There are plenty of hairstyles in the world, along with several different types of hair. But one hairstyle that goes with all kinds of hair and is considered timeless is Micro-Braids. While micro-braids originated in parts of Africa centuries ago, they became a modern-day trend in the 1900s.
While microbraids are considered protective hairstyles, The question still stands, do micro-braids damage hair?
The answer is, it depends on how you do your micro-braids and how much care you put into them to keep your hair healthy.
Throughout this article, we’ve answered all the questions you might have related to micro-braids. From the basics to how to properly care for your micro-braided hair, you’ll find all the solutions once you go through this article.
What Do Micro Braids Look Like
Micro-Braid(s) is a very delicate and small hair braiding style. While it originated centuries ago, it’s still a timeless method of styling your hair.
This highly sophisticated hairstyle goes perfectly with all kinds of clothing, either formal or casual, and can be the perfect bridge between your face and fashion. Giving you a stylish look that’s bound to turn heads.
Micro-braids are done by tying multiple small braids together. These braids are very thin and go with all kinds of hair types. Such that you can use this hairstyling method on curly hair, wavy hair, or even straight hair with confidence. An “updo” hairstyle is best suited for short hair with micro braids.
In this case, the hair is pulled upwards and held in place with a clasp. You can also use hair extensions with your short micro-braided hair if you want a longer hairstyle. Also, if you have curly hair, you have to fix your hair in a wavy manner to get good-looking micro-braids.
Are Micro Braids Good or Bad for Your Hair? Let’s Find Out
Before you go for micro-braids, the first thing you need to do is to get a hair assessment done by a professional hairstylist. Not only will this help you know how healthy your hair is, but it’ll also help determine if it’s perfect for micro-braiding.
You should only go for a micro-braided hairstyle if your hair is healthy enough because it hinders your hair’s ability to absorb moisture and makes it tough to clean.
Which may lead to your scalp being dry, rough, and full of dandruff. Micro-braiding on non-healthy hair can also make your hair brittle and cause mass hair fall.
Since micro-braiding is a protective hairstyle, it, like any other hairstyle of its kind, needs to be installed and appropriately styled and with care to reduce the risk of your hair being damaged.
If you live a fast and busy lifestyle, micro-braiding could be perfect for you, as once it’s done, you can keep the hairstyle intact for up to a month.
1. How Long Should They Be Kept
Micro-braids are suitable for your natural hair for up to 8 weeks. If they’re kept for longer, hair damage may occur. Keeping your micro-braids on for more than 3 months can damage the roots of your hair, leading to hair breakage and fall.
2. Do They Hurt
Even though micro-braids create less tension on your hair than other protective hairstyles, the small braiding method can still create pressure on your hairline. To avoid this, micro-braid braiding shouldn’t be too tight as this can cause permanent hair fall.
There’s a common myth that the tighter and stronger your micro-braid are, the longer they’ll last. But this actually damages your hair, leading to problems such as breakage, and even permanent hair fall.
This is why it’s necessary to ensure your hair is not too tightly pulled while getting your micro-braids done.
For micro-braids to be done correctly, your hair is pulled and tugged. This may cause discomfort for a few days after you get your micro-braiding done, but this discomfort only lasts for 4-5 days.
3. Are They Really Worth the Damage
The braids done on your hair for micro-braiding are really small and so if you try to make them any smaller, it might damage your hair and scalp.
A ponytail is one of the hairstyles that go really well with micro-braided hair. But be careful not to pull your hair back too tightly as that may lead to hair fall.
If you have synthetic hair and choose to go with a micro-braided look, you are at risk of your braided hair extension coming off from your natural hair.
If the micro-braids are done too tightly, it can lead to hair fall and shedding.
Since micro-braids prevent hair from absorbing enough moisture and nutrients, one should use a hair cream with protein for extra hair care.
4. Why Micro-Braids Need to be Washed on Time
If you have micro-braids, one way to keep your hair healthy is to wash it regularly. Using an excellent live-in conditioner on your micro-braided hair can keep it fresh and moisturized all week.
Massage your hair lightly when you wash it, be gentle. This will help not mess up your braids and keep your hair’s roots safe.
Use the correct type of shampoo, depending on your hair type. Wash your hair at least twice a week, and always use a hair conditioner for better results.
5. How Micro Braids Can Break Your Hair & the Lasting Damage They Can Take
Using the same micro-braiding style over and over again can cause hair damage. Try to style your hair differently every day to put less strain on one part of your hair.
Avoid using warm water when washing your hair; use cold water instead, as warm water can make your hair brittle. Also, ensure you never sleep with your wet hair; this will only lead to hair damage and fall. Use a silk or satin cloth to properly dry your hair before you go to sleep.
One other thing to keep in mind is that the usage of chemical-rich hair color or cream can break your hair. Products like gels and spritz do more harm to your hair than good. Also, brush your hair with the correct hairbrush to avoid breakage.
6. Way to Take Out Micro Braids Without Pulling Out Your Hair
Once you decide to undo your micro-braids, you have to do it gently. Deeply moisturize your hair after you take off your braids and leave your hair free for a while to give them some rest.
7. Do Micro Braids Inhibit Hair Growth
We all know the key to good hair growth is a clean and healthy scalp. People with naturally Afro hair are more concerned about their hair growth than those with non-afro hair.
But truth be told, almost all types of hair grow at a similar length – about half an inch per month. This is slightly less noticeable in people with curly hair as their hair tends to curl as they grow and seem shorter than they are. Also, genes play a role in hair growth too, so that too plays a factor.
Since micro-braiding is a very protective form of hairstyling, it actually excites hair growth instead of inhibiting it. But to ensure better hair health and growth, massage your scalp every night before sleep.
Use avocado or avocado-based products as they are enriched with vitamins B’ and ‘E’, which act as food for your hair. Especially Vitamin ‘E’ can work miracles on your hair when used properly.
Also, remember to drink a lot of water. Water makes your hair look healthier and more smooth.
8. Best Way to Keep Micro Braids in Your Hair Without Damage
Make sure you dry your hair completely before micro-braiding. Damp braids can lead to dandruff, fungus, and even mildew on your scalp. Don’t overdo it as it might lead to tangled and damaged hair.
Excessive heat has always been an enemy of your hair. Heat will damage your micro-braids beyond repair. An easy way for you to avoid this problem is to use non-heat hair blowers.
If your hair starts to feel dry, you can use hair serums such as the “Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum” to moisturize your hair and get rid of the irritation that stems from the dryness of hair. Also, avoid using heavy conditioners as they can cause your hair to become matted and your scalp to dry.
Cut off dead ends and split hair before you start braiding your hair. Also, wash and shampoo your hair while doing so. This is a great way to start your micro-braiding process.
Before braiding your hair, use a hair mask or a hot oil treatment to make your hair stronger and healthier for the braiding process. Those of you who use hair extensions should ensure that you’re using extensions made out of human hair, or use good quality synthetic hair at the very least.
Hair products such as aloe vera, olive oil, and peanut oil are all very healthy for your hair. Use sprays containing these products for a cleaner scalp.
Sea Breeze or Witch Hazel are also products that keep your scalp clean and oil-free. If you are looking for healthy, long-lasting, and stylish hair, these products are a must-have.
Lastly, before you go to sleep, cover your hair with a silk scarf or cloth or sleep on a satin pillowcase to avoid excessive hair damage.
Final Words
Our hairstyles show a part of who we are. It can emulate our culture and our background and just simply make us cooler and more fashionable.
But since everything has a vice, it’s completely okay to ask the question, do micro braids damage hair? If you’ve read up to this point of the article, we hope you’ve found your answer and can now decide whether you want micro-braids or not.
