I saw a post on Facebook re: a blog/article on HelloBeautiful.com reporting that weaves and braids have been shown to contribute to thinning and balding problems among black women. According to the article, " A recent study of middle aged black women reveals that nearly 30% have sustained permanent scalp and hair damage, possibly due to tight braids and weaves." It also reports that "women who are already losing their hair are more likely to get a weave or braids because they think they help disguise thinning hair." 

While I don't dispute these findings, the study appears to ignore what appears to be fairly obvious: that it is the weaving and braiding technique that can ruin a woman's hair, rather than the actual styling process itself. I personally know stylists that weave and braid hair, and their clients have been able to attain incredibly beautiful, thick hair after wearing braids or weaves for certain periods of time. A big reason why they were able to achieve healthy hair is due to the fact that the stylists were educated on healthy hair care and implemented a weaving or braiding technique that did not damage the person's hair. And yes: despite some belief out there, it is possible to weave or braid hair without negatively affecting the health of a woman's hair. A stylist educated on healthy hair care who weaves or braids hair also educates their client on how to take proper care of their hair while also sporting a weave or braids. If the client chooses not to properly take care of their hair after the fact, then the client has to deal with the consequences with her hair as a result. For example, according to HelloBeautiful.com, the study found that some black women often maintain weaves or braids for long periods of time, causing too much stress on the scalp, eventually leading to pus-filled bumps that can develop bacteria and cause scarring. A woman wearing braids or weaves must be educated on how long they should wear either style and how they should take care of their hair while wearing the style in order to prevent such severe and permanent results. 

No matter what kind of hair style you choose to wear, it is important to know your hair and become educated on all aspects of your hair care, from the chemicals used in the products you put on your hair to the style that you choose to sport on a day to day basis. Popular styles may look cute, but may have serious health and beauty consequences if a woman is not properly educated on how to take care of the style. Hair stylists must do their part to educate clients on healthy hair care, and clients must do their part to do research on proper hair care and incorporate proper technique into their daily hair care regimen. 

-Written by: Kris