How tight braids affects hair health

Protective hairstyles are the most convenient hairstyles for people who hate dealing with their natural hair, but when they’re done too tight they can damage your hair growth over time.

Hairdressers believe that the tighter it is the longer it lasts and not pulling the hair strands into the the fibre can make it loose and tangled.

Despite wanting an everlasting hairstyle it’s important to note that hair loss can occur if you do hairstyles such as ponytails, braids or buns.

Healthline, states that tight braids can cause traction alopecia, adding that, this type of hair loss is mostly common with African people.

The above-mentioned health hub, adds that traction alopecia can present as little pimple-like bumps on the scalp. As the illness progresses, the dominant sign is the appearance of missing and damaged hairs. Hair loss is most typically seen on the front and sides of the scalp, although it can occur in other regions depending on your hairstyle.

Speaking to GlamourSA on alopecia caused by tight braids, Dr Kalan said, “With scarring alopecia, attempting a hair transplant is like planting seeds in concrete instead of fertile soil. The follicles are too damaged. Instead, we recommended a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, which uses the patient’s blood to stimulate healing, and regenerate the remaining follicles over time.”

Beauty and health hub, AAD, suggests loosening up your hair so you do not suffer from hair loss and always switch up your hairstyle.

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