In the African-American community, many live by the mantra, “hair is your wealth”. Many frequent the hair salon religiously, every 2-weeks, and are always on top of the latest hair in trend.
However, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Black woman or man, we like to wear our hair pulled back tight, crisp, without stray hairs. Just take a look at Drake’s latest braid hairstyle! But because we like to wear it like that, braids (or weaves) may be increasing our risk of hair loss, according to a new research study.
So before you get braids this season, here are three quick tips:
1. Don’t Wear Braids For Too Long
First and foremost, don’t think your new braid hairstyle is going to last you for 4 months and you don’t have to do anything but wake up and go. WRONG! Some men and women have been able to effectively wear braids for months with serious care. Experts recommend a maximum of only 2 months. New growth can cause the hair to be pulled on from heavy braids or constant tugging from them. Sleep patterns and daily movement can weaken or damage the new growth from consistent stretching.
2. Wrap Your Braids at Night
Yes, your braids are tight and look great. But they are also still hair. Your extensions will only fray more when the friction of your bedding hits them, and you’re in for some pretty puffy roots once your new growth comes in. Something that can significantly reduce both of these things is tying your hair down at night. Here are a few steps to keep your hair looking its best at night, click here.
And last, but certainly not least…
3. Keep Your Scalp Moist
Moisture, moisture, moisture! Let’s say it again for the people in the back; moisture! Break out a Spray Bottle and spray your thirsty roots. It only takes a couple of minutes to moisturize your hair. Just like every other living thing on this earth, your hair needs moisture to survive. The number #1 moisturizer for your thirsty roots is water…PERIOD! Something else that you can do is apply some mousse to your braids, pull them back in a low ponytail and tie them down with a silk or satin scarf. In about an hour, they will be looking fresh and smooth again.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore reviewed 19 studies and found a “strong association” between scalp-pulling hairstyles and traction alopecia, which is gradual hair loss from damage to the hair follicle from tension at the hair root.
Traction alopecia is the most common type of hair loss among black American women, affecting about one out of three, the researchers said.
The study did not prove a definitive cause-and-effect connection. But, styles linked to this type of hair loss include braids, tight ponytails, dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions, especially if the hair has been chemically straightened, the review said.
So, what does it look like?
In the first stages, traction alopecia may appear as little bumps on your scalp that look like pimples. However, as the condition progresses, the main symptom is missing and broken hairs. The hairs on the front and sides of your scalp are most often affected. However, many may also notice hair loss on other areas of their scalp, depending on the hairstyle.
In addition to hair loss, traction alopecia can cause these symptoms:
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- redness of the scalp
- bumps
- soreness or stinging of your scalp
- itching