1. Wearing protective styles that are too tight

Tight protective styles can cause your hair follicles to weaken producing thinner or no hair. More commonly we see a type of hair loss call Traction Alopecia where hair loss is caused by the constant tension on the hair from tight braids, weaves, long, heavy braids or other tight protective styles.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that black women who wore tight braids or weaves for extended periods were at an increased risk of developing traction alopecia which is not surprising considering traction alopecia is caused by stress at the scalp.

What to do instead?

Tighter is not better. If your scalp hurts or if it feels pulled, then your protective style is too tight. Keep it gentle on your scalp to let those edges thrive!

BONUS TIP! If you have just installed braids, do NOT put it in a ponytail immediately. Wait a day or so to allow your scalp to acclimatize the new style so you’re not immediately more tension to your scalp too soon.

2. Ignoring your hair care routine

You must care for your natural hair, even when it is in a protective style. One of the biggest issues with protective styling is the belief that you can prolong time between your wash days because you have a protective style in.

Your wash day is still critical. A clean scalp will allow your hair follicles to produce good quality hair. Your wash day will also moisturize your ends so that they don’t get dry and result in breakage.  

A study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that African American women who wore braids experienced higher levels of hair breakage and dryness compared to those who did not wear braids.

What to do instead

Stick to a consistent wash day routine which will allow your scalp to thrive and your ends to be moisturized. Remember, hair growth needs both ends of the hair to be taken care of.

BONUS TIP! Don’t leave your protective style in for extended periods of time. This will make it harder for you to cleanse your scalp and hair properly.

Click here to shop the Scalp Care Set

Click here to get tips on your wash day schedule

3. Forgetting your nighttime routine

While protective styling can feel low maintenance, it doesn’t mean you don’t still have hair to take care of. Cotton pillowcases are too rough and absorb too much moisture from your hair.

What to do instead

Opt for a satin pillowcase instead or a satin bonnet to keep your hair moisturized and frizz free.  

Click here to shop our Satin Pillowcases

In conclusion

Protective styling can be helpful in minimizing hair breakage and retaining length, but we’ve seen the errors that can cause drawbacks. By using these tips provided, you will be able to take full advantage of the benefits of protective styling so your goal of healthier hair, or hair growth can be achieved with ease.

References

Dlova NC, Jordaan HF, Grobler A. Traction alopecia: prevalence and ethnic association in Cape Town. South Afr Med J. 2007;97(11):1076-1079. doi:10.7196/samj.2190

Walia HK, Cohen DE, Schachner LA. The role of ethnic hair in perceived attractiveness and self-esteem. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;56(5):S120-S121. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.01.321

Khumalo NP, Jessop S, Gumedze F, Ehrlich R. Hairdressing and the prevalence of scalp disease in African adults. Br J Dermatol. 2007;157(5):981-988. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08117.x