Traction alopecia (baldness) is caused by chronic traction (pulling) on the hair follicle and is seen most commonly in African females associated with tight braids or cornrow hair styles. It is generally present along the hairline.

If your scalp or head is in pain, that’s a sure sign that your hair is braided too tightly Remember that any pain is a sign that something is wrong. Healthy hairstyles are not supposed to cause you pain or make you uncomfortable. A new hairstyle is not supposed to make you lose sleep. If your scalp feels like its being pricked by a hundred needles, that is an indication that your stylist applied too much pressure on your scalp and hair.

Beauty should not hurt! If your head hurts, it’s because your hair is braided too tightly. This is detrimental to the future of your hairline. 

What then do you do when you notice your braids are tight?

If you’re a victim of tight and headache-inducing braids, there are steps you can take to control the pain and damage to your edges and overall hair health.

1. Decrease tension at the scalp: you can slip the thin end of a long-handled fine-tooth comb underneath the tight braids to get some relief.  What this does is to reduce the pressure or tension on your scalp. You should feel a lot better after doing this.
2. Spray Afrovirtues leave-in conditioner at the base of the braids: adding Afrovirtues leave-in conditioner to your dry braids can reduce their tension and tightness. Lightly moisturize your scalp with leave-in conditioner and use your fingers to gently work the conditioner into your scalp and braids.
3. Use warm water to loosen them: Take a warm shower over your hair and gently rub your scalp to loosen the braids a little. Don’t be concerned about how much money you just spent making them. You will have to spend more if your hair goes bad! Concern yourself with loosening up this tight style and saving your hairline. Allow the water to fall over your head and do most of the work on its own.
4. Avoid updos for several days after getting new braids: putting your braids up in a bun or other updos can increase tightness, especially right after you’ve had them done. After getting your hair braided, wear it down for a couple of days to avoid added tension on your scalp.
5. Remove the braids as a last resort if they keep hurting: you may have spent a hefty chunk of cash getting your hair braided, if they are way too tight and are causing you pain, the best solution is to simply take them out.

i hope you now know what to do when your braids are too tight.

leave a comment below if you have tried any of these methods and got positive results.