Why braids hurt

The thought of it makes me cringe. But seriously, you can use a detangler to comb out my hair — you don't need to do it dry. Oh, and can you please use a wide-tooth comb? Mostly because it's not that difficult and also Google is a thing.

Not only are box braids heavy once you put them up, you can forget about slinking into small spaces. But if you need a big bonnet, these ones right here might help. There aren't enough YouTube tutorials in the world, but for some reason, you keep trying. Apply with your fingertips and massage for a few minutes.

Lavender and tea tree oil have properties that will help in soothing inflammation. Tight box braids are definitely not normal. These ways should help in relieving pain, soothing your scalp, and loosen your braids. However, if you are experiencing pain even after a few days and nothing works, consider removing your braids altogether. You will prevent hair loss, alopecia, and breakage. Give your hair some love after removing the braids. Soak it in oil treatment that has anti-inflammatory properties and condition it well.

Nevena is a linguist, mom of a one-year-old boy, and fashion enthusiast. She loves writing about everything fashion, beauty, and lifestyle-related. Her passion is magazines and books. See author's posts. Faux Locs In-Depth Guide.

Tight Faux Locs? You can pick up these sprays at salons and stores that sell specialty beauty products. Spritz the braid spray on your scalp to prevent itching and lubricate your braids, which will soften and loosen them. Use this spray when you're getting ready in the morning and throughout the day as needed to reduce tension caused by tight braids.

Massage your scalp with oil every day for 1 to 2 minutes. While you have braids in, it's important to do daily scalp massages with oil. Use 1 tbsp Apply the oil to your scalp, then massage it in with your fingers using gentle, circular motions. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes each day. Peppermint essential oil can help with scalp itchiness, so consider using that for your daily scalp massages.

Method 2. Take a warm shower to increase your hair's elasticity. Warm water will open up your hair shafts, making your braids looser and more elastic. Jump into a warm shower and allow the water to run over your scalp and through your braids. Rub your scalp gently at the base of the braids as the warm water falls over them to encourage loosening.

Avoid being rough with your braids. After getting out of the shower, use a towel to remove excess water from your hair by gently patting your braids. If your hair is naturally curly, wetting the braids may cause frizziness.

Use a hair steamer to loosen your braids. You can pick up a hair steamer at your local beauty shop, or visit the salon and use theirs. Set up the hair steamer, then sit under it. Direct the steam at your braids, concentrating on the places you are feeling the most tension.

Sit under the hair steamer in minute sessions, with short breaks in between, until your braids feel better. You can apply a deep-conditioner to your scalp before sitting under the steamer to increase the relief. Wrap a warm, damp towel around your head for an hour. Applying moist heat directly to your braids will increase their elasticity and relieve tension. First, wet a towel with warm water.

Wring out the excess moisture, then gently wrap the towel around your head like a turban. Leave your hair under the towel for an hour before removing it. Method 3. Communicate your feelings to your stylist immediately. Don't be afraid to tell your stylist that your braids are too tight! As a paying customer, you should be comfortable with your style, so speak up as soon as you notice the braids are too tight.

Don't wait until the stylist completes all of your braids -- inform them right away so they can correct the problem. However, if your box braids feel tight then you need to let your braider know to avoid damaging your hair and scalp. A little discomfort after getting your box braids is to be expected, your scalp and hair have to adjust to the sensation of having braids put in.

The discomfort should pass within the first 3 days. If after this time, you are still experiencing discomfort that seems to be getting worse instead of better, it could be due to a number of reasons such as:. If your box braids have been installed too tightly then you will definitely experience a painful tugging on your scalp and it can also lead to tension headaches.

The headaches will be the last of your worries when you start to notice your hairline fighting for survival as a result of the constant tight tugging on your hair from the box braids. Open communication with your braider. Speak to the person braiding your hair and let them know that the braids are uncomfortably tight.

Ask them to adjust the tightness and they will, more often than not, be happy to accommodate you. Give your scalp a massage. Massaging your scalp can actually help soothe the tension on your scalp caused by box braids. It does this by increasing the blood circulation in your scalp. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands, literally. You can also add some hair oil to your scalp whilst you give it a soothing massage.