If field braids are your go-to, attempt knotless field braids, which don’t require such a decent grip in your scalp to fuse the braiding hair together with your pure hair. “With the knotless approach I begin the braids off with the consumer’s pure hair then you definately begin including hair as you go,” says New York Metropolis-based braider Shanna St.Cyr. “This implies there’s no have to grip tightly on the hair to safe the extensions on the base like with conventional field braids.”

Skip extra-long braids, twists, or fake locs

I like the look of lengthy buss down braids as a lot as the following particular person, however lengthy braids might be heavy, which causes extra tugging in your scalp, particularly as they develop out. If you happen to’re inclined to Rapunzel-length braids, attempt to not get them too usually and positively don’t put on them previous three weeks. A biggest litmus check is to tilt your head to the facet and see when you really feel any tugging — when you do, it might be time to take these braids out.

Use plant-based or human hair extensions

Hair extensions used for protecting types are sometimes fabricated from artificial fibers that may irritate the scalp, inflicting it to turn into itchy and infected. To keep away from an allergic response to the fake extensions, have your stylist use 100% human hair or plant-based hair extensions which are usually higher for delicate pores and skin. Manufacturers like Rebundle supply all kinds of hair braiding extensions constituted of plant-based fibers that don’t include the artificial coatings that conventional Kanekalon have.

In case you have artificial braiding hair available that you just need to make use of, attempt giving the hair an apple cider vinegar bathtub. “Immerse the Kanekalon hair in a big basin and add three elements sizzling water to 1 half apple cider vinegar, then let it soak for 15 to twenty minutes,” says New York Metropolis-based hairstylist Erica Legagneur. “Rinse totally and let the hair air dry. This can take away the artificial coating from the hair in addition to soften the hair.”

Keep away from updos that trigger pressure

“There’s already a certain quantity of pressure related to protecting types like field braids and pretend locs, and continuously pulling them up or tightening them may cause a variety of scalp injury,” says licensed trichologist and Mizani artist and educator Evie Johnson. The upper up the hair is gathered in your head, the tighter it pulls on the base of the braids inflicting pressure on the scalp. So, when you’re a fan of ponytails and buns, go for low hanging iterations of this fashion. Additionally, “be certain to let your updo down on the finish of the day to assist relieve the scalp,” says Johnson.