I’m curious as to why afro type hairstyles like braids are described as protective. These hairstyles seem to risk pulling out a lot of hair around the hairline over time. They also leave more of the scalp exposed to the sun. What are they protecting against, exactly?
Edit: thanks for the explanations, everyone! I always wondered how those with coiled hair could be bothered to sit for hours getting braids or cornrows done, but I guess if the management of the hair daily takes so long too, then it makes sense! 😄
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Super curly hair breaks off more easily where it kinks compared to straight hair. And even when it doesn’t break it can get easily knotted and matted together. I keep my hair short now, but when I was young, I had a big blown out afro and when I didn’t bother taking care of it I would often find individual hairs tied in literal knots. When I picked it out those knots would also break, tearing out one hair and often splitting the other.
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