How Tight Hairstyles Are Actually Damaging Your Hair Follicles

In the pursuit of sleek and neat hairstyles, many people, predominantly women, often resort to having their hair plaited tightly. Unfortunately, this mindset is deeply ingrained from childhood, where the belief that tight braids or twists or cornrows—whatever the case, equate to beautiful hair prevails. It’s not uncommon for people to endure discomfort and pain, dismissing it as a normal part of the process, with the rationale that the end result justifies the means. However, this normalization of tight hairstyles comes with significant consequences for the health of our hair follicles.

The Painful Reality
Plaiting hair really tight can lead to a number of problems, ranging from tender scalps to actual wounds. Many individuals have experienced discomfort and even pain associated with tight hairstyles, yet often brush it off as a minor inconvenience. However, the truth is that this discomfort is a sign of potential damage to the hair follicles. Small pimples and bumps along the hairline and scalp are common indicators of follicular damage caused by the constant pulling and tension on the hair shafts.

The Long-Term Consequences
Beyond immediate discomfort, tight hairstyles can have long-term implications for the health of our hair follicles. Chronic traction from tight braids, cornrows, or even glued wigs can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, characterized by hair loss and thinning along the hairline and temples. This type of hair loss is often hard to deal with, as you have to wait a while before that hair that grow back. Until then, the visible hair loss can have a profound impact on one’s self-esteem and confidence.

Short Hair, Big Risks
Even individuals with shorter hair are not exempt from the risks associated with tight hairstyles. Attempting to plait hair that is too short can result in inevitable excessive pulling to hold the hair, and tension on the hair follicles, leading to follicular damage and potential hair loss. It’s essential to exercise caution and avoid plaiting certain hairstyles altogether if your hair length does not allow for safe and comfortable braiding.

Moving Towards Healthier Hair Care Practices
To mitigate the risks associated with tight hairstyles, it’s crucial to adopt healthier hair care practices that prioritize the well-being of our hair follicles.

1. Communicate With Your Hairdresser

For starters, don’t sit back quiet as your hairdresser excessively pulls at your hair while plaiting. Neatness should not come at the cost of your hairline and overall follicle health. Communicate to your hairdresser to be gentle as she works on your head, especially when plaiting along your hairline. If it so happens that you sat through the entire process and your scalp excessively hurts afterwards, you’re better off taking out that hairstyle than keeping it in and it damages your hair follicles.

More so, ditch any hairdresser that plaits your hair too tight. Switch to hairdressers that work gentler on your scalp to preserve your follicles.

2. Make Loose Styles

When styling your braids, twists or any other free-falling protective style, opt for looser styles that minimize tension on your scalp. Avoid holding your hair in styles like high buns or ponytails that require excessive pulling or manipulation, or any other form that compromises the comfort of your scalp.

3. Give Your Scalp Some TLC

Incorporating regular scalp massages, moisturizing hot oil treatments, and gentle handling of the hair can help nourish and strengthen your hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and vitality.

Bottomline

By prioritizing the health of your hair follicles above achieving neatness and sleekness with your hair, and choosing hairstyles that support rather than compromise your scalp’s comfort, you can ensure that your hair remains strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come. Remember, you are a gem. Treat your hair as such💚.