Comparing Pineapple and Twists Protective Hair Styles

Pineapple or Twists? You've probably had good and bad experiences with protective styles in general. It is especially true if you're just starting as a fresher natural hair grower. After my big chop, I had a little thrill, all for about five minutes then I realized what an absolute mess of my hair I had created. It was horrible and terrifying. So I found some protective styles that could suit my needs. Now I'd like to help you decide.

Protective styles are somewhat controversial. You style your hair to protect and keep it out of the way in this tidy neat-cute way without the constant worry about damaging it, right? Yet no sooner have you put your hair up in one of these styles, you realize you still have to take care of it even then. Isn't this supposed to give you peace of mind and less trouble? It's a crash-and-burn moment when that clicks.

This is based purely on my personal experiences and observations. I am not an expert. I want to share my thoughts with you and hope you can gain some insight that helps you figure out the best fit for you.

The Pineapple

Pineapple protective styles are super easy and quick to put up, grab a hair tie you have available, then pull your hair up, then tie it up, 'ta-da' you got yourself a cute pineapple to show off around town; you can adjust how tight you want it to be. It depends on your preference or where you plan to go; to work, school, or a casual outing, it's your choice.

If you try the bun and not the pineapple protective style, please don't forget to curl in your hair's ends so they are protected too. You never want to let them hang out there lest they catch on your clothes and break off. Remember, we want to retain length of every precious strand on your head. It's essential to moisturize before putting up the pineapple (harsh weather conditions out there), whether on wash day or during the week when you want your hair anywhere else except your face.

Pros of the Pineapple

• it's easy to put up; there's barely any rocket science involved

• it doesn't consume your entire day

• it keeps your hair out of the way so you can get down and dirty anywhere

• it helps retain your length if not neglected

• it combats the good old enemy, shrinkage

• it's neutral for different occasions without sticking out like a sore thumb

• it keeps hair detangled a bit longer than some protective styles

Cons of the Pineapple

• if you have shorter hair, this one isn't that helpful for you yet

• if left for too long, the very thing you wanted to avoid, tangled hair, comes back to haunt you

• it can destroy your edges when pulled up too tight

• depending on the type of hair tie, your hair can sometimes break

• there's always an itch to 'stretch out your hair' for absolutely no reason, causing it to break

The Twists

The love-hate relationship I have with these is a battle I can never win. Twists are epic, don't get me wrong, but when they tangle, they do it with a vengeance. I may have been doing them wrong for all I know, but I need a break. You part your hair into different sections; square sections, triangles, whatever shape you want then twist in varying sizes, it's your pick.

If you do these right, you'll be ready to hit the streets in no time. Unless they turn out not so great, they will only be fit for bed. I've had my fair share of those. Can somebody say 'instant regret'? Moisturize your twists, whether you do it before or after putting them on. Keep those ends moist. I always tie them up for double protection and keep my roots safely tucked. Kind of redundant but I do it anyways and it's helped so far.

Pros of twists

• it keeps moisture locked in for longer

• keeps those pesky single-strand knots away

• helps keep hair detangled for longer

• second style options are possible on twists

• easy to moisturize and oil your scalp

• reduces shrinkage and stretches your hair

• can be maintained for longer if retouched in between

Cons of twists

• if kept for too long they tangle, badly

• detangling tiny twists cause a mess and single-strand knots come rushing in

• you can't keep them for two weeks or more without developing tangles somewhere in there

• the ends break off if you forget to moisturize regularly

• they take forever to put up, if its smaller twists

Do protective styles work?

In my opinion, it depends on how well you maintain the protective style you chose. These styles work, but they need some special attention of their own. If you believed growing natural hair was easy, you are sadly mistaken. It may seem like, what's the point then? Your hair needs patience and brings a whole baggage worth of setbacks. It's time you came to terms with those facts.

Build a routine that clicks with you. If one style doesn't work for you, try a different one. It doesn't matter which one you choose, you just have to be aware that some things cannot be avoided. I know your hair just likes throwing shade at you but don't give up yet. Care for your hair in whatever way you can.

Stay True. Stay Fabulous.

Take this fun poll and let us know which style you want to try or a style you like and use. I personally love the pineapple. Thanks for joining us.

Pineapple or Twists? Which one do you prefer?

• Pineapple is my go to.
• Twists all the way!
• I'm neutral/belong to another