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5 Ways To Quickly Loosen Tight Braids

                  After learning that your braids are too tight and the dangers that presents to your hair, you may scramble to find ways to ease the tension. Even if you want your braids looser, you don’t have to completely let them out just yet. Before you switch hairstyles completely, try out these methods to immediately loosen your braids and relieve your itchy scalp.

  1. Water

Photo of Black Woman in Shower Hand Under Faucet Photo by Jakayla Toney from Unsplash

Photo by Jakayla Toney from Unsplash

                Water is one of the best natural remedies for a reason. By surrounding your braids with steam, they will become more elastic, resulting in less tension. That being said, there are many ways you can heat your hair.

                Put your hair under a steamer if you have one or ask your stylist if you can use theirs. A quick 10-minute steam will loosen your braids and relieve your pain. If you’re unable to use a steamer, a hot shower will work too. Let your hair soak and feel the irritation fade away. To maximize your relief, make sure to use a high-quality conditioner. Your hair will soften up and loosen quicker. A hot towel works too if you want to don’t want to hop in the shower. Just soak a towel in hot water and wrap it around your hair for at least 10 minutes.

  1. Daily scalp massage

Photo of Woman Holding Scalp with Cornrows Photo by Nadezhda Diskant from Pexels

Photo by Nadezhda Diskant from Pexels

                Regular scalp massages should be a must-do part of your braid maintenance routine. They promote blood circulation and shift hair away from the scalp, providing pain relief. First, apply a braid oil or natural oil of your choice to your scalp. Next, gently rub your scalp with your fingertips, focusing on the most irritated areas. Spend a minute or two each day loving your scalp and it will love you back.

  1. Wear Your Hair DownPicture of Woman with Long Braids Flowing Freely Photo by Kebs from Pexels

Photo by Kebs Visuals from Pexels

                A solution you can try right now is letting your braids down. Wearing your hair up adds extra tension to your already tight braids. After you get your hair braided, let your hair lay down naturally for at least a week before you style it into a bun or ponytail.

  1. A Pencil or Comb

Photo of African Braider Running Comb Through Braided Hair Image by kone kassoum from Pixabay

Image by kone kassoum from Pixabay 

                Really, any small, cyclical item would work here. Just make sure it isn’t sharp or pointy. Using your tool, stick it under your braids right where they meet the scalp and gently pull up. If done correctly, you should loosen your braids and reduce tension. Be careful, however. Pull too hard and you may undo your braids and your braider’s hard work. 

  1. Talk with Your Stylist

Photo of Hairdressing and Client

                The last, and maybe most important, solution is to have a conversation with your stylist. The tightness starts with them, so make it easy by treating the problem at the source. Ask your braider to be gentle. If you experience any pain during your styling, ask them to ease up. If your braider repeatedly over-tightens your hair, it’s time to look for a new one. Look for a quality braider and ask before you meet them if they tighten your hair to your liking. Once you find a stylist you like, stick with them for as long as you can.

               

                Now you have five new ways to loosen your braids before you pull your hair out. Try them next time you feel any pain or tension after getting your hair braided or twist.

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