Are Your Braids Drying Out Your Hair? Here’s What You Need to Know
Client Question: “I love wearing braids, but I’ve noticed my hair feels drier than usual after taking them down. Is my hair just dry from being tucked away, or could the braiding hair be causing this?”
Expert Answer from The Press Room Salon:
Braids are one of the best protective styles for length retention, but if not installed and maintained correctly, they can actually cause excessive dryness and breakage. Many people don’t realize that the synthetic hair used in braiding can absorb moisture from natural hair, leaving it brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
If you’ve noticed extra dryness, itchy scalp, or excessive shedding after removing your braids, it’s time to take a closer look at how synthetic braiding hair affects your hair health and how to prevent moisture loss.
How Can Braiding Hair Cause Dryness?
1. Synthetic Hair Strips Natural Moisture
Most braiding hair is made from Kanekalon, Toyokalon, or other synthetic fibers, which do not retain moisture like human hair. Instead, these fibers tend to absorb the natural oils and hydration from your hair strands, leaving your real hair dehydrated over time.
2. The Alkaline Coating on Synthetic Hair
Many brands of synthetic braiding hair are coated with an alkaline-based preservative to help prevent tangling and keep the hair looking smooth in packaging. However, this coating can:
✔ Irritate the scalp, leading to dryness and flaking
✔ Raise the hair’s pH level, making it harder to retain moisture
✔ Cause itching, tightness, and discomfort after braiding
3. Lack of Proper Moisture Prep Before Installation
Braids should always be installed on well-moisturized, healthy hair. Skipping deep conditioning before getting braids can cause:
✔ Weak, brittle strands that are more prone to snapping under tension
✔ Increased dryness, since your hair is already lacking hydration before being tucked away
✔ Excessive breakage when taking down the style
4. Tight Braiding Causing Scalp Tension
Tightly installed braids do more than just pull on your edges—they can also restrict natural oil flow from the scalp to the rest of the hair strand. When oils aren’t able to travel down the hair shaft, the mid-lengths and ends become drier over time.
Signs Your Braids Are Drying Out Your Hair
Not sure if your braids are affecting your hair’s moisture levels? Look out for these warning signs:
1. Your Scalp Feels Extra Dry or Itchy
If your scalp feels tight, itchy, or flaky shortly after getting braids, your hair may be losing moisture to the synthetic fibers. This is a clear indicator that your hair needs additional hydration and scalp care during the time you’re wearing braids.
2. Your Hair Feels Stiff and Rough After Takedown
Healthy hair should feel soft and manageable after taking down braids, especially if the style was meant to protect it. If your hair feels hard, dry, or rough to the touch, it has likely lost too much moisture during the braiding process.
3. Excessive Shedding or Breakage After Removal
Some shedding is normal after long-term protective styling, but if you notice excessive shedding, breakage, or thinner strands, the braiding hair may have weakened your hair over time due to dryness.
4. Your Edges Look Thinner or More Fragile
If your edges appear weaker, drier, or breaking off, the braiding hair may have caused friction or excessive moisture absorption, leading to damage along the hairline.
5. Your Hair Looks Dull and Lacks Elasticity
After removing braids, your hair should still retain its natural shine and movement. If it looks lifeless, frizzy, or lacks elasticity, this is a major sign that it suffered moisture depletion during the style.
How to Prevent Moisture Loss from Braiding Hair
If you love wearing braids but want to prevent hair dryness and breakage, here’s how to protect your strands:
1. Pre-Treat Synthetic Hair Before Installation
Many people don’t realize that you can remove the alkaline coating from synthetic braiding hair before installing it. To do this:
✔ Soak braiding hair in an apple cider vinegar rinse (one part ACV, three parts water) for 30-45 minutes
✔ Rinse thoroughly with clean water
✔ Let it air dry completely before use
This helps neutralize the harsh coating and reduces scalp irritation and moisture loss.
2. Deep Condition Your Hair Before Getting Braids
Hydrating your natural hair before installation is key to preventing excessive dryness. Make sure to:
✔ Use a moisture-rich deep conditioner before getting braids
✔ Apply a leave-in conditioner and lightweight oil to seal hydration
✔ Ensure your hair is fully detangled and moisturized before braiding
3. Keep Your Hair Moisturized While Wearing Braids
Just because your hair is braided doesn’t mean it doesn’t need moisture. Try these methods:
✔ Use a spray leave-in conditioner or moisturizing mist 2-3 times per week
✔ Lightly apply natural oils like jojoba or avocado oil to the scalp
✔ Avoid heavy products that cause buildup and weigh down the braids
4. Don’t Keep Braids in for Too Long
Leaving braids in for too long can cause moisture depletion and excessive tangling. Stick to the 6-8 week rule to avoid dryness and breakage.
5. Trim and Treat Hair After Takedown
After removing braids, always:
✔ Do a hydrating deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture
✔ Trim any weakened or damaged ends to keep hair strong
✔ Avoid immediate re-braiding—give your hair at least 1-2 weeks to breathe
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Braided Hair Healthy & Hydrated
Braids are an excellent protective style, but the wrong techniques and synthetic hair preparation can leave your natural hair dry and weak. By following the right moisture-retention strategies, you can keep your hair hydrated, strong, and thriving while wearing braids.
At The Press Room Salon, we specialize in healthy hair maintenance, silk presses, and protective style aftercare to help our clients retain moisture and length year-round.
If you’ve noticed extra dryness after braids or want to optimize your protective styling routine, schedule a consultation today.