Being a girl mum comes with plenty of fun moments, and trying out cute hairstyles is one of them.
Whether you are at the salon or styling her hair at home, there is always joy in seeing your little girl light up from a new hairdo.
But here is the truth. Some of those “pretty” and “stylish” hairstyles could be setting your daughter up for serious hair problems in the future. One of the most common issues is traction alopecia.
What is traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that happens when hair follicles are under constant tension. Over time, this pulling weakens the roots, leading to thinning edges or bald patches. It develops slowly, which is why many parents do not notice until the damage is already visible.
Common causes include:
• Tight braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, ponytails or buns
• Heavy wigs or extensions fixed with clips, glue or sew-ins
• Frequent relaxing, perming or straightening combined with tension
• Repetitive cultural or professional hairstyles that pull at the scalp
In Nigeria, the main culprit is hairstyles. Many of the elaborate looks we love on children and women often put unnecessary strain on young scalps, unknowingly setting them up for hair loss later in life.
Expert advice
Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, dermatologist and consultant physician at LASUTH, warns against over-styling children’s hair.
She says: “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: “If you must braid your child’s hair or weave your child’s hair, make sure that the braids are loose, they’re not tight. And don’t add extra extensions that will cause weight and tension on the delicate hair follicles of these young children. So please leave that child alone. Let her hair be free.”
Safer styles to try
The good news is that there are many protective and stylish options that will not harm your child’s hair. Here are some:
• Inward cornrows (inner weaving): Encourage growth without stressing the edges. Keep them loose.
• Flat twists: Gentle on the scalp, easy to style in straight or curved patterns.
• Natural looks: Afros, wash and go styles or lightly stretched hair. Keep hair moisturised.
• Chunky box braids or twists: Larger and looser braids reduce strain. Avoid heavy extensions.
• Loose cornrows: Keep rows wider, edges free, and avoid tight ends.
• Afro puffs or loose puffs: Use satin or fabric-covered ties instead of elastic bands. Gather the hair gently.
As fun as it is to play with your daughter’s hair, remember her scalp is delicate. Simple, loose and natural styles are not only safer but also allow her hair to thrive.
