Are Braids Too Tight? Here Is How To Fix This Problem!
As we all know, braids are a great protective hairstyle as it protects your natural hair very well. However, it is not perfect and its only drawback is that it can be too tight, which not only makes you feel uncomfortable but can also cause damage to your scalp and hair. Therefore, for the sake of your scalp's health, you need to learn to loosen tight braids. In today's article, we will show you how to get rid of tight braids.
What Are The Dangers Of Braids That Are Too Tight?
Before learning how to loosen a tight braid, let's look at what happens when you wear a braid that is too tight.
1. Receding hairline
A receding hairline is one of the negative effects of having tight braids. The hair on the hairline, known as edge hair or baby hair, is the most fragile hair on the scalp. To make braids last a little longer, hairstylists often tie them extra tight, which can put tension on the hairline, causing severe damage and breakage of the hair follicles, which can lead to a receding hairline.
2. Bumps appear on your scalp
One of the problems with braids that are too tight is that they can cause small bumps to appear on your scalp. When braids are too tight, they can pull on your scalp and cause inflammation around your hair follicles, resulting in little lumps. Not only do these lumps look unsightly, but they can be especially painful. If left tight for a long time, these lumps may rupture and ooze pus.
3. Traction alopecia
Hair loss is also one of the dangers of tight braids. While you won't experience this condition if you braid your hair once, you may find that you are losing hair if you braid your hair tightly constantly. This type of hair loss is known as traction alopecia and is caused by the constant pulling of hair follicles. It can lead to baldness or baldness if you leave it untreated for a long time.
How To Loosen Tight Braids?
After learning about the dangers of tight braids, you'll want to know how to loosen them. Below, we will provide you with some methods and tips on how to loosen tight braids. You can select the way that suits you according to your needs and preferences.
1. Wet hair with warm water
Moistening your hair with warm water will reduce the tension in your braids and help you loosen tight braids. You can take a hot shower and let the warm water run over your head and gently massage the scalp at the roots of your braids to loosen them up. But if you don't want to completely soak your new braids, you can take a towel and rinse it under warm water, then wring out the wet towel and wrap it around your head and wait for at least an hour.
2. Use a leave-in conditioner
If you have tight braids, your scalp may feel more tense and dry than usual, which makes you uncomfortable. You can use a leave-in conditioner to get rid of this situation because it can moisturize your scalp and soothe your hair, thus helping you loosen your tight braids. But you must be warned that too much leave-in conditioner can contribute to unwanted buildup and residue.
3. A scalp massage
If you're looking to get rid of tight braids, a scalp massage is your best bet. A scalp massage not only improves circulation but also soothes the tight scalp caused by tight braids. When performing a scalp massage, you can use tea tree oil or lavender oil with soothing properties to massage your scalp, which can better relieve the tension on your scalp.
4. Don't tie your braids
Not tying your braids up is the easiest way to loosen tight braids. Believe it or not, tying tight braids into a ponytail or bun triggers more pain. If you don't want to experience more pain, then the best thing to do is not to tie your hair up and let it hang down so that you can reduce the pull on your scalp and thus relieve the tightness of your braids.
5. Use braid spray
Using a braid spray is also one of the ways to loosen and tighten your braids. If you braid your hair regularly then this is a very reliable method for you. Tension sprays not only soothe the scalp, reduce tightness and help you loosen tight braids, but they also moisturize and nourish the scalp. But you don't use too much at a time because it can build up on your scalp and make your braids look extra oily.
6. Remove the braids
If the braids are too tight, then the best thing to do is remove them. Although braids look very nice and stylish and can give you a new look, it is not the most important thing compared to the health of your scalp and hair because tight braids for a long time can lead to scalp redness, hair breakage, etc. Therefore, to avoid these conditions and to keep your scalp and hair healthy, you'd better remove the braids.
7. Change your stylists
No matter how much you communicate with your stylist and he still gives you extra tight braids, it's time to get a new stylist. After all, it's important to have a stylist who understands your needs and pain. More importantly, having a stylist who understands the importance of keeping your natural hair healthy is always important, as this will keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Conclusion
After reading this article, do you understand the dangers of tight braids? Have you learned how to loosen a tight braid? If you are experiencing tight braids, then try these methods quickly. We sincerely hope it can help you. In addition, if you have other ways to loosen tight braids, we especially welcome you to share them with us in the comment section.
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