Relaxed hair has become a popular choice for many individuals seeking manageable hairstyles that reduce curliness while promoting a sleeker appearance. While relaxed hair offers versatility in styling options, one question persists among many hair enthusiasts: Can you wear braids with relaxed hair? This article will dive deep into this topic, exploring the various aspects of braiding relaxed hair, providing tips for success, and addressing common concerns.
Understanding Relaxed Hair
Before discussing braids, it’s essential to understand what relaxed hair is.
Relaxed hair refers to hair that has undergone a chemical treatment to straighten its natural curl pattern. This process typically involves using lye or no-lye relaxers, which break down the protein bonds in the hair, allowing it to be straighter and easier to manage.
The Pros and Cons of Relaxed Hair
Every hairstyle comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Pros: Relaxed hair can be easier to style, manage, and detangle. It can also provide a sleek, polished look that can last for extended periods.
- Cons: Chemical treatments can weaken the hair, making it prone to breakage. It’s also essential to maintain a consistent hair care routine to retain moisture and nourishment.
Can You Braid Relaxed Hair?
Yes, you can definitely braid relaxed hair! In fact, braiding offers a fantastic way to protect and nurture your relaxed strands. However, there are particular methods and considerations to keep in mind to ensure your braids are both beautiful and healthy.
Types of Braids Suitable for Relaxed Hair
When it comes to braiding relaxed hair, several styles can work beautifully:
1. Classic Braids: These are single or three-strand braids that you can wear as simple pigtails or a single braid down your back.
2. Box Braids: These are individual braids that can range in size from small to large and can be worn with added hair extensions for length and volume.
3. Cornrows: These are small, flat braids that hug the scalp. Cornrows can be styled in various patterns and can be a protective style.
Preparing Relaxed Hair for Braiding
To ensure the best results when braiding relaxed hair, you’ll need to prepare your hair properly:
1. Cleanse Your Hair: Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. This prepares the scalp and hair for braiding while removing any accumulated product build-up.
2. Moisturize: With relaxed hair, maintaining moisture is crucial. Use a leave-in conditioner or oil, focusing on the ends, to prevent dryness and breakage.
3. Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles. Detangling wet hair is often easier, but be gentle to avoid unnecessary breakage.
The Braiding Process
Once your hair is prepped, it’s time to start braiding:
1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections based on the size of the braids you desire. Using hair clips or ties can help keep sections separate.
2. Braid Your Hair: Begin braiding from the root, ensuring that you’re not pulling too tight to avoid stress on your hair and scalp.
3. Use Appropriate Products: Consider using a light gel or mousse to help control flyaways and give the braids a neater appearance.
Maintenance for Braids on Relaxed Hair
To ensure that your braids look great and that your relaxed hair stays healthy, it’s important to follow a maintenance routine:
Keeping Your Scalp Healthy
Maintain a healthy scalp by:
1. Cleansing: Gently cleanse your scalp every 1-2 weeks using a sulfate-free shampoo. This helps to remove any product build-up without stripping moisture.
2. Moisturizing: Spray your scalp with a water-based moisturizer or a light oil to keep it hydrated.
Protecting Your Hair
Consider the following tips to protect your relaxed hair while in braids:
1. Limit Tension: Ensure your braids are not too tight at the roots, as this can lead to traction alopecia.
2. Avoid Excessive Manipulation: While it’s essential to keep your braids tidy, excessive pulling or tugging can damage relaxed strands.
When to Avoid Braiding with Relaxed Hair
While braiding is a great option for many, there are instances when it may be best to avoid braiding relaxed hair:
1. Recent Relaxation Treatment
If you’ve recently relaxed your hair, it’s advisable to wait a few weeks before braiding. Freshly relaxed hair may be more vulnerable to breakage when manipulated into braids.
2. Weakened Hair Condition
If your hair is suffering from breakage, excessive dryness, or damage, consider prioritizing recovery instead of styling. Focus on nourishing and restoring your hair to a healthier condition before braiding.
Common Concerns About Braiding Relaxed Hair
As with any beauty regimen, there might be concerns associated with braiding relaxed hair.
1. Will Braiding Cause Breakage?
If done correctly, braiding should not cause any breakage. However, tight braids, excessive manipulation, or inadequate care can lead to damage. Thus, it’s crucial to maintain gentle handling of the hair throughout the process.
2. Can I Use Extensions with Braided Relaxed Hair?
Absolutely! Adding hair extensions can enhance thickness and length, making it a popular choice for many individuals with relaxed hair. However, ensure the added weight doesn’t put undue stress on your natural hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can wear braids with relaxed hair, and doing so can be a great way to express your style while protecting your strands. By preparing your hair adequately, choosing the right braid type, maintaining your hair, and addressing any concerns, you can confidently embrace beautiful braided looks.
Always remember, the keys to happy, healthy hair are gentle care, proper maintenance, and listening to your hair’s needs. With the right approach, braids can be an excellent addition to your hairstyle repertoire, allowing you to showcase your relaxed tresses with style and flair.
Embrace the endless possibilities of braiding techniques, and enjoy the journey of finding the perfect look for your relaxed hair!
Can you wear braids with relaxed hair?
Yes, you can absolutely wear braids with relaxed hair. Many individuals with relaxed hair choose braids as a protective style. This means that braids can help reduce hair manipulation and keep your hair healthy while also providing a stylish look.
When choosing to braid relaxed hair, it is essential to consider the texture and the condition of your hair. Proper care and maintenance should be ensured to avoid damage due to tension or pulling, especially if the braids are tight or if you’re wearing them for an extended period.
What are some braid styles suitable for relaxed hair?
There are numerous braid styles that look great on relaxed hair. Some popular options include box braids, cornrows, and twists. These styles can be customized in terms of size and length, allowing you to express your personal style while accommodating your hair type.
Additionally, you can opt for braids that incorporate added hair for length and volume. For example, jumbo box braids can create a stunning look while being relatively low-maintenance. Remember to communicate with your stylist about the braids you want to avoid any discomfort or hairstyle mishaps.
How can I prepare my relaxed hair for braiding?
Preparing your relaxed hair for braiding is crucial for achieving the best results and maintaining hair health. Start by ensuring your hair is clean and well-moisturized. Use a gentle shampoo and a hydrating conditioner to prepare your hair for styling.
After washing, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil to add extra moisture. Detangle your hair gently to avoid breakage before braiding. It’s also beneficial to have your hair trimmed to remove any split ends before getting braids, as this will enhance the overall look and health of your hair.
How long can I keep braids in my relaxed hair?
Generally, it is recommended to keep braids in for about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the style and care. Keeping them in for too long can lead to matting and potential hair breakage, particularly with relaxed hair, which can be more fragile than natural or coily textures.
To maintain your braids, ensure that you regularly cleanse your scalp and moisturize your braids. This helps keep your scalp healthy and prevents itchiness. If you notice any signs of distress in your hair or scalp, it may be wise to remove the braids sooner than planned.
Is there a risk of damage to relaxed hair from braiding?
Yes, there can be a risk of damage to relaxed hair from braiding, especially if the braids are too tight. Tight braids can pull on the scalp and cause traction alopecia, which is a form of hair loss due to tension. It’s crucial to communicate with your stylist about the tension used while braiding.
In addition to tightness, improper maintenance during the time you have your braids in can lead to dryness and breakage. To minimize these risks, opt for loose braids and ensure you maintain a consistent hair care routine while wearing them. Regularly detangling and moisturizing will help keep your hair healthy.
Can I swim with braids in my relaxed hair?
Swimming with braids in relaxed hair is possible, but precautions should be taken. Chlorine and saltwater can cause dryness and damage to your hair, particularly for relaxed textures. It’s important to protect your braids before entering the pool or sea.
Consider applying a leave-in conditioner or oil to your braids beforehand. Wearing a swimming cap can also give added protection against chlorine and saltwater. After swimming, it’s vital to rinse your hair immediately and reapply your moisturizing products to maintain hydration and avoid damage.
How do I maintain my braids while they’re in?
Maintaining your braids while they’re in is essential for the health of your relaxed hair. Start by ensuring you moisturize your scalp and braids regularly. You can use a light oil or a specialized braid spray for this purpose to keep your hair hydrated without weighing it down.
Also, regularly cleansing your scalp is important. You can utilize a diluted shampoo to gently cleanse your scalp without disrupting the braids. Be mindful not to manipulate the braids too much during this process, and ensure you are protecting your hair at night by wearing a silk scarf or bonnet.
Can I style my braids if I have relaxed hair?
Absolutely, you can style your braids, even with relaxed hair. There are several ways to accessorize or arrange your braids to create varied looks. You might want to try different styles such as updos, bun styles, or half-up/half-down looks for versatility.
Using hair accessories like beads, ribbons, or cuffs can add a personal touch to your braided styles. Just ensure that any accessories you use do not cause tension or pulling on your braids, as this could lead to damage. Enjoy experimenting with your braided styles!