Braids and Hair Loss

Braids and weaved styles are wonderful when done correctly.  Unfortunately, many stylists engage in practices that can actually lead to permanent damage and hair loss.

Braiding hair too tightly is common.  Many people feel that the tighter the braids, the neater the style will look when it's complete.  The reality is, tight braiding not only makes sleeping on braids uncomfortable but it also means your hair is being stretched and pulled right out of your scalp.

Our hair has a natural degree of elasticity.  Tight braiding forces our hair to stretch beyond it's level of comfort.  When pulled to far, breakage will occur.  If the tension put on the hair is primarily at the scalp, braiding too tightly can result in hair loss.  Many women who get braids over extended periods find that this breakage occurs along the temple areas.  In order to grip shorter, finer hairs, braiders tend to pull these areas tighter.  This type of hair loss is known as Traction Alopecia and can be permanent.

Another cause of damage comes from braiding wet hair.  When wet, healthy hair can stretch up-to a quarter of its length.  This is why hair is seemingly longer in Humid Weather.  When hair is dry, it shrinks yet retains a degree of elasticity.  Meaning it can still stretch but not as far as wet hair.

Wet hair will stretch as it's being braided.  Given that wet hair can stretch farther, what happens when your hair dries?  It shrinks but given the structure of braids, your hair is not allowed to properly shrink...pulling the hair beyond its normal dry elasticity point.  So be sure that your hair is completely dry before braiding. 

Do not get braids directly after chemical services.  Although some stylists say that freshly relaxed hair will help your braids look better, the reality is, a better stylist will help your braids look better too.  Hair does not have to be bone straight to braid.  In fact, braiding hair directly after getting a touch-up does more harm than good.

I know some of you hate to hear it but relaxers damage hair. Relaxers cause moisture to evaporate from the hair, leaving it dry, highly porous and less elastic.  Thus, it's best to wait at least two weeks before getting braids.  Be sure to use a Moisturizing Shampoo, Deep Conditioner and an Herbal Vinegar Rinse Infused with Essentials to help restore your hairs' natural PH.

At least one week before getting braids, be sure to deep condition.  A quality Deep Conditioner will help improve your hairs' elasticity and moisture level.

Treatment of Traction Alopecia

Many women who are used to braids and weaves have difficulty transitioning away from these styles.  Many continue getting these styles even after experiencing hair loss.  Unfortunately many also discover that long-term traction alopecia may result in permenant hair loss and no treatment, no pill, no shot will regrow hair in the affected areas.

If you think you may be suffering from traction alopecia, early and proper diagnosis is key.  Visit your physician to determine if you have the condition and then be sure to follow your physician's advice to the letter.  She may prescribe or suggest topoical or oral antibiotics and in extreme cases may suggest steroid injections.  In addition to medication, here are some other useful tips... 

STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING!  If braids or weaves caused your traction alopecia, it's important that you stop wearing these and all styles that put tension on the hair.  Doing so can help prevent this condition from becoming permanent.

In addition to refraining from braids and weaves, avoid manipulating hair in and around the affected site.  If this is done during the early stages, you increase your chances of healthy new-growth.

Because the hair in and around the affected area is so traumatized, normal hair styling procedures may need to be halted and tight head wear should be avoided in order to prevent further damage.  For example, avoid hair gels that stiffen and using rollers as they can pull on the hair as you sleep.

If your condition is severe and beyond medical treatment, hair transplants have been successful.

To view images of Traction Alopecia, visit The Belgravia Centre online.

Photos courtesy of bioon.com