Do braids promote hair growth? Find out next.

Braids For Hair Growth: Does It Work?

Unfortunately, braiding cannot speed up the hair growth rate. Your hair growth rate depends on factors like genetics, lifestyle, stress levels, and diet. Your hairstyle does not determine the growth rate. But braiding can protect the hair by preventing breakage and strengthening its structure. The hair strands stay strong when woven into a braid, which restricts their movement. Braiding also minimizes daily wear and tear caused by friction, especially when you toss and turn while sleeping and during combing and brushing. Moreover, it spares you the horror of hair breakage, which might result in frizz. All these factors help minimize hair breakage and hair damage, promoting healthy hair growth. However, ultra-tight braids may pull the hair from the roots, causing traction alopecia (1). This is common in Afro-Caribbean hairstyles involving tight braiding techniques. Traction alopecia is not a disease but results from hairstyling practices. Hence, avoid tying the hair in tight braids. Here are a few braiding methods you may follow for better hair growth.

What Are The Different Braids For Hair Growth?

Micro Braids

These are tiny braids woven tightly on the scalp. They are not done on the entire hair length. These braids can stay on hair for months.

Box Braids

This is one of the most classic hair braiding styles for natural and kinky hair.  Box braids are three-strand braids with a square-shaped hair division.

Faux Locs

They are technically not braids but a protective hairstyle to make your hair manageable. In this hairstyle, synthetic hair is wrapped around actual hair, giving it a heavy, dread-like appearance.

Crochet Braids

They are also known as latch hook braids. Here, synthetic hair extensions are crocheted to a person’s natural hair using a latch or crochet hook. Often, the growth is not visible in braided hair. Is there a way to check that? Find out in the next section!

How To Know Hair Is Growing With Braids

Measure the hair length using a scale or measuring tape every 10-15 days. Check the braid roots. If they appear loose, it means your hair is growing.

Proper hair care is of utmost importance if you are trying to grow your hair. Check out the pre and post-braiding hair care tips below.

How To Maintain Hair Before And After Braiding

Spritz plain water 2-3 times a week to keep your braids hydrated and moisturized. Clean your braids once a week with a clarifying natural shampoo. Use a deep conditioner to restore and rejuvenate the locks. Be gentle on the scalp. Avoid drying your braids by rubbing them with a towel. This may damage the scalp and hair. After washing, squeeze the braids gently to drain out excess water. Moisturize the braids after drying. Massage moisturizers from root to tip to restore hydration and shine. Do not wear braids for more than eight weeks at a time. Keeping them any longer may cause damage to your scalp and hair. Instead of tight braids, try loose ones like French braids, linear plaits, or fishtail braids. To protect your braids, wear a satin scarf or bonnet while sleeping.

Braiding the hair is good, but these ultra-tight hairdos can damage your hair. Scroll down to find out how.

Can Braiding Damage The Hair?

Yes, a tight braid can damage the hair by tugging or pulling hair from the scalp, causing traction alopecia (1). Even a tight spiral braid can cause inflammation and scalp damage. The spiral pattern decreases blood flow towards the vertex, causing ischemic necrosis (2). To avoid scalp and hair damage, avoid keeping the braids for too long.

How Long Should You Keep In Braids For Hair Growth?

It is advised not to keep the braids for more than 6-8 weeks. Let your scalp and hair breathe for at least a week or two in between braiding.  Always change the braiding style and avoid weaving too tightly close to the scalp and roots. Is it better to braid when the hair is dry or wet? It is always better to braid your hair when it is dry. Wet braids are heavy and can pull your hair at the roots, leading to hair fall. Are braids better than ponytails? Braids may be better than ponytails as they keep all your hair in place without pulling at the roots. Wearing your hair in tight ponytails regularly runs the risk of causing traction alopecia. Can you sleep with wet braids? No, you must not sleep with wet braids. Wet hair is fragile, and the tossing and turning during sleep may cause hair breakage.

Sources

Traction alopeciahttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470434/ Full-thickness Scalp Injury Due to Hair Braiding and Weavehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4560210/