Braids and plaits can be done in small or large sections and styled in various ways like braids, French plaits, corn rows, twists, and fish tail braids. Traction alopecia, a common cause of hair loss in African American women, can result from hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly like ponytails. To prevent traction alopecia, hairstyles should be worn loosely and taken down at night, coated rubber bands should be used, and the location of ponytails should be alternated.

1. Braids & plaits

2. • Plaiting can be done in
small or large sections.
• It can be a head-hugging
plait called a braid or
French plait.
• Can be made to look
elegant or trendy.
• Easily adapted to suit the
individual needs of the
client.
• The hair can be wet or
dry.

3. Corn Rows

4. Two Strand twist

6. Fish tail Braids

7. French Braid

10. Braids

11. • Traction Alopecia is one
of the most common
causes of hair loss in
African American
women

12. Traction Alopecia
• Do not pull your hair too
tight when you wear your
hair in pony tail.
• Always wear loose braids,
buns and ponytails and
take them down regularly
at night.
• Use coated rubber bands
because the produce less
friction and when hair is
pulled these slip down.

13. • Alternate the location of
your ponytail, or the way
you put your hair, so that
you do not always pull
the same hair, giving your
hair some rest to regain
its strength.
• A head band is better at
holding back your hair
because it puts very little
pulling force. You can also
get a headband that looks
like your own hair color.