Easy methods to Deal with and Forestall It

Braids are among the many hottest protecting types. Beloved for his or her versatility and longevity, they’re an ideal selection for naturals who wish to give their curls and coils a break from each day manipulation. Whereas giving your hair somewhat PTO might sound nice, you possibly can start to note somewhat tingling in your scalp—the dreaded braid itch.

Should you’ve ever had an itchy scalp or neck whereas sporting braids and puzzled what was the reason for it, you are removed from alone. To unravel that query, we consulted hairstylists Angela C. Stevens and Ona Diaz-Santin together with board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. Learn on for every part it’s worthwhile to find out about braid itch, together with easy methods to deal with and stop it.

What Is Braiding Hair?

“Braiding hair is hair used to increase the size or fullness of braided and twisted hairstyles,” says Stevens. “It might probably are available many kinds, similar to human hair, artificial hair, or a mix of each.”

Artificial hair is constructed from synthetic fibers that mimic the look of pure hair. “It is cheaper, is available in numerous colours and types, and holds braids effectively; nonetheless, it may possibly look shinier and tangle extra simply,” explains Diaz-Santin.

Human hair is constructed from actual human hair, which provides it a extra pure appear and feel. It may be styled and handled the identical approach you’ll your personal hair and it blends extra seamlessly. Diaz-Santin notes that whereas human hair is costlier than artificial hair, it lasts longer with correct care. However there are some components you must think about earlier than making a choice: “Price range, desired look, and upkeep are simply among the issues you must take into consideration earlier than selecting braiding hair,” she provides.

What Makes Braiding Hair Itchy?

In keeping with Stevens, the fibers used to make braiding hair result in that well-known itch. “Specifically, these with delicate pores and skin might expertise discomfort whereas sporting artificial braiding hair,” she explains. “Some harsh elements coated onto artificial hair embrace pesticides, plastics, acrylic, and heavy metals.” Braiding hair also can make it harder to cleanse the scalp. “An itchy scalp could be attributable to a buildup of lifeless pores and skin cells, oils, styling merchandise, and even chemical compounds from artificial hair,” Cheung says.

As a result of harsh elements used to make artificial hair, Stevens recommends cleansing it earlier than use to assist cut back your odds of irritation. Whereas Diaz-Santin recommends choosing braiding hair made from pure fibers, “If you will use artificial hair, go for breathable artificial choices,” she says. “Artificial braiding hair [can] lack breathability, resulting in warmth and moisture buildup on the scalp, which may trigger irritation and discomfort,” she provides.

Braiding Hair and Scalp Well being

Whereas braids supply many advantages—similar to selling hair progress and minimizing manipulation—there could be downsides. “Braiding hair has the identical drawbacks as hair extensions, together with hair loss, which is often traction alopecia and breakage from the load of the hair, and dermatitis and folliculitis from the buildup of lifeless pores and skin cells, oils, and even chemical compounds from artificial hair,” Cheung explains.

Ask your stylist if they’ll redo any braids that look tight or really feel heavy. “Tight or heavy braids could cause pressure on the scalp, resulting in discomfort, hair breakage, and even traction alopecia,” says Diaz-Santin.

Braids also needs to be effectively maintained to reduce potential harm and promote good scalp and hair well being. To do that, you will have to maintain your hair moisturized with the assistance of an oil, cream, or serum of your selection whereas sporting your braids. “Braiding hair absorbs moisture and may depart pure hair dry after use,” Stevens says.

Addressing Irritation Brought on by Braiding Hair

One of the simplest ways to handle irritation attributable to braiding hair is to forestall it from occurring within the first place—by sustaining your braids frequently. In case your braids do get itchy, give them a wash earlier than oiling your scalp.

Together with maintaining along with your upkeep routine, Diaz-Santin recommends loosening tight braids, avoiding scratching, taking breaks between types, and having steam therapies. Should you favor artificial braids, be aware that the commonest fibers are constructed from plastic polymers, which Cheung says are believed to trigger dermatitis. “Should you’re involved about how secure your braiding hair could also be, then you definately may wish to think about switching to plant-based artificial braids,” she says. “Not solely are they earth-friendly, however they’re higher in your pores and skin, too.”

The Remaining Takeaway

Relying on what it is made from, braiding hair can depart you feeling itchy. Because of this, constructing and sustaining a routine that helps forestall and cut back irritation is crucial. Whether or not you select human or artificial braiding hair, if in case you have any issues about your scalp and hair well being, it is price researching earlier than you e book an appointment.