Protective styles are meant to help your hair grow, but done incorrectly, they can do more harm than good. From tight braids to heavy extensions, the tension placed on your strands can weaken the hair fiber over time.
According to Founder and Lead/Head Chemist Dr. Ali Syed, “When you create protective styles like braids, you’re naturally adding tension to the hair. That constant pulling and holding in place applies extra force, which can strain the strands over time.”
That constant pulling can strain the follicle and weaken the hair shaft, especially when the style is left in for long periods. Over time, this can lead to thinning edges, breakage, and even traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by repeated stress on the scalp.
The Hidden Cost of Tension
Dr. Ali Syed and the As I Am Research and Development team have studied the long-term effects of braiding and high-tension styles. “We did the studies,” he says, “and we know that hair loses around 14% of its strength after just one month of braiding.”
That may not sound like much, but over time, the damage compounds, especially if heavy extensions are added. “People who are constantly braiding and with a lot of tension, by the time they get into their forties, they begin to get bald spots,” Dr. Syed explains.
To protect your hair and still enjoy your favorite styles, balance is key.
Do’s: Protect and Restore
Keep it Loose
Choose low-tension styles and avoid tightly pulling at your roots. Let your scalp breathe.
Moisturize Before and After
Dry hair is more prone to breakage. Use As I Am’s Bond Oil to prep and nourish your strands before styling. The cedarwood extract supports follicle regeneration and locks in shine.
Wash Gently, Even in Braids
Use a lightweight cleanser like As I Am Bond Shampoo to remove buildup without stripping natural oils. Follow with Bond Conditioner to strengthen hair from the inside out.
Take Recovery Seriously
After taking down your protective style, repair your hair’s elasticity with As I Am Bond Water, clinically proven to boost elasticity by up to 35%. For deeper nourishment, alternate with As I Am Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner to strengthen strands and promote growth.
Don’ts: What to Avoid
Skipping Wash Days
Skipping cleansing while protective styling can lead to buildup and suffocate the scalp, slowing growth.
Leaving Styles in Too Long
Protective styles are not meant to be permanent. Beyond 6–8 weeks, the tension and buildup can outweigh the benefits.
Reinstalling Immediately
Give your hair time to recover between styles. A rest period of at least two weeks allows the scalp and follicles to regain strength.
The Bottom Line
Protective styling can be a powerful growth tool, but only when done thoughtfully. Remember, your hair’s growth cycle is constant. As Dr. Syed puts it, “The cycle still is the same. Hair is growing in anagen, going into telogen, and back again into anagen.” To keep that cycle healthy, your scalp and strands need care, not constant tension.
Protective styling should be a partnership between strength and care. With the right prep, maintenance, and recovery routine using As I Am’s Bond and Rice Water Collections, you can protect your strands without sacrificing their health, or your growth goals.