Hair braiding changes up your look and adds an ethnic flair to a hairstyle that is both pretty and practical. Many braided hairstyles are easy and save time. However, improper braiding techniques can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you give your hair-braiding clients a look that is fashionable, while protecting their hair from breakage and scalp damage.
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Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
1
Ensure that your client's scalp is healthy. If her scalp has previously suffered from chemical burns due to hair relaxer or other treatments, it is best to avoid any braided hairstyles for a considerable length of time while the burns heal. Failure to allow the chemical burns to heal can lead to further damage and discomfort. Natural ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil can be added to the scalp to prevent scalp dryness.
2
Watch the frequency of the braiding. Although hair braiding can be an easy and convenient hairstyle, if hair is braided too frequently or too tightly you put your client at risk for temporary or permanent hair damage. Braids that are braided too tightly can weaken the hair and can cut off circulation to the head. This can lead to frequent headaches and poor circulation. If your client experiences any tightness or tenderness, loosen the braids or undo them completely.
3
Change up your client's style. Be certain to braid her hair into different patterns to change the direction the hair is being pulled. In other words, don't repeat the same braiding pattern over and over again. This will put your client at risk of traction alopecia, which leads to permanent hair loss or thinning in certain areas. This is particularly important if you are a fan of cornrow braids or micro braid styles. If your client shows signs of traction alopecia, have her check with a dermatologist immediately.
4
Deeply condition your client's hair. Always make sure the hair has been deeply-conditioned, in order to avoid damage to the hair and scalp. Allow hair to take frequent "rests" between periods of time when it is braided, so hair and scalp recover from the style. Conditioning treatments such as olive oil, mayonnaise and hot oil treatments are also strongly recommended. These treatments can strengthen the hair and protect it from split ends.
