Have you ever heard the old wives’ tale that braiding your hair helps it to grow? Braided hairstyles certainly have some benefits. Namely, they are a form of protection for delicate hair and they prevent tangles. But do braids really help your hair grow? Keep reading to find out!
Mythbusting: Braids & Hair Growth
We’re all looking for a quick fix for longer, healthier hair. But unfortunately, braiding hair does not speed up growth rate. Your hair grows at a rate determined by genetics, while lifestyle factors like your diet and stress levels can cause thinning and breakage. But the way you wear your hair is not a factor in your hair growth rate.
However, loose braids can help to prevent hair breakage. Braids provide a strong structure for hair. Just as fibers are stronger when woven into a rope, hair is stronger when weaved into a braid.
Braiding also reduces your strands’ contact with fabrics, skin, and other factors that lead to frictional hair breakage. For example, sleeping with braided hair means that your hair is less likely to break from tossing and turning during the night.
Plus, braided hair stays tangle-free, which reduces hair breakage from brushing. So, if you struggle with hair loss due to over-styling and breakage, wearing your hair in braids actually might help you grow out your hair.
However, wearing your hair in too-tight braids can actually cause breakage. And over time, tight braids that pull on the scalp can lead to a form of hair loss called traction alopecia. Luckily, this form of hair loss usually can be reversed if you take a break from tight hairstyles, and in the meantime, you can conceal thinning areas and cover breakage instantly with Toppik Hair Building Fibers.
Our Favorite Braided Hairstyles
If you’re looking to keep hair tangle-free and reduce frictional breakage, try one of these braided hairstyles!
Braided Pigtails
Simple braided pigtails are the easiest way to dip your toes into the world of braiding. This braided hairstyle utilizes the classic three-strand braid.
Start by brushing dry hair to remove all tangles. Add a small amount of Toppik Hair Fattener Advanced Thickening Serum to hair and brush to distribute evenly. This concentrated styling serum adds volume, thickness and shine to hair.
Create a center part and separate hair into two sections. Starting on one section, create three equal-sized strands. Cross the left strand over the center, then cross the right strand over the center.
Repeat until all hair has been braided, then fasten with a hair tie. Braid the other side, and your look is complete!
Milkmaid Braids
This braided hairstyle is perfect for a more formal occasion. Start by styling hair into braided pigtails. Then wrap each braid around the crown of your head and pin to hold into place. Tuck the ends under the braid for a more polished look.
French Braids
Once you’ve mastered the classic three-strand braid, you can move on to a French braid. Start by detangling hair and brushing through a small amount of Toppik Hair Fattener Advanced Thickening Serum. Use a comb to separate out a small section of hair at your crown, one to two inches away from your forehead. Divide the section into three equal strands. Cross the left strand over the center, then cross the right strand over the center.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Using your pinky finger, take a small piece of hair from the left side of your head and add it to the left strand. Then cross the left strand over the center strand. Repeat on the right side. Continue to alternate sides, adding small pieces as you go. Once you get to the nape of your neck, braid hair into a classic three-strand brand. Then fasten with a hair tie.
To cover sparse, thin areas, and give hair an instant boost of volume, use Toppik Hair Building Fibers with the Spray Applicator, paying special attention to the hairline. Then add a misting of Toppik FiberHold Spray to lock everything in place, strengthening the bond between Fibers and hair.
While this braiding style is tricky to get the hang of at first, keep in mind that practice really does make perfect! Once you get the hang of French braiding, you can move on to more advanced techniques like Dutch braids and box braids.
What’s your favorite braided hairstyle? Let us know in the comments section below!
Colleen Welsch
Colleen Welsch is a freelance beauty writer and blogger specializing in hair care, hair growth education and beauty.
