I think chin length would be long enough. But watch out--when braiding cornrows they are pulled very tight and your hair breaks off when you take them out. (I tried cornrows and had them for about three weeks. I lost a lot of hair when I took them out. So much that I really regretted doing it.) Also, take into consideration that you will constantly have to have it rebraided. African-American hair grows about 1/2 the rate of caucasion hair, which is why it lends itself to braiding easily. I guess is depends on if you're paying to have it done, or have a friend doing it at no cost. It could easly run you $100+ every three weeks or so!
uzma
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frican-American hair grows about 1/2 the rate of caucasion hair, which is why it lends itself to braiding easily
Sorry HollyL, but I have to pick you up on this. A-A hair does not generally grow at a slower rate than caucasian (or asian) hair. It may appear to do so due to the kinky nature of natural A-A hair, which makes the growth less detectable than in straight or straightened hair. Curly hair will hold a braid more easily due to its twisting structure, whereas straight hair will resist any type of structural manipulation.
I don't mean to be a smart *ss, it's just that I'm studying trichology and have access to the scientific manuals that document hair facts and research.
As for how long your hair has to be before you can cornrow it, the longer the better - at least 4 inches if your hair is very straight.
HollyL is right in trying to caution you, as this type of tightly braided style is notorious for causing traction alopecia i.e hairloss caused by prolonged pulling of the hair away from the root. If you are going for it, despite the warnings, I suggest it is a very temporary style and that the cornrows are braided gently and not too tightly.
Best wishes,
Uzi
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frican-American hair grows about 1/2 the rate of caucasion hair, which is why it lends itself to braiding easily
