But unfortunately, braiding hair does not speed up growth rate. Your hair grows at a rate determined by genetics, while lifestyle factors like your diet and stress levels can cause thinning and breakage. But the way you wear your hair is not a factor in your hair growth rate.
Braiding your hair can help retain the length of your hair by protecting the scalp and ends. When your hair is in braids, you will not be brushing or detangling your hair, which is a common cause for breakage. However, when your ends are tucked away, it can minimize the likelihood of split ends and unwanted breakage.
You should never keep braids for longer than eight weeks. Any longer than that, your new growth will stretch and damage and eventually break, causing significant damage to your hair.
How long does hair grow in 2 weeks? On average, hair grows about half an inch per month. So, in two weeks, you can expect your hair to grow about one-quarter of an inch or half a centimetre every two weeks.
According to Web MD, most hair strands grow at an average rate of about 0.3 to 0.4 mm a day. Therefore hair will grow: Around 2.5 mm, or a tenth of an inch, in a week. Around half an inch in a month.
But unfortunately, braiding hair does not speed up growth rate. Your hair grows at a rate determined by genetics, while lifestyle factors like your diet and stress levels can cause thinning and breakage. But the way you wear your hair is not a factor in your hair growth rate.
Ponytails and braids -- "Ponytails and braids can cause hair to break, especially if your style is pulled tightly," Mirmirani says. "If you wear it that way every day, permanent hair damage can occur." Braiding or putting your hair in a ponytail when it's wet can cause damage sooner because wet hair is more fragile.
Braid your hair before going to sleep. This old trick works every time and is one of the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping. It not only protects your hair – stopping it from tangling and breaking – but also gives you gorgeous beachy waves the next day and cuts down on frizz.
All our experts also agree that FDA-approved minoxidil is one the best, tried-and-true ingredients to help combat hair loss. “Minoxidil is probably the most well-known ingredient particularly since it is available in over-the-counter products,” says Dr. Lee.
The fact of the matter is that curly hair takes a longer time to grow longer because it grows in a curl, rather than straight down. But curly hair, as well as straight hair, usually grows about 1/2” per month. So with patience, and with a coordinated plan with your hair stylist, you can have longer hair.
Of all the hair types, coily hair is seemingly the slowest to grow. That's because it has the densest structure of all and is prone to shrinkage, which can make even the fastest-growing of locks look like they haven't budged.
“Braiding the hair is a good, protective practice that can save your hair from any breakage as it strengthens the hair structurally. In fact, a loosely-tied braid can work alongside your body's natural process to boost hair growth,” Shah explains.
“Braids can last a maximum of 10 weeks if the hairline and nape are redone at the six-week mark,” Hill explains. “If the hairline and neck are not re-done at the six-week mark, eight weeks is the maximum amount of time you can keep your hair in a braided style.”
“For example, I normally recommend letting your hair breathe for at least three to seven days post-sew-in or braids before getting extensions reinstalled.” For natural styles, however, she thinks that taking a one- or two-day break is a good idea.
Don't Wear Your Braids for Too Long
Whether they're twists, dread braid twists, crochet braids, or Bantu knots, having them for months on end can damage your hairline and result in hair breakage.
Any long-term protective hairstyle may lead to your hair shedding after that protective style because of losing moisture. The result is your hair more prone to dryness, and breakage which can appear as excess shedding. They can also cause hair thinning as well as hair loss from keeping them in for so long.
Deaundra Metzger, celebrity stylist, agrees, adding that hair braiding is an excellent way to preserve your hair. It prevents breakage and minimizes or eliminates the need for heat styling, both of which are important for thinning hair.
The African hair is generally curly or frizzy, and grows almost parallel to the scalp. It has the slowest growth rate of 0.9 centimeters per month due to its spiral structure which causes it to twist on itself as it grows.
Your body produces melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle and has also been shown to increase hair growth.
A lot happens when you get your beauty sleep at night— including hair growth. This comes from it being in an active state of growth, explains Gerdie René Gordon, president/principal stylist, colorist at The Beauty Boutique, Inc., a salon, spa & laser hair rejuvenation clinic.