Does braiding your hair make it thicker?

When it comes to hair care, everyone has their own tricks and tips. From using egg yolk as a hair mask to letting your hair air dry, we’ve heard it all. However, there’s one particular haircare myth that has been circulating for quite some time: does braiding your hair make it thicker?

In this article, we’ll investigate the truth behind this popular belief and whether or not you should start braiding away.

The Claim

The claim is simple enough; some believe that regularly braiding your strands can add thickness to them. In fact, many people have even claimed that by regularly sporting braids they were able to grow in actual ‘new’ strands of hair!

Is this true? Or simply another old wives’ tale?

What’s Actually Happening When You Braid Your Hair?

Before we go any further with our analysis or dispelment of myth lets first establish what happens when someone actually physically executes the task of ‘braiding’.

  • To put it simply: when you braid your locks you are weaving thin sections of various hairs together
  • By doing so bits from each section overlap each other in such a way that creates what appears aesthetically appealing textured pattern
  • Essentially the more obvious reward here being that after 15 minutes sat cross legged on the floor trying not to move around too much whilst wrestling with sweaty palms as strange smelling half bottles located under sinks are pulled out in search for larger clips – is beautiful (and most importantly) secured look.

It’s important for developing healthy habits regarding hygiene regimes like shampooing often … oh wait sorry wrong article! (Thats coming next guys get excited).

Now back to our original research question:

Does Braiding Cause New Hairs To Grow

Short answer…nope! Let me repeat myself because science isn’t interested in rumors: No! Plaiting your mane will not magically create some new hair follicles out of thin air.

The Verdict

So now that we’ve identified this myth as a bust, let’s put it to rest.

While braids can make one’s existing strands look thicker and more voluminous (especially when adding extensions) they are not going to be responsible for creating anything from nothing. Braiding also has the added perk of protecting hair during sleep or any other physical activity.

Can Tight Braids Damage Your Hair?

Now we know braiding won’t cause hairs to sprout up over night like tulips in springtime but what if regularly wearing tight hairstyles could lead to some far worse outcomes? Surely there has got to be some repercussion right?

Yes actually, it turns out pulling on our tresses with excessive force by (occasionally) weaving an elastic band around the base can add tension to locks leading sometimes weaker roots over time due to constant pressure being applied. This often leads – after long periods – something called Traction Alopecia where follicles come under so much repetitive stress that damage can be done causing breakages and even patches of missing areas which is pretty unsettling.

Therefore whilst you might notice thicker looking hair immediately after taking down especially defined chunky plaits or cornrows; long-term habit-forming overly-tight hairstyles have their own set-backs.

Are There Other Ways To Actually Make Hair Thicker And Longer?

Surely there must be other ways aside from tying up da’ flow daily thousands times a year? Right?!

Right!

Here are four scientifically sound methods for naturally boosting thickness:

1. A Healthy Diet Is Key

As boring as it sounds food CAN play quite crucial role in regards assisting healthy weight gain not just waistlines but for anyone seeking lusher tresses as well (aka everyone then). Ensuring sufficient protein intake is a signature “must-do” for any hair-focussed dietary program. Other notable vitamins that contribute are: Iron (for oxygen and nutrients to reach follicles) and Vitamin C which aides in the production of collagen! Lots of meat, spinach, citrus fruits, lentils will get you there just fine.

2. Scalp Massages

Incredibly soothing but actually proven to promote circulation reduced stress AND as an added bonus improve oil distribution around scalp … Genius right?! Blood flow stimulation will ensure your roots receive all they need to sprout long healthy pods with good ease.

3. Regular Trims

We understand keeping those lovely ends long can be hard given how minimally straighteners or a curling wand can leave locks looking less than shiny after some time has passed ouch. But cutting off the scraggly bits every six to eight weeks should keep all layers happy preventing hair from breaking midshaft and ultimately making it appear thicker when put up into fancy up-dos or layered natural waves- Bonus!

Got bangs? Well these might require attention more frequently because it’s easy forget them since they’re often brushed forward resulting in very visible medium growth-rate signs; appearance wise overgrown bangs do not impress anyone!

So What Have We Learned?

  • Whilst braiding won’t make our manes suddenly thickened overnight science tells us cooler heads prevail especially if we practice careful styling techniques
  • Although tightening pins underneath woven textiles pulls focus upwards covering potentially thinning spots feeling may not transfer well come shower time where excess tugs equal smaller pieces washed down(ew!).
  • Natural remedies such as massaging scalps regulating diets proper trimming routines maintain overall healthier outlook avoiding over-stressing sections crucial for thicker appearing luscious visions reality deserves!

So queue adding Zinc supplements – washing rugs more culturally appropriate headgear choices because whilst preparing wrong beverages is funny regrowing strands due Traction Alopecia is not.

Stay informed people, stay safe!

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