Pinchbraids/Open-Ended Opinions

So I've been thinking.... There's one thing that always drives me batty about extensions (regardless of the application); it's that when the wind blows at all, the extensions become visible and the top of my hair sort of blows to the side or wherever (I have very thin, light, flyaway hair), no matter how much hair spray or styling I do.

So...I'm thinking that maybe I should just get the pinchbraids (or open-ended braids) done all the way to the top of my hair so they're completely visible. That way, I wouldn't have to worry about it blowing in the wind or whatever. Here's an example (this is the work of Heather from Atlanta, a HP affiliate):




And here's what my hair currently looks like (when it's not blowing in the wind):


Now, if I got pinchbraids or open-ended braids on the top, do you think that would enable my hair to grow better, or compromise its health? (Keeping in mind my hair's pretty thin on top.) And what's the advantage of open-ended over pinchbraids and vice versa on top?

I know I'm being a bit vague here...

:)

Go ahead...do it. If you don't like...then you'll know for next time and you'll never have to wonder!

hey jenny - for what it's worth, the only thing i can address here is that when heather did my pinch braids she went up pretty high on my head...and my hair in those braids (i took out a couple as my hair grows like a weed) is as good/healthy as it was before the install. i think if the pinch braids are small, there isn't really an issue with having roots showing and then a little bit of braid. it all looks like a short braid. also, i will say that i have really slick, slippery hair and not one braid came out on it's own.

cheryl

There's no difference in damage or health between pinch and open-ended. TBH they're actually the same thing, only a pinchbraid is a specific kind of open-ended braid- one that is braided&tied with string. So yeah, putting pinchbraids on the top of your head will make no difference except in appearance. If you're having problems with visibility, I think it's a good option; it makes it obvious that you -intend- the braids to show, and that it's a style choice instead of an accident.

-Rae

I have thin, super-straight hair and i find that the pinch braids have to be as small as possible and match the color of my natural hair as best as possible.  So far, they've remained undetected at least as far as I know.  The only people who know I have them are my husband and my stylist!  Not even my sister or closest friends know.  Wearing the braids all the way at the top isn't an option for me as a I work in a somewhat conservative environment, and it isn't really the look I'm going for anyway.  But if you like the look, go for it!