Gentle hair care
Low-tension hairstyles, soft hair ties and a satin or silk pillowcase or bonnet that reduce pulling and friction on hair and scalp.
Why it helps
Constant pulling from tight styles can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss that may become permanent. Looser styles, resting your hair between tight styles, and smooth satin or silk at night reduce pulling, breakage and friction.
Look for
- Loose braids, buns and ponytails that do not hurt
- Soft, snag-free hair ties like fabric scrunchies
- A satin or silk bonnet, wrap or pillowcase for sleep
- Thicker, shorter braids and extensions that are not heavy
- Rest breaks between tight or sewn-in styles
Avoid
- Tight styles worn all the time
- Leaving braids or cornrows in longer than about 6 to 8 weeks
- Rubber bands and metal clasps that snag hair
Caution
If a style hurts or you notice scalp stinging, bumps, crusts or thinning at the hairline, loosen or remove it and see a clinician early, because advanced traction hair loss may not grow back.
Worth asking a clinician about
If hair is thinning or the hairline is receding, ask a dermatologist about the cause and early treatment.
Sources
Products
Kitsch
Satin Pillowcase in Ivory
Price: medium price · Other
A 600 thread count satin pillowcase with a zipper closure that is machine washable.
- OEKO-TEX
Kitsch
Black Satin Sleep Scrunchies 5pc Set
Price: low price · Other
A set of five black satin scrunchie hair ties designed for use in the evening and overnight.
- OEKO-TEX
Grace Eleyae
Black Silk Pillowcase
Price: higher price · Other
A pillowcase made from 100 percent silk, sold in black.
View product Black Silk Pillowcase (opens in a new tab)Grace Eleyae
Olive All-Satin Knot Turban
Price: higher price · Other
A knotted head wrap made of satin, with adjustable ties, in the color olive.
- Adjustable
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.