The long-awaited days of summer have arrived and there are already those who are enjoying their well-deserved holidays. With them comes the time of beach and sun for those who have preferred to disconnect in this environment and, although it is often said that holidays are the perfect time to ‘let your hair down’ and give free rein to what you have not been able to do the rest of the year, today we want to talk about a trend that is on the rise and that compromises hair health: root braids typical of coastal environments and markets.
To find out what risks this practice poses to hair health, we at Estetic have contacted the Dr. Maria Luisa Martos Cabreraa specialist in Dermatology and an expert in trichology at the Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital. And, first of all, the expert highlights the risk of traction alopecia“a type of hair loss that occurs when hair is pulled out constantly and for a long time.” Those who perform this type of hairstyle, with tight braids held for a long time, may suffer from “significant stress on hair follicles”, something that “can damage the follicles and lead to hair loss over time.”
But in addition to traction alopecia, there are other risks to hair health. hair breakage is one of the most prominent, since that tension in the braids, “can weaken and break the hair shaft, especially if it is fragile or already damaged.” There is also the risk of folliculitis due to friction and tension that can irritate the scalp and therefore cause inflammation and infections in it, or the scalp damage with wounds, irritations or sensitivity. In addition, mechanical wear “can cause hair thinning” and the braids make it difficult to hydrate properly, giving it a dry hair appearance.
“Additional factors such as sun exposure, humidity, chlorine from swimming pools and sweat can further compromise hair health when combined with hair pulling.”
These problems “could pose an extra risk” if the braids are made with hair extensionsAccording to the dermatologist, these extensions add weight to natural hair, a fact that increases the risk of alopecia and damage to the follicles. On the other hand, traction grows to secure the braids, which also leads to further damage to the scalp and natural hair. And in cases where adhesives are used as a method of attachment, a breakage may occur chemical damageirritations, further weakening of the hair fibers, hair breakage at the attachment points of the extensions and possibility of infections and allergies due to the use of chemicals or synthetic materials.
EXTERNAL FACTORS, AN “EXTRA” RISK
The damage to hair health does not stop here, but can increase when the braids remain in place over time and, in addition, They suffer from sun damage, humidity on beaches and chlorine in swimming pools or even sweat.. The sun “can damage the hair cuticle, making it drier, brittle and prone to breakage, and it can also weaken it, making it more susceptible to traction damage,” says the expert. Likewise, humidity and sweat “can cause the hair to swell and become more fragile. In addition, the accumulation of sweat and dirt can irritate the scalp and lead to infections or folliculitis.”
Chlorine and salt water can also have an impact on hair health, especially if there are braids: “They can remove natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and more susceptible to damage, and make the hair brittle and prone to breakage,” says the doctor. And the pulling on the hair combined with all these external factors “significantly increases the risk of hair damage”which may cause hair dehydration, more likely to fragility and breakage, scalp irritation due to the accumulation of sweat and friction and increased weakening of the follicles, responsible for alopecia.
THE HAIR MICROBIOME: THE OTHER PERSON WHO IS AFFECTED
All these factors also have a negative impact on thehair microbiomewhich are all those “microorganisms that live on the scalp and play a crucial role in its health.” The scalp irritations already mentioned “can alter the balance of the microbiome and promote the growth of pathogenic microorganisms to the detriment of beneficial ones.” And the accumulation of sweat and other products in the braids can also make it difficult to properly clean the scalp and contribute to the “accumulation of sweat, sebum and hair products, altering the balance of the microbiome and promoting the proliferation of harmful bacteria and fungi.”
“Moisture trapped in braids, especially if they are not dried properly, can create an environment conducive to the growth of unwanted microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria.”
On the other hand, “the moisture trapped in the braidsespecially if they are not dried properly, creates an environment conducive to the growth of unwanted microorganisms.” In addition, the ingredients in chemical products used to set the extensions can add to this damage to the microbiome, “eliminating both harmful and beneficial bacteria.”
For prevent damage to hair health When braiding hair, the dermatologist reminds us of the importance of “making sure that they are not excessively tight.” It is also advisable to give the scalp and follicles a rest period to minimize the risk, trying to ensure their correct hydration with conditioners and treatments. And, to protect it from environmental factors, such as humidity or the sun, you should “rinse your hair after swimming in the sea or in pools and protect it from the sun with hats or UV protection products.” In the case of braids with extensions, the expert recommends going to a hairdresser. experienced professionals for its correct application.
“There is a risk of traction alopecia for those who practice root braids”
To minimize the negative impact of braids on the hair microbiome, she suggests “washing the scalp regularly, using a mild shampoo that does not excessively remove natural oils”, a proper hydration with “conditioners and moisturizing treatments that are not too heavy to avoid buildup,” making sure the correct drying so that moisture does not accumulate, “which can promote the growth of fungi and bacteria,” and Avoid harsh productsin favor of “hair products that are gentle and free of harsh chemicals that can disrupt the microbiome.”
As final recommendations, the doctor advises Vary hairstyles frequently to give your scalp a rest and, in any case, consult a professional if you notice symptoms of irritation, hair loss or infections on your scalp: “Consult a dermatologist or trichologista professional can provide you with appropriate treatment and personalized advice,” she recalls. In addition, following these steps and care while using root braids “can help minimize risks and keep your hair healthy and strong,” she concludes.