalp issues, protective styles — all of it.
It’s the community I wish I had when I started.
Click here to join us: https://discord.gg/E8tBPm9mSr