If you've done any research into promoting hair growth, you've probably heard of "protective styles." You know which hairstyles are considered protective, such as braids, weaves, twists and buns. But are they really necessary? Despite all the guidelines you'll find for growing hair longer and stronger, some women simply find the idea of protective styling boring -- but it doesn't have to be. Once you discover the benefits of keeping your hair up and out of the way, at least on occasion, you may change your mind about this effective technique.
1. Low Maintenance
The less you do to black hair, the better it flourishes. Our hair can rarely stand the type of manipulation so often depicted in commercials: the piling of the hair on top of the head to shampoo, the 100 brush strokes, etc. Instead, black hair tends to grow longer when left alone. Protective styles offer the low-maintenance that so often benefits this hair type, especially if longer length is one of your aims. Once you style hair in one of these 'dos, daily maintenance is a breeze, which is perfect for anyone who's not into a high-maintenance mane. This is one reason cornrow extensions and box braids are so popular, whether you're going on vacation or not: once installed, they require extremely little daily care.

2. Retains Growth
Growing longer hair is one of the most-cited reasons for choosing protective styling. Forget that prevailing myth that black hair doesn't grow -- it most certainly does. However, it can also break off at an alarming rate because loose ends catch on fabric, car seats, cotton pillowcases and more. When hair constantly breaks, it's difficult to see and measure growth. Putting your tresses up and keeping them protected prevents a large amount of breakage. Over time, you'll see longer, stronger hair that's not compromised by everyday stressors.

3. Time Savers
Maybe you're not the type who has unlimited time in the morning for hair styling. If so, protective hairstyles may be your solution to getting ready more quickly, making for a smooth start to your day. Once you style twists and braids, you don't need to do much to them, besides the occasional touch-up with a loose twist or a daily spritz with natural oils. Just make sure you secure your hair at night before bed, and in the morning, you may be ready with a gentle shake of the head.

4. Keeps Hair Soft
If you've ever worn your hair up for the day versus wearing it out, you may notice a difference at the day's end where softness is concerned. Take down a chignon and you'll usually find it soft and supple because it's held in much of the natural oils that get soaked up by dry air and clothing. A well-moisturized mane, one that feels soft to the touch, is less likely to suffer breakage and dryness, which in turn leads to growth retention, just another benefit of wearing tresses up and out of sight, even if for a little while.