For Black women, braids are more than just a protective style—they’re an expression of beauty, culture, and creativity.
From box braids to cornrows, braided styles allow us to showcase the versatility of Black hair. However, while braids can protect and promote growth, keeping them in for too long can have the opposite effect.
To maintain the health and beauty of your hair, it’s essential to know when it’s time to take them out.
Here are five key signs that indicate it’s time to give your hair a break:
- Noticeable new growth
As your hair grows, the area between the braid and your scalp increases. While new growth is a positive sign, leaving your braids in for too long can cause tension at the roots, leading to breakage. When you start to see about half an inch or more of new growth, it’s a good indication that it’s time to remove your braids. If you leave them in, your natural hair may begin to matte or tangle, making it more difficult to detangle later.
Tip: Once you notice significant new growth, give your scalp a chance to breathe. Try switching to another low-maintenance style or leave your hair loose for a few days before rebraiding.
- Frizz and flyaways
Braids look their best when they’re neat and secure. Over time, your natural hair will begin to frizz, and small strands may start to escape from the braids. While a little frizz is normal, excessive flyaways can weaken the braid structure and tug at your natural hair, leading to breakage. If your braids have become frizzy beyond repair, it’s time to take them down to avoid damaging your natural hair.
Tip: Regularly moisturizing your hair while it’s in braids can help minimize frizz, but once the frizz takes over, removal is the healthiest option.
- Itchy or irritated scalp
A dry, itchy, or irritated scalp is a major red flag that it’s time to take your braids out. Sometimes, product buildup or lack of moisture can cause irritation, but if you’ve tried washing and moisturizing your scalp and the itching persists, it could mean your hair needs a break. Ignoring this sign can lead to more severe scalp issues like dandruff, inflammation, or even infections.
Tip: Scalp health is crucial for hair growth. Always listen to your scalp and don’t hesitate to remove braids if irritation occurs.
- Loose or unraveling braids
If your braids are starting to unravel or loosen at the roots, it’s a sign that they’ve served their time. Loose braids no longer provide the protection your hair needs and can lead to tangling and knotting. Continuing to wear them in this state could cause unnecessary stress on your natural hair.
Tip: Regularly inspect your braids, especially around the edges. If they start coming undone, it’s time to take them out.
- Excessive shedding
While some shedding is natural when you take down braids, excessive shedding can indicate that you’ve left them in too long. If you notice a significant amount of hair loss during or after removing your braids, it’s a sign that your hair has been stressed. The longer braids stay in, the more likely they are to cause breakage and damage.
Tip: Limit the time you keep braids in to around 6-8 weeks. This helps minimize shedding and keeps your hair healthy.
- Conclusion
Incorporating braids into your beauty routine is a great way to protect and style your natural hair, but knowing when to take them out is just as important. Paying attention to these signs will help you maintain your hair’s health, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of braids without compromising your hair’s well-being.
