The Truth About Hair Shedding: Why Losing Hair After Braids Is Totally Normal

Understanding Hair Growth, Shedding, and Why Hair Fall After Braids Is Totally Normal

Let’s talk about something that worries a lot of people, hair shedding! We’ve all had that moment when we take out our braids, twists, or plaits and see a handful of hair and instantly panic. But before you think your hair is “falling out,” let’s set the record straight, shedding is completely normal and part of your hair’s natural life cycle.

🌱 The Stages of Hair Growth

Your hair isn’t just sitting there; it’s constantly going through a life cycle. There are three main stages:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase) – This is the active stage when your hair is growing strong and healthy. It can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics and care.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase) – The shortest phase (around 2–3 weeks), where growth slows down and the hair prepares to rest.

3. Telogen (Resting and Shedding Phase) – This is when your hair naturally falls out to make space for new growth. On average, we lose 50–100 strands a day — yes, every single day!

So if you notice shedding, especially during wash day or styling, it doesn’t always mean something’s wrong, it just means your hair is doing what it’s supposed to do.

🌀 Why Braids, Plaits, and Twists Make It Look Like You’re Losing More Hair

When you wear protective styles like braids, plaits, or twists, your hair is tucked away, which means the strands that normally shed daily don’t have anywhere to go. They stay trapped in your style.

So, when you finally take your braids out and see all that hair coming out, don’t panic! What you’re seeing is weeks (sometimes months) of naturally shed hair coming out all at once. It’s not that your hair is “falling out”, it’s just catching up on what it’s been holding in.

💧 Keeping the Scalp Healthy During Braids and Plaits

Even though braids and plaits can be great for giving your hair a break, your scalp still needs care. A dry, itchy scalp can lead to breakage, flakes, and discomfort, that’s something you can absolutely prevent.

We recommend using BBH Blends Itchy Scalp Serum during your braid or plait wear. It’s infused with nourishing natural oils that soothe dryness, calm irritation, and keep your scalp hydrated and healthy throughout the protective style. Just a few drops massaged into your scalp every few days can make a world of difference.

⏰ How Long Should Braids Stay In?

As tempting as it is to keep your braids in forever (especially when they still look neat!), your hair and scalp need time to breathe. Ideally, braids or plaits should stay in for no longer than 6–8 weeks. Leaving them in too long can cause tangling, build up, and sometimes even traction alopecia from tension.

🚨 When to Be Concerned

Shedding is one thing, bald patches and thinning areas are another. If you notice your hairline receding, bald spots, or excessive shedding beyond the norm, that’s your cue to take a closer look at your scalp health, protective style tension, or even your diet and stress levels.

💚 Final Thoughts

Your hair is constantly renewing itself, shedding the old to make way for the new. So the next time you take out your braids and see a pile of shed strands, take a deep breath. It’s all part of the process.

Just remember to keep your scalp moisturized, your styles gentle, and your products natural. And for that extra TLC, let BBH Blends Itchy Scalp Serum be your go-to, because a healthy scalp is the root of beautiful, bouncy hair. 🌿