Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Loosen braids immediately
• Method 2 of 3: Using wet heat to loosen up braids
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid tight braids
• Warnings

If you've ever experienced the pain of too-tight braids, you've probably wondered how to loosen them up without ruining your hairstyle. You can get instant relief by loosening up your braids with a pencil, applying a leave-in conditioner to your roots, or applying a specially formulated braiding spray. Moist heat and daily oil scalp massages will also help. To avoid braids that are too tight in the future, communicate openly with your stylist when you feel pain. Keep in mind that braids that are too tight can cause thinning and breakage of the hair, as well as a certain type of hair loss called traction alopecia.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Loosen braids immediately

1. Use the thin handle of a comb to relieve tension at the scalp. Slip the thin tip of a long-handled fine comb under cornrows or tight braids to get some relief. You can also use the blunt end of a skewer or the end of a pencil with the eraser attached. Gently wiggle the eraser, skewer, or handle to loosen the braid near your scalp. Be careful and take your time so you don't mess up your braids.
   • Keep in mind that the braids will loosen on their own over time.
2. Spray the base of your braids with a leave-in conditioner. Applying a leave-in conditioner to your dry braids can reduce tension and tightness. Lightly mist your scalp with a leave-in conditioner and use your fingers to work the conditioner gently into your skin and braids.
   • Alternatively, you can mist your scalp with cool water for instant relief.
3. Use a braiding spray to soften and loosen up your hair. If you get your hair braided often, invest in a specially formulated braiding spray to soften your hair and soothe your scalp. You can buy these sprays at salons and beauty supply stores. Spray the braid spray on your scalp to prevent itchiness and moisturize your braids, which will make them softer and looser.
   • Look for soothing sprays made with aloe vera, tea tree oil, sulfur, or lavender oil.
   • Use this spray when getting ready in the morning and throughout the day as needed to reduce tension caused by tight braids.
4. Massage your scalp with oil for 1 to 2 minutes every day. While wearing your braids it is important to perform daily oil scalp massages. Use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pure, natural oil, such as avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba or almond oil. Apply the oil to your scalp and then massage it in with your fingers using gentle, circular motions. Do this every day for 1 to 2 minutes.
   • Try adding a few drops of the essential oil to whatever oil you choose to perfume and refresh your scalp. Peppermint essential oil can help when your scalp is itchy, so consider using that for your daily scalp massages.

Method 2 of 3: Using wet heat to loosen up braids

1. Take a warm shower to strengthen your hair's bounce. Warm water will open your hair cuticles, making your braids looser and more resilient. Take a warm shower and run the water over your scalp and through your braids. Gently rub your scalp at the base of your braids as the warm water runs over it to encourage loosening. Try not to be too rough with your braids.
   • After getting out of the shower, use a towel to remove excess water from your hair by gently dabbing your braids.
   • If you have naturally curly hair, your braids can get frizzy when they get wet.
2. Use a hair steamer to loosen up your braids. You can buy a hair steamer from your local beauty supply store or go to a salon to use theirs. Prepare the hair steamer and then sit under it. Direct the steam on your braids and focus on the areas where you feel the most tension. Sit under the hair steamer in 10-minute sessions, with short breaks in between, until your braids feel better again.
   • You can apply a deep conditioner to your scalp before steamer to enhance pain relief.
3. Wrap a warm, damp towel around your head for an hour. Applying moist heat directly to your braids will make them more resilient and relieve tension. First, wet a towel with warm water. Wring out the excess water, then gently wrap the towel around your head, like a turban. Let your hair sit under the towel for an hour before removing it.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid tight braids

1. Communicate your feelings with your stylist right away. Don't be afraid to tell your hairstylist that your braids are too tight! You're a paying customer and you should be comfortable with your style, so speak up if you notice that the braids are too tight. Don't wait for the stylist to finish all your braids - let him or her know right away so he or she can correct the problem right away.
2. Don't go back to a stylist who always braids too tightly. You should only have to tell your stylist once that the braids are too tight for him or her to change their braiding style. If you let your stylist know that the braids are too tight but the problem persists, don't go back to that person for your future braids. Research other stylists in the area and make an appointment with someone new.
   • Look for customer reviews from the stylist you have in mind to see what others are saying about his or her technique.
3. Avoid pulling up your hair for a few days after getting new braids. Putting your braids on top of your head in a bun or other high style can worsen tightness, especially right after you get them done. Wear your hair down and down for a few days after braiding it to avoid putting further stress on your scalp.
   • Try to let your braids hang loosely down your shoulders.
   • If you want to keep your braids out of your face, gently tie them back into a low ponytail. Use a loose hair elastic made of fabric and avoid rubber bands.
4. As a last resort, remove your braids if they continue to hurt. While you may have spent a lot of money getting your hair braided, the best solution is to remove them when they are too tight and give you pain. You can take them out yourself or go back to the hair salon to ask your stylist to take them out. Let your stylist know they are too tight and cause you pain.

Warnings

• Running water through your braids may require you to re-braid them more quickly.
• Braids that are too tight can cause a certain type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Speak to your stylist if you are concerned about this issue.