Braids itch because of tight pulling, product buildup, dry scalp, or an allergic reaction to synthetic hair.
Common causes
- Braids that are too tight.
- Dry scalp.
- Product buildup.
- Allergy to synthetic hair (alkaline coating).
- Dandruff.
- Traction on hair follicles.
Fix
- Loosen the braids.
- Rinse synthetic hair in apple cider vinegar and water.
- Moisturize your scalp.
- Use a gentle shampoo.
See a doctor
If you have bumps, hair loss or severe itching.
Why braids pull and itch
Braids cause itching from tension on follicles, product buildup, dryness, scalp irritation, allergic reactions to synthetic hair (alkaline coating on some braiding hair) and sweat or moisture trapped under the style. Traction alopecia, a form of hair loss from pulling, affects up to roughly one-third of women of African descent according to research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Pre-stretched braiding hair is often coated with an alkaline solution (such as sodium bicarbonate-based) to reduce itch, and rinsing in a diluted apple cider vinegar solution can remove it.
- Braids that are too tight or last too long increase irritation. Most stylists advise leaving braids in for 6 to 8 weeks at most.
- Seborrheic dermatitis flares more with infrequent washing.
What to do
Wash the scalp every 1 to 2 weeks with diluted shampoo, applied to the scalp with an applicator bottle. Use light oils or moisturizing mists and avoid heavy grease that clogs follicles. Loosen painful braids. See a doctor or dermatologist for scalp redness, bumps, pus or hair loss, as treatment with topical steroids or antifungals may be needed.
Why braids itch
New braids can pull on follicles and irritate the scalp, and product buildup, dryness, sweat and sensitivity to synthetic hair (alkaline coating on some braiding hair) can cause itching. Traction alopecia can occur if braids are too tight.
What to do
Loosen tight braids, keep the scalp moisturized and clean with diluted shampoo. Rinse synthetic hair in apple cider vinegar solution to remove coating. See a stylist or doctor if pain, bumps or hair loss appear.
Braiding techniques and tension
Tight braiding can cause traction alopecia, which affects up to a third of women of African descent, according to studies. Synthetic braiding hair is often coated with an alkaline base to prevent fire and can cause itching and rash. Itchy scalp can also arise from product buildup, dryness or seborrheic dermatitis.
Healthy installs
Keep braids at tension that does not cause bumps, keep them for 6 to 8 weeks maximum, wash scalp every 1 to 2 weeks with diluted shampoo and moisturize. Rinse hair in apple cider vinegar solution (1 part to 3 parts water) to remove coating. If pimples or pain appear, loosen or remove braids.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
