To Braid Or Not To Braid – The Benefits Of Braiding Hair At Night

Every day, new trends emerge in the constantly changing world of beauty. It’s impossible to stay on top of all the hairstyle trends that come and go through history. But do you remember the times when we were kids, being told to wear braids to school would enrage us. Benefits of braiding hair at night? We never even gave it a thought. Some of us would become upset, stomp around, and launch a huge tantrum. We would be horrified by the sight of ribbons and rubber bands.

What if, however, we were told that the braids we once despised would now be our salvation? Our mothers were true craftswomen when they used all that oil and ribbons to tie up our hair. But one thing is certain: braids have, for what seems like ages, been a standard hairstyle. 

Benefits Of Braiding Hair At Night: The Beginnings of Hair Braiding

So, how did braiding begin? The art of braiding is more than what it sounds like.

The Himba of Namibia is credited with introducing braiding to Africa. For centuries, these people have braided their hair. Braided hairstyles were a distinctive way for each tribe to be recognized in many African tribes. Braiding was and still is a form of social art, and hairstyles and braid patterns can reveal a lot about a person. 

People frequently take the time to socialize because it can take a lot of time. The elders would braid their children first, and the younger ones would watch and take notes. Younger kids would begin practicing with one another and eventually pick up the conventional techniques. This was practiced for many generations and spread quickly throughout the world.

Braids reached their peak global popularity in the early 1900s. The majority of men, women, and kids had their hair braided in some way. Africa invented it in 3500 BC, followed by Egypt in 3100 BC with afro box braids, Greece in the first century with the halo braid, Native Americans in the fifth century with pigtail braids, and Europe from 1066 to 1485 with the crown braid. The staircase braid was popular in China between 1644 and 1912, modern cornrows were popular in the Caribbean in the 1970s, and braid tutorials were, of course, very popular on the Internet after YouTube was introduced in 2005.

Unfortunately, our moms no longer run after us as we get older to braid our hair, but did you know that braiding your hair has some incredible advantages? You have to read further to know this age-old hack! It’s time to go back and follow the footsteps of your ancestors! 

Benefits Of Braiding Hair At Night

Braiding hair can be overwhelming but as soon as you are habituated to it- you will be stunned with it’s results. Here are some benefits of braiding hair at night before going to bed:

Minimizes Tangling

Braiding hair at night helps prevent tangling and knot formation, particularly for those with long or textured hair. This way it reduces the risk of hair breakage and simplifies morning detangling routines.

Protects Hair

Braids act as a protective barrier around the hair strands, shielding them from friction and environmental factors such as pillowcases and sheets.

Reduces Breakage

By securing the hair in braids, there is less risk of hair becoming entangled in the night, which can lead to breakage when trying to untangle it in the morning.

Enhances Hair Growth

Improved blood flow promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles. Braiding your hair can stimulate blood circulation in the scalp due to the gentle pulling and tension on the hair strands. 

Prevents Frizz

Braiding hair can help control frizz and flyaways, resulting in smoother and more manageable hair in the morning.

Retains Moisture

Braids help trap the hair’s natural moisture, preventing excessive evaporation. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or curly hair types as it helps keep hair hydrated.

Enhances Curl Definition

For those with naturally curly hair, braiding at night can enhance and define curls, making them appear more structured and well-defined in the morning.

Saves Time

Braiding your hair before bedtime can significantly reduce the time needed for morning styling. This is the best life hack for all the busy bees out there.

Benefits of Braiding Hair Dry at Night

Going beyond the benefits of braiding hair at night, the question is should you be braiding your hair after shower or after the blow dry? Well, here are some reasons why you might choose to braid your hair dry rather than we.

• Faster Styling: Braiding dry hair can be quicker, as you don’t need to wait for your hair to dry before starting the styling process.

• Volume and Texture: Dry hair tends to result in more volume and texture in your braids, which can be desirable for achieving certain hairstyles.

• Reduced Tension: Wet hair is more elastic and can stretch when braided, potentially leading to more tension on the hair strands. Braiding dry hair can be gentler on your hair.

• Avoid Mildew: Braiding wet hair and leaving it for an extended period can create a moist environment that may promote mildew growth and an unpleasant odor. Braiding dry hair eliminates this concern.

• Less Risk of Breakage: Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage when manipulated, so braiding dry hair can reduce the risk of damaging your hair.

• Easier Maintenance: Dry hair is less likely to become misshapen or frizzy during the braiding process, making it easier to achieve your desired style.

• Versatility: Dry hair allows for greater control and precision when creating intricate braids or styles.

• No Drying Time: Braiding dry hair saves time as you can start styling immediately without waiting for your hair to air dry or using heat styling tools.

While the benefits of braiding your hair at night when it’s dry are ample, the choice between braiding wet or dry ultimately depends on your specific hair type, the style you want to achieve, and your personal preferences. You should keep experimenting until you determine which method works best for your hair and styling goals.

Disadvantage Of Braiding Your Hair

Braiding hair is fantastic, mostly. The benefits of braiding hair at night is a chapter we have already covered. But are you aware of the other side of the coin? Here’s a detailed exploration of the drawbacks associated with braiding according to experts.

Hair Breakage

Scientific studies have shown that tightly braided hairstyles, especially when pulled too taut, can lead to hair breakage (1). Tension from tightly woven strands can weaken hair over time. This breakage occurs because excessive force on the hair shaft can damage its structure, making it more prone to splitting and breaking. If it ends up too tight, try ways to loosen your braid.

Scalp Tension

Braids that are too tight can cause discomfort and scalp tension. Studies show that excessive tension on the scalp can lead to discomfort and cause result in headaches. This type of prolonged scalp tension can also affect blood circulation impacting hair follicles.

Thinning Edges

Repeated and tightly styled braids can contribute to thinning edges, a condition scientifically referred to as traction alopecia. Various studies conducted proves that constant pulling and stress on hair follicles along the hairline can lead to hair loss. Traction alopecia is a common concern among individuals who frequently wear tight braided styles.

Dandruff and Buildup

Braids can create an environment where sweat, oil, and debris accumulate on the scalp, potentially leading to dandruff or product buildup. The confinement of the braids can make it challenging to properly cleanse the scalp, increasing the risk of these issues.

Hydration Challenge

Despite the many benefits of braiding hair at night, maintaining the hair’s moisture can be challenging in braids. Research has shown that dryness can occur as the natural oils from the scalp struggle to distribute evenly along the braided strands. If you are a woman with dry or curly hair, then you may be particularly vulnerable to moisture loss.

Not so easy maintenance, honey!

Proper maintenance is crucial to prevent matting and maintain hair health while having braids. Scientifically, it’s been observed that neglecting proper care can lead to matting, which is challenging to resolve. Regular washing and conditioning of the hair while in braids are essential to prevent these issues.

Hair Loss Risk

Excessive or improper braiding techniques can contribute to hair loss, a condition known as traumatic alopecia. Scientific studies have associated traumatic alopecia with the excessive pulling and tension exerted on hair during braiding. It’s important to choose skilled hairstylists who understand the proper tension and techniques to minimize this risk.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience allergies or sensitivities to braiding hair extensions or products used during the braiding process. Scientifically, allergic reactions can result in itching, redness, and discomfort. You can do a patch test or choosing hypoallergenic products can help mitigate these risks.

6 Comfortable Braids for Your Bedtime to Reap Benefits of Braiding Hair at Night

Getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining your hairstyle should not be something that you are juggling with every day! The benefits of braiding hair at night makes it easy. Here are six comfortable nighttime braided hairstyles that will not only keep your hair tangle-free but also help you wake up with gorgeous, manageable locks:

• Classic Three-Strand Braid: The three-strand braid is a timeless favorite for a reason. It’s not only easy to create but also incredibly comfortable to sleep in. It will keep hair neatly secured that minimizes tangles and frizz while you snooze.
• Loose Side Braid:  A loose side braid is an excellent choice if you prefer a more relaxed look for bedtime. This bad boy will hold your hair in place without any tight pulling on your scalp that ensures a peaceful sleep.
• Fishtail Braid: Despite its intricate appearance, the fishtail braid is surprisingly cozy for nighttime wear. The weave of this braid minimizes friction against your pillow that reduces the risk of hair breakage and frizz.
• Boxer Braids (Double Dutch Braids): These trendy twin braids are not only fashionable but also practical for securing your hair throughout the night. Say goodbye to the discomfort of a tight ponytail, and hello to a comfortable and stylish sleep.
• Twisted Crown Braid: For an elegant bedtime look that’s equally snug, try the twisted crown braid. It keeps your hair off your face and neck, promoting a restful night’s sleep while ensuring you wake up looking effortlessly chic.
• Braided Bun: If you want to keep your hair completely out of the way, opt for a braided bun. It’s a combination of a bun and braids, keeping your hair secure and minimizing any morning tangles or knots.

So, bid farewell to morning bedhead and embrace both style and comfort with these versatile nighttime braids. Given all the benefits of braiding hair at night, you can wake up looking and feeling refreshed, ready to conquer the day.

FAQ

Conclusion

To sum up the entire story- let’s be aware that braiding your hair can be a double-edged sword! It’s important to keep in mind the scientifically proven drawbacks while you choose any form of braid. These disadvantages can be reduced to maintain healthy hair with proper technique and regular maintenance. So far we have understood that braids have always been in style and the benefits of braiding hair at night are a given! In fact, there are now more fashionable hairstyles than ever before.

Additionally, use braids to naturally curl your hair and give it a new shape and texture rather than using heat to style it. Heat degrades hair quality, and using it frequently is very harmful. Remember that braiding takes time and effort before you start. Make sure to braid your hair at night, just before going to bed, if you are not a morning person. If you have recently washed your hair, be sure to dry them completely before starting to braid. And best tip is to avoid making your braids too tight because this can lead to breakage, and receding hair lines. And who would want bald patches and a messed-up hair line? Happy braiding!