Braided hair is pretty, but who can overlook the bumps from braids that follow? These bumps from braids are strongly one of the reasons why many people avoid braiding their hair. The bumps from braids are certainly a real nightmare for many people.
Braids are stylish; however, an extremely tight braid can also cause stress, headache, pain, tension, hair fall, etc., resulting in bumps on the scalp. Can you actually prevent and keep away the bumps from braids while styling your hair?
Well, fortunately, yes, it is possible.
We are here to discuss some of the best, easiest ways to prevent and keep away unwanted painful bumps from braids. If you like braiding your hair but don’t want to deal with the after-effects, you are at the right place.
Bumps from Braids
The bumps from braids are called folliculitis and are caused when hair follicles have become inflamed. This potential condition can also cause permanent damage to the hair and scalp and, thus, should be immediately taken care of.
Folliculitis is mainly caused by fungal or bacterial infections, stress, and tension because of tight hairstyles. These bumps are generally seen around the hairline and also within the braids when too much pressure or tension is applied during braiding. When not taken proper care, these bumps from braids can also cause serious scalp injuries.
The braid bumps may also appear when you style your hair after braiding them. For instance – putting a tight bun after braiding can result in bumps near your nape.
Causes of Bumps from Braids
Let us now look at some of the major causes of bumps from braids:
1. Tight Hairstyles
The major cause of braid bumps is styling your hair too tight in either braids, buns, or ponytails. Such tight hairstyles can cause irritation, itching, pain, and tension on the scalp, resulting in bumps. Additionally, sleeping with such tight hairstyles can also result in painful and uncomfortable bumps.
The braid bumps can be really bad for your hair, scalp, and hairline, causing much permanent damage. Moreover, the tight braids put extra pressure on the hair roots, leading to frequent hair damage and breakage.
2. Use of Harmful Chemicals
Are you fond of using different hair products? Well, you will be surprised to know that you are deeply damaging your hair with such products. Yes, you read that right.
The harmful and harsh chemicals in some hair products can also be a prime reason for bumps. Such chemicals not only damage the hair quality but also irritate the scalp. In some cases, these chemical products cause severe hair fall.
Quick Tip: it is always suggested to choose chemical-free hair products and do a small patch test before making any final choice.
3. Unmoisturized Scalp
Not many people feel concerned about unmoisturized scalp; thus, they face many hair problems, especially bumps. Frequent braiding prevents moisture from reaching your scalp, resulting in a dry and itchy scalp. A dry scalp causes several scalp and hair problems, including bumps, hair damage, hair fall, etc.
Moreover, if you tie wet hair into a hairstyle, this can be really harmful to your hair quality. If the hair is not dried properly before styling, it can majorly affect the scalp’s health, causing itching, discomfort, pain, irritation, hair fall, and severe scalp conditions like dandruff.
4. Untreated Scalp Condition
Last but not least, if you already have any scalp condition and it is left untreated, there is a high chance of getting scalp bumps. For instance – if you have dandruff and it is not given the required care, you may suffer from bumps.
Additionally, any existing scalp condition can also damage your hair quality along with causing irritation, pain, discomfort, etc. If not treated for a long time, it can even cause permanent damage to your hair, along with severe hair fall, resulting in baldness.
After understanding some of these major causes of bumps from braids, let us now understand the effective solutions that can be trusted for these bumps. Are you ready?
Remedies to Get Rid of Bumps from Braids
Are you tired of trying different treatments to eliminate bumps from braids, but nothing works? Well, we are here with some of the most effective and reliable remedies that can surely bring relief against braid bumps.
1. Release Braid Tension
The first and the most effective remedy to get rid of the bumps is to release the braid tension. This means immediately removing the braids by changing your hairstyle. Changing your hairstyle will instantly control the pain, tension, and irritation and, thus, will result in quick relief.
Even if your braid is loose, styling the loose braid in a tight bun or any other hairstyle can cause bumps. Therefore, you should be careful in avoiding any tight hairstyles to immediately release the braid tension.
2. Massage the Scalp
The next effective remedy to get rid of the braid bumps is massaging the scalp. As soon as you remove the tight braids, it is highly recommended to gently massage the affected area. Be very sure not to apply extra or any hard pressure on the bumps as it can make them worse.
If there is severe pain and itching in the bumps, it is recommended to get professional help to avoid any further complications. Take the desired amount of coconut or almond oil to gently massage the affected and the surrounding areas. Regular massage will also bring relief against pain and other symptoms of discomfort in the bumps.
3. Use Warm Water
This is probably one of the simplest and the most relaxing remedies to get rid of the bumps from braids within no time. Take a nice warm shower!
It may not sound convincing at first, but running your braids under warm water with gentle massage will help in loosening the tight braids. This also brings immediate relief against irritation and scalp itchiness. However, you should make sure to let your hair dry completely before styling them.
Be frequent to run your braids under warm water as it will help save your hair quality and prevent some major consequences like hair thinning, breakage, scalp dandruff, etc. Additionally, it will also reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression for a healthy lifestyle.
4. Use a Good Conditioner
There is nothing that a good hair conditioner cannot fix, and we stand true to that. A good leave-in conditioner works magic to soothe your scalp by improving the overall quality of your hair and scalp. When used properly, it eases the tension and irritation in the affected areas within no time.
Moreover, a leave-in conditioner also ensures it loosens the braids, preventing the bumps from braids. You should be very attentive to only use a branded conditioner that doesn’t leave any unwanted residue for the best results.
Quick Tip: To ensure instant relief, choose a spray leave-in conditioner, as it can easily get into the affected areas and your braids. Again, choose a leave-in conditioner considering your hair type, hair health, and condition to avoid any further problems.
5. Steam Your Braids
If you want a simple remedy to get rid of the braid bumps, try steaming your braids. Steaming your braids helps to open your scalp pores, resulting in loose braids. Moreover, steaming the braids is also beneficial for hair quality as it helps the roots to recover from the damage.
You can use a good quality hair steamer for instant and best results. If you don’t have a steamer, you can dip a cotton cloth in warm water and wrap it around your hair, especially the affected areas. Leave it for 20-25 minutes to experience its magic on the braid bumps.
6. Undo Your Braids
Last but not least, undo your braids. The tight braids can cause unbearable pressure, pain, and tension on your hairline and scalp, which can cause many major problems. Thus, the best thing to do to eliminate all these problems is to undo the braids and relieve them.
Don’t think of the time you invested in your hairstyle, but think only about protecting your hair quality. Nothing is more important than your well-being; thus, you should undo your tight braids immediately.
Even if you can withstand the pain and tension, it is not recommended to have such tight braids for long hours. Keeping tight braids for long hours can damage the overall hair quality in the long run, resulting in even permanent damage. Undo your braids and give enough time to your scalp to heal and recover completely.
Quick Tip: For additional benefits, massage your hair regularly with warm oil and use good-quality anti-inflammatory products. Make sure to use fewer chemicals on your scalp to ensure speedy and complete recovery.
Preventing Bumps from Braids
Prevention is always better than cure; thus, it is always better to prevent the bumps from braids rather than treat them with remedies. If you are looking for effective ways to prevent braid bumps, here are some of them:
1. Be Gentle with Your Braids
One of the best preventive measures for braid bumps is to make gentle braids. Get into a discussion with your stylist to apply gentle pressure while braiding your hair. Also, communicate any hair or scalp issues that you face to avoid any major consequences.
Give a detailed understanding of your scalp type so they can be gentle with it. Just simply avoid applying any extra pressure when braiding your hair, and you are good to prevent the possible bumps from braids.
2. Change Your Braid Style
No matter how unlikely it may sound, you should change your braid style to avoid bumps. This becomes more important if you are using artificial products on your hair or using artificial hair. Change the braid style and monitor the difference to prevent braid bumps.
3. Change Your Hairstyle
Apart from changing the braid style, you can also try changing your overall hairstyle. Take some break from braiding your hair; this will give good recovery time to your hair. Moreover, your hair roots will also get enough time to heal from the damage.
Try a completely different hairstyle, and who knows, you might end up looking even more gorgeous.
4. Use Essential Oils
You can also use essential oils to prevent your hair and scalp problems, including the bumps from braids. Essential oils work wonders to instantly control itchiness, irritation, and discomfort by improving the overall quality. Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage your scalp and hair roots for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Bumps from braids are really a serious problem and should be dealt with with utmost care and precaution. While not just these bumps are painful and irritating, they also damage the overall quality of your hair and scalp.
Thankfully, you don’t need to walk the moon to prevent and keep away these bumps; all you need is gentle care.
We hope you found the right remedy and preventive care against the bumps from braids to protect your hair in the best possible way. If you still have more doubts or concerns, connect with us in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Possible to Completely Treat Bumps from Braids?
Yes, it is possible to get complete treatment for bumps from braids. You just need to ensure extra care for the affected part along with proper oiling, conditioning, and moisturization. Additionally, you can also try any of the above-mentioned methods to treat the braid bumps completely.
What Do the Braid Bumps Look Like?
The braid bumps are generally red, inflamed bumps, or sore scalp bumps. These bumps are quite painful and uncomfortable; thus, they should be treated as soon as possible. You need specific care and precaution against these bumps by either a professional or trying trusted remedies (as some mentioned above).
How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Bumps from Braids?
Well, there is no straight answer to this as the overall time depends on – your scalp and hair type, amount of bumps, the severity of the bumps, the remedies you are trying for bumps from braids, etc. Moreover, the healing time varies from person to person.
