If the hair is pulled back too tightly, it can break away from its roots, which may result in splitting, hair weakness, and follicle damage, so make sure you keep the start of the braid loose. Braids that are too tight can also cause tensile stress, which occurs when there is constant tugging on hair follicles.
5. Ponytails and braids -- "Ponytails and braids can cause hair to break, especially if your style is pulled tightly," Mirmirani says. "If you wear it that way every day, permanent hair damage can occur." Braiding or putting your hair in a ponytail when it's wet can cause damage sooner because wet hair is more fragile.
Prevents breakage
As you're getting your beauty sleep, you may not realize it but natural tossing and turning pulls your hair and causes it to break. Keeping your hair in braids reduces friction between your hair and pillow, reducing hair breakage. Amp it up, and get silk pillowcases for even less friction!
When too much tension is used during the braiding process, your chances of experiencing damage go way up. The most common type of damage associated with box braids is major hair loss. When the braids are done too tightly, they literally pull your hair out at the roots.
#1: No Hair Loss and Breakage
Since the knotless extensions are being “fed” into your braids, the tension is significantly lower on your natural hair. Not only will your hair and scalp thank you, when it's time to take out your braids, you shouldn't have to worry about an excessive amount of shedding and breakage.
You need hair that is at least 2 inches (minimum) long, but it's best to have hair 4-5 inches. Know that braiding short hair is a little more challenging than longer hair. But any hair type – coily, curly, wavy, and straight – will look great in braids.
In reality, braids don't make your hair grow, they assist with length retention. Each time you style, detangle or manipulate your hair in any way, there's a risk of breakage. Keeping your hair in a confined style protects your locs from the daily breakage it would normally encounter.
Braids can be put in too tight and cut off scalp circulation, cause excessive pain and can pull the hair completely out of the follicles (which may cause permanent damage). Overly tight braids may cause pus bumps around the hairline and nape areas. This hair loss is most often permanent along the hairline.
Cornrows, which pull at the roots of your hair, can cause hair loss. Wearing looser braids and changing your hairstyle after 2 or 3 months can prevent hair loss.
A good product to use is a leave-in conditioner or a mixture of water and a regular conditioner in a spray bottle. Your hair will be delicate and has the potential to break easily as it's in its most delicate state when wet. Generously coat and massage conditioner into the braids and then go slowly.
"Traction alopecia occurs when you have hair that is pulled too tight," Jeanine B. Downie, M.D. tells SELF. "You'll see the effects of traction alopecia after wearing tight ponytails, braids, and extensions repeatedly without giving the hair and scalp a chance to recover."
Use fabric hair ties.
This is one of the most important tips for a healthy ponytail: throw away your old hair ties! Any bands with metal on them are likely to catch on your hair, while tight elastics leave your hair dented and can snag. Instead, choose hair ties made from fabric. Our favourites are from Popband.
While it's easy to think that the tighter your braids, the longer your style will last, too-tight braids can actually cause irreparable damage to your hair. The tension can take a toll on your scalp and strands, cause hair breakage and shedding, and even lead to damage or loss of your edges (traction alopecia is real).
Plus, braided hair stays tangle-free, which reduces hair breakage from brushing. So, if you struggle with hair loss due to over-styling and breakage, wearing your hair in braids actually might help you grow out your hair. However, wearing your hair in too-tight braids can actually cause breakage.
Styling your hair into braids doesn't directly make it grow faster. However, these styles can help nurture and protect your hair, making it stronger and less likely to break.
Is it bad to braid wet hair? No! Just allow your hair to dry a bit before brushing and braiding it. It's best to work with damp hair for this wet hairstyling option.
Hair grows on average half an inch per month (1.2cm) so it'll take about 4 months to grow 2 inches.
Keeping your hair braided helps to avoid snarls and unbearable tangles in the morning that could lead to breakage when you brush through your hair! Braiding your hair before bed keeps your strands structured while you sleep. This helps to avoid friction that creates breakage.