People use braids as protective hairstyles to keep their hair healthy. Before getting them done, you must wonder, “What do braids do to your hair?” “Why do people get them done?”
So, if you are about to get box braids done, this is the perfect article for you. Here you will learn the difference between box braids and dreads and other fun facts about box braids that you should know, so let us get started.
Advantages of Box Braids
Before getting further into the article, we should look at all the advantages of this protective hairstyle. Knowing these advantages will help you decide if you should get box braids if you are new to protective hairstyles.
Helps the hair grow
Hair growth is something that many people want. The weakest part of the hair strand, the end, should be protected for hair to grow. This is because split ends cause breakage of hair strands which in turn stops the hair from growing.
In Box Braids, the ends are tucked up, which helps maintain the length. Also, when you have braids, you do not need to style your hair. One another big reason for hair breakage is combing and styling, which causes the hair to break. So, if you do not use these tools, the hair will grow longer.
Prevents the hassle of styling
Since the box braids are already done on your hair, you can get out of bed and tackle your life. There is no need to comb your hair as the hair is already made up and ready. This saves time and prevents the hassle of coming up with new hairstyles every day. This is another added benefit of the box braids.
Protects the scalp
When one combs their hair often, it also irritates the scalp. Once the scalp is irritated, it causes itching and also hair fall. This is why when the hair is in a braid, it also protects the scalp. Of course, the braids should not be too tight, and the sections of hair should be smaller to prevent tension that can harm the scalp.
Keeps the moisture in
When the hair is sectioned off and braided, it helps to lock in moisture between each braided strand of hair. Even when washed, the shampoo cleans the scalp but does not penetrate the hair as much. This, in turn, helps to lock in moisture in your hair which allows your hair to be healthier and shinier when taken out of the braids.
Long-lasting
This hairstyle can be changed occasionally as well. The braids can easily last for a few weeks. Therefore, these few weeks, you can easily skip styling your hair, and even the maintenance of the hair is much less. There are no other hairstyles, except for protective hairstyles, that last this long.
Protects from the weather
When it is hot, the humidity causes hair to become frizzy and flat. When the weather is cold, the hair is much more brittle and dry, which makes it prone to breaking. The braids, regardless of the weather, will protect your hair. The braids can keep your hair from seasonal damage in summer and winter.
Are box braids dreads?
Although box braids and dreads might seem very similar, they are actually different. These two look similar, but the way they are formed and some other factors make the dreads and braids very different.
What’s the difference between braids and dreads?
Now that you know that dreads and box braids are very different, you must wonder what makes them so different. Well, here are all the ways these two hairstyles are considered different.
Time-Consuming
Braids are very simple hairstyles and take a few hours to complete. Also, once you are done, the braids are exactly how they are supposed to look.
When it comes to dreads, these take much longer to form. In fact, dreads take weeks to form and look how they are supposed to look completely. This also means that the effort is much more to create dreadlocks, while braids do not even require half the effort to create.
The method
Of course, the method also greatly differs. For braids, the process is simple, take three or four strands of sectioned hair and weave them together to create the traditional box braid. These are perfect for long hair.
When it comes to dreadlocks, you must take each section of hair, backcomb it and continually twist it into the traditional dread shape. The dreads will take shape as the hair grows over the next few weeks.
Permanence
When it comes to braids, they last for a few weeks, like a month, and then the new hair growth causes the braids to unravel. The braids need to be removed, the hair is allowed to breathe, and the process is repeated.
Braids, however, are somewhat permanent and do not unravel easily. Taking dreads is a very long process as well. In fact, people who keep dreads for a long period of time prefer to cut their hair off and start new instead of trying to unravel them.
When do box braids start to look old?
The time when the box braids start to look old depends on many factors. The most important factor is how you maintain the hair.
If you do not maintain the braids at all, they should last for four to six weeks without looking old. However, if you are constantly trimming away extension fly-aways, keeping edges smooth and hydrated, and ensuring your scalp health is up to par, the box braids can also last till eight weeks. Another thing is, if you have colored hair, the hair will start to come off after a few weeks, which can also give them an old look.
Who are box braids for?
Box braids are typically associated with African people and the African diaspora, people with a natural hair type. However, other people can also enjoy protective hairstyles as they are not only for one type.
Why do box braids damage Caucasian hair?
Box braids can damage Caucasian hair because Caucasian hair is not as tough as African hair. However, many people do believe that box braids do not damage Caucasian hair as these hairstyles inherently are supposed to help the hair.
The braids on white hair do not last for more than 2 weeks, so they can be harder to maintain. But if done by a proper professional and maintained properly, then the braids do not harm Caucasian hair and will also last for a little longer. It depends on many factors, and only race does not determine how well the braids will work on the hair. Also, if you have thick hair, box braids are more meant for your hair, so they will not damage it.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about box braids and how well they work for different people. Also, after reading this article, you know the difference between box braids and dreads, as many assume they are the same. This article was very informative for you.
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