Stitch braids have become an increasingly popular hairstyle choice for many women looking for a convenient and stylish protective style. But there has been some debate around whether stitch braids actually qualify as a truly protective style. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what stitch braids are, their pros and cons, and whether they can be considered a protective style for natural hair.
What are Stitch Braids?
Stitch braids, also sometimes called crochet braids, are a type of braided hairstyle where synthetic hair extensions are “stitched” into your natural hair using a latch hook crochet needle. The extensions are installed by sectioning the natural hair, sliding the latch hook through the sectioned hair, and then threading the synthetic braiding hair through the hook to secure it.
Stitch braids allow you to have braided hair styles like box braids, faux locs, or feed-in braids without having to actually braid your natural hair. The stitching method anchors the extensions directly to your natural hair, rather than needing to be braided or twisted onto the hair strand by strand.
Stitch braids are often confused with sew-ins. However, they are installed differently. With sew-ins, the wefts of extensions are sewn onto cornrows. With stitch braids, the extensions are looped through small sections of natural hair without being cornrowed first.
There are a few different techniques used for stitch braids:
- Individual stitch braids – Each extension is stitched into the natural hair one by one.
- Crochet feed-in braids – The natural hair is sectioned into cornrows first, then the extensions are fed through the braids using the latch hook.
- Crochet faux locs – Faux locs are installed by feeding the extension through twists in the natural hair.
The major benefits of stitch braids include:
- Versatile styling – They can mimic different natural styles like box braids, locs, twists, etc.
- Low maintenance – Only need to be redone every 6-8 weeks.
- Protective – Less manipulation of natural hair required.
- Cost effective – Can install yourself and reuse hair.
- Low tension – The stitching method avoids constant tugging on the hair.
The Pros of Stitch Braids
There are several advantages that make stitch braids an appealing choice for many people:
Low Maintenance
One of the biggest pros of stitch braids is that they require very little maintenance compared to other protective styles. Unlike box braids or sew-ins which need regular upkeep like rebraiding and tightening, stitch braids allow you to simply leave them in for 4-8 weeks at a time. You only need to occasionally moisturize your natural hair and edges as needed.
The low-maintenance aspect makes stitch braids a great protective style choice if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t want to hassle with frequent styling. You can wake up, go about your days, and even workout without having to restyle the braids frequently.
Protective of Natural Hair
Since your natural hair is minimally handled and tucked away under the stitch braids, it is protected from external elements like harsh weather, sun exposure, and friction against clothing and hats. The tightness of traditional braided styles can damage the hair over time. But stitch braids avoid damage by not placing constant tension on the strands.
The protective benefits allow your natural hair to grow and retain length well. Especially if you moisturize and care for your hair and scalp underneath the braids. The extensions take the brunt of the wear and tear versus your natural hair.
Low Tension on Hair
Compared to tight braids, twists, weaves, and other styles, stitch braids do not pull heavily on the natural hair. The stitching technique anchors the extensions without the need to braid down tightly. This makes stitch braids more comforable to wear and reduces the risk of excessive tension leading to hair loss and thinning edges.
However, it is still important to avoid pulling the hair too taut when initially installing the braids. But in general, the stitch braid method applies less stress to the hair and scalp versus other long-term styles.
Cost Effective
Getting box braids, Senegalese twists, or other braided styles at a salon can become very pricy, costing upwards of $100-300 each visit. Stitch braids allow you to install a full head of braids at home yourself for under $50 in hair extensions. And the extensions can be reused again and again.
Some people choose to have a stylist initially install the braids. But you can easily remove and reinstall the same hair yourself each time you need to redo them. This makes stitch braids more affordable long-term since you aren’t paying for a full salon service each time.
Lightweight
Compared to box braids which can feel very heavy with dozens of braids and added hair, stitch braids tend to feel lighter and more comfortable overall. The distributed weight of stitch braids puts less strain on the hair and scalp. The lighter feel also makes it easier and more comfortable to workout, sleep, and go about your daily activities with minimal distraction.
Versatile Styling
Stitch braids allow you to switch up your style from one install to the next. You can ask your stylist for box braids, then get faux locs the next time, then jumbo twists after that. The options are very versatile with the ability to play with different partings, braid sizes, and braid styles each time.
You can also style your stitch braids in many creative ways: up-dos, half-up styles, pinned braids, messy braids, etc. The versatility makes stitch braids a good option if you like changing up your look often.
The Cons of Stitch Braids
However, there are some downsides to consider with stitch braids as well:
Hand and Wrist Pain
Installing stitch braids yourself can take hours and be very hard on your hands. Constantly gripping the latch hook needle and pulling hair through can cause hand cramps, numbness, and wrist strain. This makes DIY stitch braids difficult for some people.
Tightness on Edges
While stitch braids themselves aren’t overly tight, having any braided style pulling on your edges for weeks at a time can lead to thinning and damage. Be sure to maintain your edges by gently massaging them, using growth serums, and moisturizing.
Difficult Removal Process
Taking down stitch braids yourself can be a tedious, hours-long process of unlooping each braid from your hair using scissors. Most people recommend having a stylist remove them quickly by simply cutting the extensions out.
Hair Breakage
Although lower tension than other braids, stitch braids can still lead to some hair breakage during the install and removal processes. Pulling on the hair with the latch hook and unraveling the braids can snag and pull out natural hairs if not done carefully.
Need Retightening
While they last longer than most braided styles, stitch braids still need occasional maintenance like tightening and resealing braids as you would box braids. You may need to retighten the braids yourself every 2-3 weeks if they start to look loose.
Can’t Easily Restyle
If you change your mind about the size, shape or pattern of your stitch braids, you can’t easily re-do them like you can with box braids. You would need to completely remove and reinstall the stitch braids to make any major styling changes.
Heavy on Thin Hair
The extensions used for stitch braids can end up pulling thin or damaged hair out more easily. So stitch braids may not be the best option for those with very fine or thinning hair.
Are Stitch Braids Protective?
When weighing the pros and cons, are stitch braids ultimately a protective style? Here are a few key considerations:
Comparison to Traditional Braids
Compared to tight cornrows or box braids which pull heavily on the hair for weeks or months, stitch braids are much less harsh on strands. The stitching installation method reduces overall tension compared to braiding styles. So in this regard, they offer more protection versus other long-term braiding options.
Risk of Traction Alopecia
However, any style that puts hair under prolonged tension can lead to some risk of traction alopecia and permanent hair loss over time. How tight the braids are initially installed makes a big impact. When hair is pulled too taut for too long, damage can still occur eventually even with stitch braids.
Avoid Excessive Tension
To reduce the risks of long term damage, have stitch braids installed carefully without excessive tension. Avoid super small, tightly-stitched braids. Give your hair and scalp regular breaks by taking the braids out to relax every 6-8 weeks before reinstalling. Be sure to massage and moisturize your scalp and edges thoroughly during each break.
Low Maintenance Aspect
The fact that stitch braids require very little regular manipulation, unlike styles that need frequent rebraiding or roller setting, does make them lower maintenance. Leaving your natural hair tucked away untouched for weeks reduces overall handling and risk of damage from over-styling.
Protect Hair Underneath
Keeping your natural strands thoroughly moisturized and protected underneath the braided extensions is key to minimizing any potential weakness or breakage. Be diligent about spraying your hair with water, applying leave-in conditioners, and oiling your scalp during the period you have the stitch braids installed.
Best Candidates for Stitch Braids
In general, here are some tips on who stitch braids work best and safest for:
- Healthy, textured hair – Stitch braids adhere best on hair with more texture. Fine, very straight hair may not hold the extensions as well.
- Little to no chemical processing – Over-processed, damaged hair is more prone to breakage from any braided styles.
- Medium to thick density – Enough density is needed to distribute tension safely and hold extensions.
- Shorter lengths – Stitch braids are safer on shoulder length or shorter hair versus very long lengths.
- Want low-maintenance style – Best for those desiring a convenient, wash-and-go look.
- No traction alopecia history – Avoid if you’ve experienced permanent thinning from braids before.
Tips for Healthy Stitch Braids
If you want to try out stitch braids, here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and minimize any risks of damage:
- Do not install too small or too tight. Avoid excessive tension.
- Only keep braids in 6-8 weeks max before taking a break.
- Massage scalp and edges daily to increase blood flow.
- Moisturize natural hair underneath well and often.
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase.
- Use protective styles like low buns when exercising.
- Trim ends regularly between installs.
- Take a multi-vitamin and biotin supplement for strength.
- Avoid using waxes, gels, and other styling products.
- See a stylist immediately if you feel too much pulling or pain.
The Verdict
When properly installed and cared for, stitch braids can be considered a protective style due to the lowered tension versus traditional braids along with ability to leave the hair untouched for weeks. However, keeping them in too long, too tight, and being negligent with hair care under the braids could still lead to eventual damage over time.
To minimize risks, stitch braids are likely safest done on healthy, textured hair that isn’t too fine or damaged. They should be worn only temporarily in 6-8 week installments allowing the hair to relax in between. Avoiding overly small braids and excessive tension is also key, as is diligent moisturizing and scalp massaging while wearing the style.
Overall, stitch braids are one of the least damaging braided style options. But as with any long-term protective style, being mindful of tension and taking proper care of the natural hair beneath is crucial to maintaining healthy hair over the long run.
With careful installing and maintenance habits, stitch braids can be a great go-to protective style for many women desiring a lower maintenance look.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low maintenance | Hand/wrist pain installing |
| Protective of natural hair | Can thin edges if pulled too tight |
| Low tension | Tedious removal process |
| Cost effective | Can cause some breakage |
| Lightweight | Need occasional retightening |
| Versatile styling | Can’t easily restyle |
The Bottom Line
Stitch braids can be protective when properly installed – not too tight, small, or worn too long. Monitor any tension at scalp and edges. Moisturize hair underneath frequently. And avoid overusing this style to give hair adequate breaks. With the right precautions, stitch braids can be a safer protective option than many traditional tightly braided styles.