Ask JAS: Protective Styling Options

Question: I have a question/dilemma. I had my last relaxer in August 2010...I did the Big Chop in November. If I blow my hair out its about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. My question is I'm looking to get it braided as a protective style. I've had kinky twist but for the money that goes into them they didn't last long enough. I'm trying to find out if micros are a good option.

Jameka's Answer: First, congrats on the BC and welcome to the natural world! :) I wouldn't suggest micro braids as a protective style. Oftentimes, the hair/braid is so small that if the braids come out or as you take them out, they end up taking your hair with them, which will be completely contrary to what you're trying to do. Braids, however, are a good option. I would suggest getting them in a size that's bigger than the micro size, maybe a medium size, with the human hair.

I got these braids done my summer before freshmen year of college.  They're a pretty good size because they aren't micro, but still pretty small.

 Brandy's also known for her braids, even though she wears sew-ins and lace fronts now. She recently switched it up and put her hair in braids. This could also be something that you want to try!

 Sierra's Answer:  Congrats again!!!! I agree with Jameka. Since you haven't been natural for a while your hair might not be used to being "naked" just yet and micros could just be too heavy since they only pick up small strands of hair. I had micros in high school and I remember in the front around my edges, some micros were only hanging on by like two strands of hair. After I BC'd, when my hair was about that length, I kept my coiled or rolled. Some people call them different things. But it was an easy way to let my hair breathe and still stay cute at the same time. So there are other other options but if you go for braids, go for ones that don't use a lot of hair to small amounts of your hair... if that makes since. Like make sure they use an equal amount of your hair to weave hair so it won't pull on your real hair.