Box braid is a popular hairstyle loved by many people for many reasons; one major reason is its ability to last for a very long time. If you experience pain on your scalp from box braids, you might be asking how long do box braids hurt.
After paying good money, you want comfort plus beauty. This article will help you know how long box braids are to hurt you before relief. How long box braids hurt depends on your size, but ideally, box braids hurt within 1-3 days and after you start to feel some relief on your scalp.
With box braids or not, it is natural to experience pain after having your braids done. Braid is a protective type of hairstyle, and they should not hurt at all, right? But they do, and you are thinking right now, how long should my braids hurt?
How Long Should My Braids Hurt?
The tighter the braids you have on do not automatically translate into long-lasting hair; it results in an injured scalp. The pain you get from braids depends on the type of braids you do.
If you feel extreme pain on your scalp, it is best to let your hairstylist know immediately. It will help you to protect it from any further damages to your scalp. Having some discomfort after getting your braids done is normal. It is because your scalp will get used to the weight over the days. But your braids should hurt only within the first 1-3 days of getting it done. Read on in this article to get tips on the fastest way to loosen tight braids.
How Bad Do Box Braids Hurt?
How bad box braids hurt depends on your hair texture, your type of scalp, and how tight your hairstylist is holding on. Normally, box braids hurt within the first three days of having them on and sometimes the first week. Depending on the amount of hair you have on your head, making box braids takes between 2-5 hours. At that time, there’s a lot of pulling, tugging, and hot water.
It is normal to experience hurt when you have box braids on. You can experience bouts of headache after, but that should be the limit to how bad your box braids should hurt. So, what can help relieve pain after braiding hair?
What Helps Pain After Braiding Hair?
After braiding hair, if you are experiencing some form of a headache, it is mostly normal. You can take a pain-relieving drug-like Aspirin or take a nap. If none of the methods seem to work, you should use warm water and a warm towel to dab your hair. It will help with pain after braiding.
Having a hot shower is known to be therapeutic, and it goes a long way to providing relief after braiding hair. So, whether box braids, knotless braids, twists, using a warm towel (not hot) to dab around your scalp helps a great deal. If you are wondering if you can wash your hair directly with box braids on, keep reading on.
Can You Wash Your Hair With Box Braids?
One of the recommended ways to help the pain after braiding hair is to wash your braids in warm or cold water. Although using water directly on box braids can shorten its time, it greatly helps with the pain. If you have had your box braids on for a long time and you want to wash them to keep them clean, you totally can. How?
You can wash your hair with box braids and shampoo it through till it smells fresh. The trick to still retaining your hair to avoid itchiness after washing is to have your hair dried completely without any damp patch anywhere on your head. So yes, you can wash your hair with box braids.
How Do You Sleep In The First Night With Box Braids?
Sleeping in the first night with box braids can hurt, but it becomes normal to sleep with them over time. How long box braids hurt determines how you should also sleep with them. The first night of getting your box braids braided, the best way to sleep is to wrap your braids. You can use it in a silk scarf or satin bonnet. On the first night with box braids on, and even after some nights, it is best to stay away from any fabric that is not
silk or satin. Other fabrics cause friction, which can cause further pain or not allow your braids to last very long.
What To Do Before Getting Box Braids?
Before booking an appointment to get your box braids done, there are some important things to do to help your scalp and hair stay protected. If you want a protective hairstyle that is versatile and long-lasting, box braids are the perfect answer.
So, what should you do before getting box braids done? Prepare your hair and scalp for box braids installation by cleaning your scalp, oiling it properly, deep conditioning your hair, and getting it moisturized for your braids. Doing all of this to your hair and scalp decreases the degree to how long your box braids hurt. Also, taking care of your hair and scalp translates to healthy and flourishing hair, which every person always wants to have.
What Is The Fastest Way To Loosen Tight Braids?
If your hairstylist has made your braids too tight, you might have been interested in the fastest way to loosen tight braids. Loosening tight braids provides some sense of relief to your scalp instead of enduring unhealthy pain.
The fastest way is to use a pencil to massage your scalp. After this, you should apply a leave-in conditioner to soften the root of your braids. If the pain you are experiencing is a little too much, the fastest way is to take out your braids and also communicate properly with your hairstylist. Tight braids cause hair breakage, hair loss, aka traction alopecia.
Can Box Braids Be Done On Wet Hair?
When making your hair, the method you decide to use is a personal choice. But many people want to know if box braids can be done on wet hair. Generally, it is not safe to braid hair when it is wet; wet hair gives a softer feel than dry hair. The softness reduces the pain when braiding compared to dry hair. It also makes the root of your box braids very loose.
You can make box braids on semi-wet hair, but it is not advisable to make box braids on wet hair. Another disadvantage of box braids done on wet hair is that it causes itching, bacteria, and a damp smell. So, if you have decided to take the risk to get your box braids done on wet hair, how long does it take to dry?
How Long Does Braided Wet Hair Take To Dry?
The amount of time braided wet hair takes to dry depends on your hair type, hair volume. It also depends on the type of dryer you are using. If you have braided your hair, it is best to stay under a hooded dryer for about 20-35 minutes. Do it on medium heat to get rid of every wetness in your braided hair. Using a hand dryer is okay, but it won’t get to the root of the braids and takes longer to get dry. So, a hooded dryer is best used for a faster dry.
Does Box Braids Damage Hair?
Box braid is a popular type of protective hairstyle, and it can damage hair or the scalp if it is installed or treated the wrong way. If box braids are too tight, it damages the scalp or starts to hurt longer than 1-3 days as normal.
To avoid your box braids damaging your hair, it is best to understand and communicate with your hairstylist before your hair appointment date. Before and after installation, always moisturize your scalp to create softness between the roots of the box braids and your scalp.
Also, when loosening your box braids, it should be done gently, and also use a conditioner or oil to make the removal process easier and tangle-free.
Can You Get Braids Wet?
It is okay to get your braids wet, but it is also best to dry your braids to avoid bacteria and itchiness. Getting braids wet makes the hair less tight and softer but can also make the hair get loose on time. Adding some form of wetness like moisturizers, sulfate-free shampoo to your braids keeps the braids healthy and refreshed.
Now that you know how long your box braids should hurt and how to get rid of pain after braiding, you should apply these tips every time after braiding. Remember that it is normal to feel hurt after 1-3 days. When your scalp gets used to the weight soon after, your intended beauty starts to shine through.