Many women with natural hair have shied away from braids because of the potential for traction alopecia, but done properly braids can be one of the best ways to protect your hair.
Occasional braiding is generally safe. It is when hair is braided regularly and tightly that a person runs the risk of experiencing traction alopecia, which is hair loss that begins because of constant tugging or tension on the hair follicle. Traction hair loss is especially common for some ethnicities (including in Black women) because of the popularity of hair styles that pull on the hair follicle. Locs, knotted box braids, buns, up-dos that are pulled too tight, and weaves can all contribute to traction alopecia.
That said, braids can actually help prevent other types of alopecia when done properly by promoting scalp health and hair moisturization.
How Do You Prevent Alopecia with Braids?
Not all braids are the same in terms of causing hair loss. Switching up the way you braid your hair is the key to lowering the risk of some types of hair loss.
InStyle Magazine puts it this way: “Knotless braids are a great protective style as they help to improve hair growth by protecting the hair strands.” The braids make it easier to moisturize your scalp and, if protected while sleeping, will cause less natural tension on your scalp.
One nice thing about knotless braids is that, like other box braids, they use synthetic hair to enhance your own hair. So that means if you are already suffering some hair loss, knotless braids may help you feel more comfortable with your hair.
This YouTube video demonstrates how knotless braids can be used on a woman with alopecia and help her feel more confident with her look.
Can You Get Braids If You Have Alopecia?
Yes, you can definitely get braids if you have some hair loss. In fact, the nice thing about the knotless braids is that they are gently woven into your existing hair, making it look natural and stylish all at once.
Box braids have long been a go-to for Black women and others when they start noticing hair loss, but the knots at the top of the braids put more strain on the scalp and could lead to additional traction alopecia. To combat that, stylists have developed knotless braids. These braids look like box braids and use synthetic hair to add length and volume to a person’s natural hair, but do not pull on the hair follicles leading to increased hair loss.
These braids gradually add more hair in as you go, allowing the braid to be added without pulling on the scalp. That also makes them more comfortable to sleep in. Additionally, care must be taken to avoid putting tension on the hair follicle.
Are Knotless Braids Good for Alopecia?
Knotless braids can help prevent hair loss due to traction alopecia but aren’t specifically going to help against genetic forms of hair loss – like androgenic alopecia or alopecia due to medications or autoimmune conditions. However, because the braids are added into the existing hair, they can help mask the look of hair loss.
Braids can also help fight alopecia that is caused by poor scalp health or environmental hair damage. The braids form a sort of protective cocoon around your natural hair, allowing it the time to get the nutrients it needs and grow.
Protective hairstyles like braids are good for preventing hair loss if that loss is due to hair damage or breaking. Knotless braids can give you that protection without increasing the risk of traction alopecia.
Precision Hair Restoration Are the Experts in Hair Loss Diagnosis and Treatment
Here at Precision Hair Restoration, we understand that looking your best impacts your mental and emotional health as well as how others perceive you. If you are concerned that your hair style might be contributing to the problem, book a consultation now. We can help you determine what the best answer is to keep your hair looking great.
