Cute hairstyles may look good today, but tight braids and extensions can set young girls up for long-term hair loss. Here’s how to protect your daughter’s hair and prevent traction alopecia before it begins.

Being a girl mum comes with many joys, and experimenting with hairstyles is often one of them. Whether it’s taking her to the salon or styling it yourself, it feels wholesome to watch your little girl glow from just a hairdo. Yet many mums don’t realise these styles can cause hair problems later in life.

One of the major hair issues women face in this part of the world is traction alopecia. This is a type of hair loss caused by prolonged or repeated tension on the hair follicles. Over time, this pulling damages the roots, leading to thinning or bald patches, especially along the hairline. It develops gradually and often goes unnoticed until visible damage appears.

Common causes include:

• Tight braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves, ponytails, or buns.
• Prolonged use of wigs or extensions with clips, glue, or sew-ins.
• Repeated relaxing, perming, or straightening, especially combined with tension.
• Cultural or professional styles that involve constant pulling.

In this part of the world, however, the main cause of traction alopecia is the intricate but tight hairstyles we see on kids and adults alike. These styles may look beautiful, but they can set girls up for future hair loss.

Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, a dermatologist and consultant physician at LASUTH, explains: “One of the reasons why a lot of females in this part of the world battle with traction alopecia, that is hair loss in the front of the hair, is because from a very early age, mothers are always trying to overstretch and over braid these innocent baby’s hairs. Leave their hair alone, let them have an afro.”

She also advises that, “If you must braid your child’s hair, make sure the braids are loose, not tight. And don’t add extra extensions that will cause weight and tension on the delicate follicles of these young children. Please, let her hair be free.”

Protective styles for young girls

Now that we know the damage tight braids can cause, here are some cute styles to protect your girl’s hair and prevent traction alopecia:

Inward cornrows
Also called “inner weaving”, this style protects hair and supports growth. Avoid tight cornrows and keep edges free.
Flat twists
These are easier on the scalp than small braids and can be styled in simple straight-back or curved patterns.
Natural styles
Styles like afros, wash-and-go looks, or lightly stretched hair are perfect. Moisturise regularly to avoid breakage.
Chunky box braids or twists
If you really have to braid your girl’s hair, make them larger and looser so they don’t strain the roots. Avoid heavy extensions or keep them short and light.
Loose cornrows
A gentler alternative to inward cornrows, they are also a perfect choice. Steer clear of very thin rows or tight ends, and request a loose grip at the edges.
Afro puffs
Using satin or fabric-covered hair ties instead of elastic hair bands, you can style your baby girl’s hair into as many puffs as you can. Gather the hair gently into puffs without pulling it too tight and you’re good to go!