You might be wondering, 'Is it normal for hair to fall out after taking out braids?' It’s a common concern - especially when you undo your braids and notice a clump of hair coming out with them. In this post, we’ll explore whether this kind of shedding is normal, why it happens, and what to expect after removing your braids.

How much hair shedding is normal after taking out braids?

On average, we all lose around 50–100 strands of hair a day. So, seeing a significant amount of hair shed after removing braids is completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about. When your hair has been in braids for several weeks, the strands that would usually shed each day don’t fall away like they normally would as they’re held in place by the braids. So, once you take them out, all that accumulated shedding happens at once, which can make it look like you’re losing a lot of hair.

Hair loss vs Hair breakage

Hair loss is a natural process where hair sheds from the root. Hair breakage is when the hair snaps due to unhealthy hair, damage or harsh handling. Luckily, hair breakage can be prevented.

How to prevent breakage after taking your braids out

Hair breakage can be prevented by maintaining healthy hair. Here are a few tips:

• Detangle gently using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
• Keep your scalp clean and free from product build-up.
• Keep your hair well-moisturised to restore hydration and strength.

For a detailed guide, check out our post on how to care for your hair after taking out braids.

For more Black hairstyle tips, inspiration, and how to's on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials.