Braids have never been, and will never be, just another hairstyle for Black women.
This is often done in an effort to shield natural hair from heat and excessive manipulation.
However, the truth is that many of them do not possess acosmetology license.
Photographed by Daniel Jackson,Vogue, March 2020
But for your own safety, its best to go to a licensed stylist.
The choice of a skilled braider plays a huge role, explains celebrity hairstylist and hair-extension specialistNafisah Carter.
Adeline Kikam, Houston-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm, shares.
Braiding appointments are seldom short; however, that doesnt mean they need to be an uncomfortable experience.
[This is how]traction alopeciacan occur.
Dr. Nozile explains how the condition causes the hairline to recedetypically along the top of the forehead and temples.
Also, once you get home, Dr. Kikam advises to monitor for tenting.
Headaches are also a sign of excessive tension, so do not overlook this.
For individuals with fine hair, larger braids may exert excessive weight on the strands, the stylist explains.
Generally, medium-size braids are a safe choice, provided they are not overly heavy.
The most harmful braids are those that are excessively tight and carry significant weight.
You should also ask your stylist to see which products they will be using in advance.
This can lead to inflammation, resulting in redness, itching, and bumps.
In some cases, hair loss can even trigger depressive episodes and the onset of social anxiety.
There are numerous braiding options that minimize tension on your hair, Carter shares.
I love knotless and boho braids.
It offers a triple nozzle to ensure the product can be applied directly to the scalp.
However, in some cases, a hair transplant may be a more viable option.
