Why do most african-americans braid their hair really tight?

Question

I have to do a report and I was wondering if this was apart of tradition or what... cuz most african-americans have really tight braids.

Answer 1

It's to control their hair, so it doesn't poof out into an afro! Nobody hate, that's what i been told by a black person lol. I know some people are way sensitive on this site!

Answer 2

Well not all black people braid their hair tight, Im black and Im really 'tender headed' and My mom dont braid my hair tight, some times she braid my hair i dont really like getting my hair braided because Im tender headed so i really like to wear my hair out because I have long african american hair or I would either put it a bun if Im just chilling in the house.

Answer 3

I don't think it will only because hair grows at the same rate almost always now if you like you can take biotin that promotes hair growth. You can buy it at a drug store target walmart. No need to spend a lot a a fancy vitamin shop it's all the same. Another thing hair seems to grow when we tie it back or braid it but this can cause breakage so be gentle with your hair.

Answer 4

Because loose braids will unravel. Same thing with all types of hair, loose braids will unravel easily.

And about the tradition, braiding hair is an African tradition that was brought over. Braiding is used all over the world in different cultures (that something I think you should mention in the report.) but Africans, and African Americans are the ones who come to mind when one mentions braids.

Answer 5

That is so stereotyping!Most of them don't.If braids are braided right they are not really tight.They look tight and may be a little tight for the first couple of nights but if they are done right they are not tight.And think about your question....If braids weren't braided tight, how would they stay?White people's braids are always loose and shaggy because that's how their hair is made...it's hard to make them really tight and keep them from unraveling.Black people's hair is equipped with kinks and naps to keep the hair in tight
braids,afros,dredlocks,relaxerss,perms,texturizers,twists,french braids,kinky curls or straight curls,...etc.I know you probably meant no harm by your question but don't make up opinions based on assumptions.Have you had your hair braided by every black person in America?Then how would you know that most of us braided that way?

Answer 6

When people braid their hair in big loose braids, that's a hairstyle meant to last for that day only. When I braid (cornrow) hair, that style is meant to last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. Normally the braids are smaller and tighter. There isn't a fear of the braids coming loose. I do it more so that the hairstyle can remain looking as nice and as fresh as possible.

Answer 7

Riiiight, a report. Anyway, it's so that the braids will last longer. And many of us braid our hair so that we won't have to fuss with it for a while. It also helps the hair grow. If you don't know, the maintenance for our hair can be torturous.

Answer 8

It can take up to 14 hours to get your hair braided!!!!

It is done tight so that it lasts for a few weeks.

It is done because natural black hair tends to be kinky, light, and difficult to style when it reaches a certain length. Its easier to maintain the hair when its braided and like I said, 14 hours, who wants to do that every other day?????

Answer 9

A tradition reverting back to African culture before the Diaspora.

Answer 10

We braid our hair tight,but not real tight so it will stay longer.

Answer 11

I don't consider that is correct