Never wear a hairstyle that causes any kind of pain or discomfort to your hair or scalp. Avoid heavy accessories, tight ponytails, tight braids, or tight anything. Any style that pulls the scalp or puts stress on the hairline is not the right style for you. Wearing the wrong hairstyle can lead to headaches, tension bumps, hair loss, thinning and irreparable damage--it's not worth it. Be comfortable and always choose hair and scalp friendly styles.
A braid-out is a great way to add waves to straight hair or stretch and lengthen curly hair without using a heated styling tool, such as a curling iron or crimper. A braid-out is a healthful style choice for your hair, and it is easy to do. First, wash and condition your hair. Second, part your hair into sections (four sections will usually suffice, but you may want more depending on your preference--the smaller the braid, the tighter the wave pattern will be). Third, gently comb each section and then braid it. If your hair is prone to frizz, you may want to add a small amount of styling gel to each section before braiding. Remember not to braid your hair too tightly--you do not want to have any tension near the scalp. For the safest and healthiest option, let your hair air-dry (time will vary depending on climate and hair texture, but thick hair usually takes at least 12 hours). If you don't have time to let your hair air dry, you can use a blow-dryer with a diffuser or a hood dryer (time will vary depending on texture, but thick hair usually takes at least 60 to 90 minutes). After your hair is completely dry, unbraid each section and let the styling fun begin. Results will vary depending on texture, but you should have some luscious waves to work with--the possibilities are endless.
The best way to strengthen hair follicles, promote hair growth, and reduce dry skin and dandruff is to increase the blood circulation to your scalp. You can achieve this by massaging your scalp with your fingertips for a few minutes a day. Reach from underneath you hair as if you were washing it, and move your fingers in a circular motion. Apply enough pressure to move the skin surface, and make sure to give attention to every area of the scalp. Incorporating a couple drops of essential oil such as lavender, ylang ylang, and cedarwood will further stimulate your scalp and make your massage more healthful and relaxing.
If you regularly use a lot of styling products such as gel, hairspray, cream, and pomade, remember to rinse your scalp everyday to avoid buildup and clogged pores. Slicking the hair down with heavy gels or applying too much pomade or grease to the scalp are just a couple of examples of how blockage at the mouth of the hair follicle can occur. Blockage can lead to scalp infection, damage and reduced hair growth, so it is important to wash your hair and scalp regularly. Keep your scalp pores clear, and try to use water-soluble styling products whenever possible.