Braids are probably among the most popular protective hairstyles; good looking, versatile, and low maintenance. However, just as braids are good for giving your natural hair a rest from daily manipulation, sometimes it becomes necessary to realize it is time to take them out. Wearing braids for too long may result in some instances of discomfort, damage, and even health complications.
That said, the rest of the article presents four major signs it might be time to take out those braids, with loads of helpful tips on hair and scalp care that round out the usage of this beautiful and convenient hairstyle.
1. Unexplained and Lingering Headaches
Common signs that it’s time to take the braids out include an unending headache. In particular, braids, while being installed too tightly, tend to pull on the scalp and cause a great deal of discomfort. Further, headaches may develop in these cases that cannot be relieved using ordinary painkillers.
Headaches are your body’s way of showing there is too much pull on the scalp. Braids that are tightly pulled stretch the hair follicles around the braid, causing pain and swelling on the scalp, hence giving you headaches. If the headaches tend to last very long, that simply means the braids have been pulling on your scalp too hard, which will definitely damage your hairline and the hair on your head for good.
To avoid these evils, it’s important that you do not let your braids be installed too tightly in the first place. If, at any time during or shortly after installations, your scalp hurts, you should speak up and let your stylist know. And if the pain or headaches come sometime later after the braids have been installed, it is probably time to uninstall them and take a break.
2. Relentless and Recurring Colds
It may appear to be astonishing, but braids worn for long periods can even contribute to stubborn colds. The extra weight and pull that braids have on your scalp and neck tend to have very subtle effects on the general wellbeing of a person. Though braids themselves do not bring about sicknesses, their constant pressure inflicted on your scalp and neck could eventually give rise to a feeling of discomfort or stress, hence weakening one’s immune system.
Recurring colds may be your body’s signal that it is distressed from carrying the weight of the braids for too long. Long-term retention of braids allows dirt, oils, and sweat to build up on the scalp without being washed away properly, which can also contribute to irritation or an overall ill feeling.
This will be the case if you have been feeling cold or rundown while having braids in for too long. Taking out the braids may alleviate your discomfort and even cure your general health by allowing the scalp and neck to take a break.
3. Extremely Itchy Scalp
An itchy scalp is one of the surest indications your braids need to come out. This can result from a number of things, from product buildup to not cleansing your scalp well enough, or simply because your scalp needs to breathe.
In time, hair products, natural oils, and sweat will build up on the scalp, especially when your braids are there for more than just a couple of weeks. Such buildup will block pores of your scalp and provoke irritations with itchiness. In worst cases, it may also provoke eruptions of scalp conditions that have laid dormant and which, upon flare-up, surface as conditions like dandruff or fungal infections when not taken care of.
While it is okay and normal for there to be a little itchiness in the first days following braiding, continued itching or unbearable itching lets you know that your scalp is not amused anymore. This is the point at which you know it’s time to take out the braids, give your hair a nice wash, and let your scalp take a breather.
The only good way not to have itchiness from braids is proper maintenance. Cleansing and hydrating your scalp keeps the chance for buildup at a minimum and will keep your scalp healthy. However, once the itching becomes insupportable, that is usually a surefire way to notice that it is time to give your scalp some room to breathe and take those braids out.
4. Strong, Unpleasant Odor
Once you notice that your braids have started to give off an annoying, pungent smell, be sure that this marks due time for them to come out. In most cases, the smell will flow from stuck moisture, exuded sweat, amount of product used, or poor scalp hygiene.
Water really gets trapped inside braids, especially after washing the hair and not fully drying it. A development of some bacteria and mildew may happen, which causes a bad smell. The same goes with a smell caused by accumulation of a large amount of sweat and oils that finish up on the scalp over some time.
Not only does the smell become not fresh, but it also signals that your scalp is not receiving ventilation and cleaning. Leaving braids in too long under such conditions may lead to other scalp problems, like infections or even hair loss.
If you find that your braids are giving off a pungent smell, then it is a good idea to take them out, giving your hair a deep clean, resting for a while before putting your hair into another protective style. You can also try to minimize this in the future by ensuring your hair is dry after washing and refreshing your scalp periodically with a light, water-based cleanser.
Listening to Your Body
While braids can be great protective styling, one should not completely ignore signs the body will or may give when it’s time to make a change. By paying attention to those signs above-persistent headaches, colds that refuse to quit, or intensely itchy scalp, or even a strong odor-you will be able to keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Wearing braids for an extended time can lead to more serious problems, such as thinning hair, traction alopecia, or scalp infections. Being proactive with the early signs will make the difference in preventing long-term damage and ensure your hair stays strong and healthy.
Giving Your Hair a Break
Once the braids are out, you need to give your hair some time to recover before the installation of a new protective style. Here are ways how you can keep your hair healthy after braids:
– Deep Cleanse: After taking out your braids, start by deep cleaning to clear out all the dirt, sweat, and product buildup that has built up. Use a clarifying shampoo to deeply clean your scalp and strands.
Smoothening: Braids at times tend to dry out the hair. Use a deep conditioner to wash your hair; this would give your hair much-needed moisture and strength.
Scalp Care: Give good care to the scalp by applying oils and light moisturizers to soothe the irritated scalp, improving its balance. Avoid using heavy products that block the pores on your scalp.
– Trim Split Ends: If necessary, trim the ends of your hair to remove the damaged or split ends that might have developed when your hair was braided.
– Allow Time to Rest: Take a break for several weeks without having to make another protective style. This rest period allows your scalp to catch its breath and your hair sufficient time for recuperation.
Conclusion: Knowing When It’s Time to Take Down Your Braids
Braids are one of the fashionable means of styling your hair without causing much damage to it, but continuously putting them on is impolite to your scalp and hair health. All you have to do is listen to your body for signs such as unending headaches, colds that linger, itchy scalps, or a foul smell; then you will know it’s time to take out those braids.
In turn, proper care for hair and scalp both during and after wearing braids enables one to continue reaping those many benefits that this versatile hairstyle has in store while keeping one’s hair healthy and strong. After all, the secret of beautiful, healthy hair lies in achieving a balance: giving hair protection when it needs protection but also resting and recovering from all that tension.
Leave a Reply