Grow Your Hair While Braided: Expert Tips for Length Retention at Aba African Hair Braiding
- aidaraidrissa
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Are you tired of choosing between a stunning braided hairstyle and the health of your natural hair? At Aba African Hair Braiding, we believe you can enjoy both. Many clients ask how to grow their hair while it’s in braids. The answer lies in a combination of professional installation and a consistent at-home care routine. Whether you prefer sleek Boho Braids or classic Feed-in Cornrows, you can turn your protective style into a journey of hair growth and length retention.
The Professional Foundation for Hair Growth
Hair growth starts the moment you sit in the stylist’s chair. At Aba African Hair Braiding, we focus on creating a healthy foundation that supports your hair’s natural growth cycle.
Precision and Care
We ensure clean, well-defined parts and consistent tension during braiding. This protects your edges from unnecessary pulling and breakage, which can stunt growth.
Expert Styling
Whether you want vibrant, waist-length colors or natural-looking textures, our styles provide a protective environment. This allows your hair to rest and grow without daily manipulation.
A professional installation reduces damage and sets the stage for your hair to thrive while braided.
The Castor Oil Detox: Your At-Home Growth Routine
To keep your hair growing while in braids, treat your scalp like fertile soil. The Castor Oil Detox is a simple, effective method to nourish your scalp and awaken dormant hair follicles.
Apply Jamaican Black Castor Oil to Your Scalp
Focus on the parts where your scalp is exposed. Castor oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help strengthen hair roots.
Massage for 5 Minutes
Use your fingertips to massage the oil in circular motions. This increases blood flow to the follicles, encouraging faster hair growth.
Seal the Strands
Lightly apply oil to the length of your braids to keep them shiny and fresh without weighing them down.
Perform this routine 1 to 2 times a week while your braids are installed. It supports scalp health and promotes length retention.
Making Your Braided Style Last Longer
A style that lasts longer means less daily manipulation, which helps retain length and reduces breakage.
Use a Silk or Satin Bonnet at Night
Sleeping with a silk or satin bonnet locks in moisture and prevents friction that causes frizz and breakage.
Stay Hydrated with a Leave-In Spray
Every few days, spritz your braids with a light rosewater or leave-in spray before your oil massage. This keeps your scalp and hair hydrated.
Care for Your Edges
Keep your edges smooth and healthy with a light, non-greasy edge control. This prevents breakage around the hairline, which is often the most fragile area.
By following these steps, you protect your hair and extend the life of your braids, giving your hair the best chance to grow.
Tips for Choosing the Right Protective Style
Not all braids are created equal when it comes to hair health and growth. Here are some tips to help you choose styles that support length retention:
Avoid styles that pull too tightly on your scalp or edges.
Opt for braids that are not too heavy to prevent stress on your roots.
Choose styles that allow easy access to your scalp for cleansing and moisturizing.
Consider styles like Boho Braids or Feed-in Cornrows that blend natural hair with extensions smoothly.
Consult with your stylist at Aba African Hair Braiding to find the best style for your hair type and growth goals.
Common Mistakes That Hinder Hair Growth in Braids
Understanding what to avoid is as important as knowing what to do. Here are common mistakes that can slow your hair growth while braided:
Leaving braids in for too long without maintenance.
Neglecting scalp care and hydration.
Using heavy products that cause buildup and clog follicles.
Sleeping without a protective bonnet or scarf.
Pulling or tugging on braids aggressively.
Avoiding these pitfalls helps maintain a healthy scalp and hair, leading to better length retention.
When to Remove Your Braids
Knowing when to take down your braids is crucial. Keeping braids in too long can cause matting, tangling, and breakage.
Most protective styles should be kept for 6 to 8 weeks maximum.
If you notice excessive itching, buildup, or hair shedding, it’s time to remove the braids.
After removal, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment and a break before installing a new style.
Regular breaks between styles allow your hair to recover and grow stronger.
Final Thoughts on Growing Hair While Braided
Growing your hair while wearing braids is possible with the right approach. Start with a professional installation that protects your edges and scalp. Maintain your scalp health at home with the Castor Oil Detox and keep your style fresh and hydrated. Protect your hair at night and avoid common mistakes that cause damage.