Five hacks to loosen tight braids
UREPORT
By Faith Wambui | June 30th 2020
Braids are a staple for many girls. They're beautiful,
protective hairstyles that are adored all over the world. However, getting
braids can be painful, leading to discomfort, headaches, and, in extreme cases,
blisters. This can put you off from getting your hair braided again. Even
worse, tight braids can lead to hair loss. Though little pain is unavoidable
after getting braids, it's essential to know how to loosen them up. Here are
some hacks to help you loosen tight braids.
1. Use A Hot Towel
Most hairstylists will run a towel soaked in hot water
through your head once they're done braiding. However, you can do this at home
as well. Take a medium-sized towel and soak it in hot water. Remove it using
tongs and wring out the water. When it's still hot, place the towel on your
braids, applying pressure to where it hurts the most. The heated towel soothes
the scalp and relaxes the muscles, which loosens up tight braids.
2. Tell Your Stylist
Contrary to popular opinion, tight isn't right. In fact,
tight braids can cause severe hair damage. Getting your hair done should never
be a painful ordeal. Before getting braids, let your stylist know whether you
have a sensitive scalp, so they understand how gentle they have to be. If you
feel like your braids are too tight, let your stylist know. This will prevent
any long-term damage and the discomfort of having tight braids.
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3. Use Leave-in Conditioner
The Leave-in conditioner has a cooling effect that works
like magic on tight braids. Since it's cold, it relieves the scalp, and the oil
helps loosen up the tightness. Gently apply the product directly to the scalp
and let it slip in. Make sure not to use too much as this may lead to an oily
scalp. Additionally, the leave-in conditioner helps strengthen hair, which
counters the damaging effect of tight braids.
4. Use A Pencil
A pencil or something cylindrical will help undo the tight
wounds on the root of your hair. Take a pencil and gently pass it through the
braid. Move the pencil side to side until you feel relief. Do this for each
braid using an appropriately sized pencil depending on the size of the braid.
The smaller the braid, the smaller the pencil. Otherwise, you'll only cause
more damage.
5. Use Oils
Oils are a great way to loosen tight braids while nourishing
your scalp and hair. Make a concoction of your favourite oils like coconut,
argan, and jojoba oils then sprinkle a few droplets on your scalp. Since oils
are quickly absorbed, they provide instant relief without worrying about an
oily scalp, unlike leave-in conditioners. To boost the relieving effect, you
can put the oil in a fridge for a few minutes and then apply it to your scalp.
This will give the oil a cooling effect.
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