Why Do African Braids Get So Tight?
African braids are a popular and protective hairstyle that has been around for centuries. Braiding is an art form and while African braids are tight they are not typically uncomfortable. Many people want to know why these braids get so tight and the answer is in the technique.
How African Braids are Performed
African braids involve skillfully intertwining three or four hair strands together to create a number of stylish braids. This type of braiding is usually accomplished by taking a single section of hair, adding in a few hair extensions, and then braiding the hair all the way down to the ends. The tension of the braid is what keeps the style in place.
Why Do African Braids Get So Tight?
African braids are meant to stay in place, which is why they require a tight tension. A tight tension is necessary to lock the individual braids in place and create a unified braid pattern. Without the tight tension, the braids are likely to unravel quickly.
Another reason African braids get so tight is to ensure that the braiding technique is successful. Applying too little tension will cause the braids to unravel and too much tension can result in pain. To avoid this, the braider must pay attention to the tension and adjust it as needed.
How To Avoid Pain When Braiding
African braids should not cause pain if done correctly. Here are some tips for avoiding discomfort when getting African braids:
- Start from the top: When starting with the root of the hair, the braider can apply tension evenly. This will help avoid pain and will also allow the hair to hold the style better.
- Take breaks: Braiding can be tedious, so be sure to take breaks in between sections. This will help to avoid fatigue.
- Communicate: If the braider is using too much tension, speak up and ask them to ease off. Communication is key when it comes to making sure that your experience is as pain-free as possible.
African braids are a great way to keep your hair protected and stylish, but it’s important to make sure the tension is not too tight. With the right technique and care, you can get beautiful African braids without feeling any pain.
Why do African hair braids hurt?
African hair braids can hurt because the technique used to put them in (tightly pulling and tugging) can cause scalp and hair follicle damage. Another reason why African hair braids can hurt is because the tightness of the braids can put strain on the hair roots and scalp throughout the day, which can cause discomfort or pain. Even if the individual’s scalp is not sensitive, the process can still irritate the sensitive hair follicles.
How long does it take to braid African hair?
It usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour and a half to braid African hair, depending on the size, thickness, and complexity of the desired style.
Complex styles like cornrows can take up to two hours because each braid needs to be individually braided and then attached to other braids. Additionally, the individual’s hair type can influence how quickly the hair can be braided. For example, curly hair will take longer to braid than straight hair.