To prevent hair breakage from braids, it’s important to take steps both before and during the braiding process, as well as afterward.
Here are some tips to help keep your hair healthy and prevent breakage:
1. Moisturize your hair before braiding
Apply a leave-in conditioner or a light oil to your hair before braiding to lock in moisture. This will keep your strands hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle.
2. Avoid too-tight braids
Ensure your braids are snug but not painfully tight. If you feel discomfort or excessive pulling, ask your stylist to loosen them.
3. Choose a gentle hair-extension material
Opt for soft, lightweight, and less abrasive hair extensions, like kanekalon or other smooth synthetic fibers, to reduce strain on your natural hair.
4. Limit the duration of wearing braids
Aim to keep braids in for 4–6 weeks. Afterward, take them out and give your hair a break to allow it to rest and recover.
5. Wash and condition regularly
Wash your braids gently with a mild shampoo and condition the hair every 1–2 weeks to maintain scalp health and moisture.
6. Protect your hair at night
Wear a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or use a satin pillowcase to minimize friction and keep your braids intact overnight.
7. Trim your ends before braiding
Trim your hair before braiding to ensure healthy ends, which will reduce the likelihood of breakage during and after the braiding process.
8. Avoid excessive tension at the hairline
Be gentle when braiding the edges, and avoid using excessive tension around your hairline.
9. Use a scalp oil or serum
Regularly massage your scalp with oils such as jojoba, coconut, or castor oil to keep your scalp moisturized and promote healthy hair growth.
10. Be gentle when removing braids
Carefully remove braids by gently unraveling them, and if needed, apply a leave-in conditioner to loosen the braids before removal to reduce strain on your hair.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your braids while minimizing the risk of hair breakage and ensuring your hair stays healthy and strong.
