Crochet braids are another type of protective hairstyle that a lot of women with natural hair love. These crochet hairstyles basically crochet synthetic hair extensions to a person’s natural hair with a latch hook or crochet hook, a lot like crocheting a sweater!
So, if you are thinking about getting crochet braids or any other type of braid, you should have some information beforehand. Here we will discuss more crochet braids as well as other braids and what they can do to your hair.
Can crochet braids damage hair?
Now, traditionally protective hairstyles like crochet braids are not supposed to cause any damage to the hair. In fact, these hairstyles are supposed to help your hair even more by protecting the ends and keeping the moisture locked in.
But, if you keep these braids for a long time and do not take care of your hair, of course, it can cause damage as well. Most things can be damaging if not taken care of. So here are some ways crochet braids can cause damage to your hair:
Keeping them too long
If you keep crochet braids for more than 6 to 8 weeks, they will be more damaging than helpful. You won’t even know the damage until you take the braids out. It will cause excess dirt to build up in your hair, plus it will pull your hair, so you need to let your hair breathe by allowing the braids to be undone.
Not getting them done properly
If the braids are too tight or if the braids extensions are too heavy, the braids are not done properly. Getting them done by a professional you can trust is important because sometimes they do not do the hairstyle justice, and when you take them out, the hair will break off.
Not maintaining them
Before getting crochet braids, you must wash your hair thoroughly and put some leave-in conditioner in. Even after the hair is crocheted, ensure to wash them regularly and moisturize the hair, especially taking care of the edges. Also, it is important to wear a bonnet when going to sleep to protect the hair.
Already damaged hair
You also need to get protective hairstyles if your hair is healthy. If hair is already dry and brittle, it will not withstand the process or the weight of the extensions. In turn, the end result will be that half of your hair would have broken off when you take the braids out. It is best to let your hair be healthy before trying these braids.
How many inches are needed to braid hair?
There is no specific amount of hair length needed for braiding hair. There is a simple rule, though, the longer the hair, the better it is for braiding hair, no matter what type of braid it is.
Generally, one should have at least 2 inches of hair for braids. The length will naturally increase by adding hair extensions, of course. However, having at least 5 inches to 6 inches of hair is best for most braiding hairstyles, such as micro braiding. The most important thing is the person’s hair’s thickness and the braids’ desired length.
If the hair is thick, a shorter length of hair can also work. Similarly, if you want a longer braided hairstyle, you need longer hair to hold the weight of the extensions. Even shorter hair will work out if you do not care about the length.
Will braids break my hair?
No, braids that are done properly will not break your hair or damage it in any way. The technique, along with some other factors, determines if your hair will break or not, regardless of the braid type. Here are some factors to keep in mind.
Less tension
It is important to choose smaller sections of hair and use extensions that are good quality and not too heavy. This reduces the tension on your scalp, which can cause hair breakage by pulling the hair out. When getting your hair braided, it should not hurt; if it does, the braids should be done more loosely.
Appropriate time
As mentioned above, keeping braids longer than the recommended time can actually be bad for the hair. The longer the hair stays in braids, the more tension it will experience and thus cause damage. Especially when the hair naturally gets longer, and the extensions hang.
Proper removal
It is also important to be very careful when removing the braids. Most people cause damage when trying to remove the braids as they are not gentle and yank the extensions out. This, of course, causes more hair to come out with the extension. You should gently unravel the braids or cut them out.
Will braids cause hair loss?
Nope. Just like mentioned above, braids will not harm your natural hair at all if done properly. To prevent hair loss, you should make sure to keep your scalp healthy. How is that done? By properly maintaining the scalp.
This means that you should regularly wash your hair and also moisturize the scalp properly. Also, do not manipulate the braids into hairstyles that are too tight. This will cause tension at the scalp and lead to hair loss. Along with that, it is important to not keep the braids for too long and remove them properly so it does not cause damage to the scalp. Also, after taking the braids out, make sure to wash your scalp properly and let the hair rest for a few weeks before trying a new braiding hairstyle. This will also prevent any hair loss. Just be careful, and you do not need to worry about hair loss with braids.
How many braids are needed for a braid out?
The number of braids needed for a braided hairstyle depends on the thickness of the hair, among other factors. It is actually not possible to count the braids, so it is counted in regard to the number of hair packs needed to complete one head.
It depends on the type of braids and the thickness of the hair, among other things. Also it also depends on how much hair is in the pack. Usually, it takes around four packs to 7 packs of hair. It is best to make an appointment with your stylist and ask them how many packs will be needed for your hair and the type of braid you need. After that, you can understand the general number of packs required for your particular hair.
Where braids originated?
Braiding has a long history, and it is difficult to find out when it originated, but historians believe it started in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Africa.
The most common it has been in Africa. This is because different African tribes and regions have developed their own unique braiding styles and techniques, using braids not only as a way to style hair but also as a form of art, cultural expression, and communication.
Conclusion
Now you know if crochet braids are damaging or not. After reading this article, you also know more about braids and where they originated from. This article was very helpful in giving you proper information about braids.
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