Braids can be a great protective style, but they can also be frustrating when they start to bend. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about preventing braids from bending, from pre-braid preparation to using products and seeking professional help.
Understanding Why Braids Bend
Have you ever experienced braids that bend or lose their shape after a short while? The frustration is real, but there are reasons why this happens. Understanding why braids bend is crucial to preventing it from happening in the first place.
Hair Texture and Thickness
Hair texture and thickness play a significant role in how well your hold up. Coarse and thick hair tends to resist manipulation, making it easier to maintain braids’ integrity. On the other hand, fine and thin hair is more delicate and susceptible to bending due to the lack of volume and substance in each strand. It’s essential to consider your hair texture and thickness before deciding on the braid style and tightness.
Tightness of Braids
The tightness of your is another factor that can cause them to bend. Too tight braids put excessive tension on your strands, causing them to weaken and bend over time. Conversely, loose braids may not hold their shape as well, leading to frizz, tangles, and bending. Finding the right balance of tightness is crucial to ensure that your braids remain intact for an extended period.
Length of Braids
The length of your braids also plays a role in how well they hold up. Longer braids tend to weigh more, putting more tension on the roots and causing them to bend. Shorter braids, on the other hand, may not have enough weight to hold their shape. It’s essential to consider the length of your braids concerning your hair texture, thickness, and the tightness of the braids.
In summary, several factors contribute to braid bending, including hair texture, thickness, tightness, and length. It’s essential to consider these factors to prevent bending and maintain your braids‘ integrity.
Pre-Braid Preparation
Getting your hair ready for braiding is essential if you want to achieve a flawless look. Proper pre-braid preparation can make a world of difference in the end result. Here are some tips on how to prepare your hair for braiding:
Detangling Hair
Before braiding, ensure your hair is free of knots and tangles. Knots can make the braiding process tedious and difficult. Start by gently combing your hair with a wide-tooth comb, ensuring that you detangle from the ends of your hair to the roots. This will help prevent breakage and minimize pain during the detangling process. If you encounter any stubborn tangles, use your fingers to work through them gently.
Moisturizing Hair
Dry hair can lead to breakage, which can ruin your braids. Moisturizing your hair is crucial to ensure your hair stays hydrated, healthy and strong. Use a hydrating conditioner or a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair before braiding. You can also use natural oils such as coconut oil or argan oil to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Using Heat Protectant
If you intend to use heat styling tools such as a blow dryer or flat iron before braiding, it is essential to use a heat protectant. Heat protectant will help protect your hair from heat damage and prevent your hair from drying out. Apply heat protectant to your hair before using heat styling tools and ensure that you spread it evenly throughout your hair. This will help protect your hair from heat damage and maintain its natural shine.
Preparing your hair before braiding takes a little effort, but the results are worth it. Detangling, moisturizing, and using heat protectant will protect your hair and ensure it stays healthy while you rock your new .
Braiding Techniques to Prevent Bending
When it comes to braids, one of the biggest challenges is preventing them from bending. However, with the right braiding techniques, it is possible to achieve a sleek and smooth look that lasts. Here are three popular braiding techniques that can help prevent bending:
Cornrow Braids
Cornrow braids are a popular braiding style that can help prevent bending. This involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in a straight line. Cornrows can be done in a variety of patterns, from simple straight lines to intricate designs. They can be worn as a protective style or a base for other styles, such as weaves or wigs.
When doing cornrow braids, it is important to make sure the are not too tight, as this can cause tension and breakage. It is also important to use a lightweight oil or serum to keep the scalp moisturized and prevent flaking.
French Braids
French braids are another popular braiding style that can help prevent bending. This involves braiding the hair in a three-strand braid, but adding in more hair as you go along. The result is a braid that sits on top of the hair, rather than being woven into it.
French braids can be done in a variety of styles, including as a crown braid or a double french braid. They are also a great option for those with shorter hair, as they can add the illusion of length.
When doing French braids, it is important to make sure the braid is not too tight, as this can cause tension and breakage. It is also important to use a holding spray to keep the braid in place and prevent frizz.
Dutch Braids
Dutch braids, also known as reverse French braids, are a braiding that can help prevent bending. This involves braiding the hair in a three-strand braid, but crossing the strands under instead of over each other. The result is a braid that sits on top of the hair, similar to a French braid.
Dutch braids can be done in a variety of styles, including as a half-up, half-down style or a double Dutch braid. They are also a great option for those with shorter hair, as they can add the illusion of length.
When doing Dutch braids, it is important to make sure the braid is not too tight, as this can cause tension and breakage. It is also important to use a holding spray to keep the braid in place and prevent frizz.
Post-Braid Maintenance
Braids are a popular protective hairstyle that can last for weeks. However, after removing your braids, it’s essential to take care of your hair to avoid damage and maintain healthy hair. Here are some post-braid maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Avoiding Tight Hairstyles
After removing your braids, avoid tight hairstyles such as high ponytails or tight . Your hair needs time to breathe and recover from being in braids for an extended period. Tight hairstyles can cause tension and breakage, which can be detrimental to your hair’s health. Instead, opt for loose hairstyles such as a low ponytail, a loose bun, or simply wearing your hair down.
Sleeping with a Satin Bonnet or Pillowcase
Sleeping with a satin bonnet or pillowcase is an essential post-braid maintenance tip. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and breakage, while a satin pillowcase or bonnet will help to retain moisture and prevent hair breakage. Satin is also gentle on your hair and skin, preventing tangles and damage.
Detangling with Care
Detangling your hair after removing your braids can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to do it with care to avoid further damage. Start by dividing your hair into sections and using a detangling brush or wide-toothed comb to gently remove any knots or tangles. Be patient and take your time to avoid pulling or tugging on your hair, which can cause breakage.
- Use a detangling brush or wide-toothed comb
- Divide hair into sections
- Be patient and gentle when removing knots or tangles
Using Products to Prevent Bending
When it comes to keeping braids looking fresh and straight, using the right products can make all the difference. Here are three types of products that can help prevent bending:
Anti-Frizz Serums
Humidity can wreak havoc on braids, causing them to frizz and lose their shape. To combat this, try using an anti-frizz serum. These products are designed to smooth down the hair cuticle and lock out humidity, keeping braids looking sleek and polished. Look for serums that contain ingredients like silicone or argan oil, which can help to moisturize and protect the hair.
Holding Sprays
If you want to keep looking neat and tidy, a holding spray can be a great option. These sprays are designed to provide lightweight hold and control, without weighing hair down or causing it to feel stiff or crunchy. Look for sprays that are formulated specifically for braids or for your hair type, and be sure to apply them evenly throughout your style.
Hair Oils
To keep braids looking shiny and healthy, try using a hair oil. These products are designed to nourish and moisturize the hair, while also providing a sleek and glossy finish. Look for oils that contain natural ingredients like coconut or jojoba oil, which can help to strengthen and protect hair from damage. To apply, simply warm a small amount of oil between your palms and smooth it over your braids, focusing on the ends and any areas that feel dry or frizzy.
Incorporating these products into your braiding routine can help to prevent bending and keep your style looking fresh and polished for longer.
Seeking Professional Help
When it comes to maintaining healthy hair and preventing braids from bending, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Consulting a stylist can help you understand the best hairstyles for your hair texture and thickness, as well as the appropriate level of tightness for braids. A stylist can also provide tips for pre-braid preparation, such as detangling and moisturizing your hair, and post-braid maintenance, such as avoiding tight hairstyles and detangling with care.
Getting regular trims is another way to keep your hair healthy and prevent bending. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks can help prevent split ends and breakage, which can weaken your hair and cause it to bend. Additionally, a stylist can help you choose protective styles that will help prevent bending, such as box braids, twists, or cornrows.
Considering protective styles is also important when seeking professional help. Protective styles can help minimize the amount of manipulation your hair undergoes, which in turn can help prevent bending. Protective styles can also help keep your hair moisturized and minimize the amount of heat styling needed, which can further prevent damage and bending.
Overall, seeking professional help can be a valuable resource in preventing bending and maintaining healthy hair. By consulting a stylist, getting regular trims, and considering protective styles, you can take steps to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Consulting a Stylist
- A stylist can provide tips for pre-braid preparation and post-braid maintenance
- A stylist can help you understand the best hairstyles for your hair texture and thickness
- Consulting a stylist can help you choose protective styles that will help prevent bending
Getting Regular Trims
- Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks can prevent split ends and breakage
- Regular trims can help keep your hair healthy and prevent bending
Considering Protective Styles
- Protective styles can minimize manipulation of hair and prevent bending
- Protective styles can keep hair moisturized and minimize heat styling needed
