How to Avoid (And Get Rid) Of Scalp Sores From Tight Braids

How to Avoid (And Get Rid) Of Scalp Sores From Tight Braids

Scalp sores are a scalp condition that can be caused by terribly dry scalp, tight braids, hair loss, dermatitis, or psoriasis. Scalp sores are painful, itchy, and usually cause inflammations when you continuously itch them.

There should be a “we love braids” fan club, and it is simply unfair that there isn’t- or is it a secret fan club? Let the rest of us in, now.

It’s no secret that braids are almost every girl’s favorite protective hairstyle, it is stylish and can be done in different colors, just like using dye on your hair but without the chemicals and all that drama.

However, tight braids ruin the show because with them comes scalp sores, now how do we get rid of those? The treatment of sore scalp depends on the cause, in this case, we are focused on scalp sores caused by tight braids.

How to Avoid Of Scalp Sores From Tight Braids

Do Not Style Too Often
Source: Braid Hairstyles

It is best to stay clear of scalp sores, they are unpleasant and a risk you should not be willing to bet on when getting braids. For these reasons, we would advise you to take the necessary steps to avoid getting scalp sores as a result of tight braids.

1. Treat Hair Extensions With Vinegar Before Use

To treat your hair extensions you would need bowls, vinegar, hot water, and shampoo. Separate your hair extensions into four parts, but one part in a separate bowl and the other three in one bowl.

Rinse the one in the first bowl that contains one part of the hair extensions with vinegar and rinses the other three parts of the hair extensions with hot water.

Wash the extensions with shampoo, rinse and dry them and be sure to mix them before use. This vinegar and hot water treatment are meant to make sure the hair extensions are not itchy by reducing the alkaline level. Itchy hair extensions cause you to itch your braids when it’s newly made, so much that it may lead to scalp sores.

2. Do Not Style Too Often

If you are the type that loves to pull your braids into a new style every morning, you might be hurting your scalp more than you know. Sometimes, you might pull it up in a tight bun or high bun, and it would slowly begin to irritate your scalp, and this irritation could lead to the appearance of scalp sores.

No matter how fascinated you are by your braids and all the possible styles you could make, you need to let it breathe to avoid getting scalp sores.

3. Wash Your Braids Twice A Week

Having dirt lump together on your scalp can also be you unconsciously calling out for scalp sores to make an appearance. To avoid being a victim of scalp sores, you need to cultivate the habit of washing your braids once or twice a week.

With braids in or without braids, your hair still needs to be kept clean, so neglecting it has consequences.

Make sure you air-dry your braids instead of blow-drying, you can blow-dry the braids and allow your scalp to dry naturally if you’re in a hurry. Also, use some hair mousse and oils to make them look like again after you’re done washing and drying.

How to Avoid (And Get Rid) Of Scalp Sores From Tight Braids

4. Do Not Keep Braids In Too Long

Braids are one of the most popular protective styles, people usually want to get braids done because they can be left in for longer than most other hairstyles allow. Braids can last as long as two months depending on how it is cared for.

However, it is best to take out your beads after 6 weeks instead of carrying them for 8 weeks, old braids might pull on your new hair growth when they are styled and cause you to develop scalp sores.

5. Apply Essential Oil And Leave In Conditioner

Don’t wait back and watch dust gather on your hair products because you have braids on, you still need to take proper care of your hair. Make it a routine to apply your essential oils and leave-in conditioner to your hair every day, especially if you’ll be going out.

This keeps your hair looking good as new and your scalp nourished so that it does not develop scalp sores.

How To Get Rid Of Scalp Sores From Tight Braids

Above, we have provided tips to guide you in avoiding scalp sores when you have braids, however, we know that these sores may still develop for one reason or the other, in such a case, we’ve got you covered as well. Below are the way to get rid of scalp sores from tight braids;

Take The Braids Out Or Have It Loosened
Source: Vintage Lady

1. Take The Braids Out Or Have It Loosened

The best first course of action when you notice your braids are causing you scalp sores is to take them out, especially if it grows increasingly uncomfortable and painful.

Some persons might not be able to take them out because they just got them, or they will have wasted their money, in this case, return to the salon to have it loosened.

2. Massage With Oil To Relieve The Tension

After taking out your braids or getting them loosened, you would need to get oils such as pine tar oil or argan oil and use either of them to massage your hair. By massaging your hair with these oils you are slowly relieving the tension in your hair and treating the scalp sores as well.

After a good massage, your hair should feel relaxed, and you should begin to notice the inflammation reduce as well.

3. Give Your Scalp Time To Heal

Don’t take out your braids, oil them and start braiding your hair almost immediately without letting your hair heal completely. Give your hair breathing space and time to heal from the damage it has suffered.

Braiding your hair before it has healed will probably just cause complications and more scalp bumps or sores as well.

Summary

As amazing as protective styles are, they could have their downsides when not done properly, for braids- when they are done too tightly it results in scalp sores. Immediately you notice scalp sores, take out your braids and treat them before it gets any worse.

You can also about them by taking proper care of your braids, treating hair extensions before use, and avoiding the urge to over-style your braids.

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