An Overlooked Precaution Tourists Should Take Before Getting Hair Braids On A Beach Vacation

Beach vacations are soothing with laid back vibes, the sun, the sand, and the endless opportunities to flaunt beach fashion that always has a way of making one look and feel their coolest. You will likely see wandering vendors offering to braid people's hair on the beaches across the Caribbean and Africa, and the trend has now extended to Mexico, Central America, and Europe as well.

Before you follow the trend, keep in mind that those tight braids leave your scalp exposed. This puts a part of your skin that is usually protected by your hair into direct contact with the strong sun rays, dramatically increasing your risk of getting a sunburn. Not only will it hurt, but the peeling will look like awful dandruff by the time you get home. That's why it is important to remember to use sunscreen on your scalp if you decide to get braids. You can also wear simple accessories such as hats or thick headbands to protect your head from the sun and still look your finest. A scarf is Samantha Brown's go-to accessory for enhancing your outfit and protecting your hair. There are some other things to consider beyond a sunburn before you decide whether to braid your hair during your beach vacation.

Another concern to be aware of is that tight braiding can sometimes cause hair loss as a result of extreme stress on the follicles. This condition is known traction alopecia, but is typically only problematic if you get tight braids (or if you wear your hair in a tight bun or ponytail) frequently. Saltwater combined with exposure to the sun can make hair more fragile which can lead to breakage, frizz, and split ends, but it's highly unlikely that you'll lose dramatic patches of hair if you test out this style occasionally. There's also a small risk of contracting a scalp infection if dirty combs or other hair tools are used, as it can be challenging to keep equipment and your scalp clean in a beach environment.  

You can prepare your hair in advance by washing and conditioning it thoroughly before you visit the beach and avoid saltwater exposure before braiding to prevent weakening the strands. Don't forget to ask for looser or thicker braids to prevent scalp irritation and potential hair loss. There are also several things you can do to keep your hair looking nice post-braiding, such as using dry shampoo or washing gently with diluted shampoo to keep your scalp clean without messing up your braids. Here are some tips for keeping your hair looking beautiful while traveling. When choosing to wear your natural hair, be sure to use protective hair serums or creams that will prevent damage to your hair as a result of seawater or the sun.