Let me start by saying this: I love braids. Knotless, box, Fulani, boho, all of it. Braids have been my go-to for years. They’re convenient, beautiful, and give that “who’s your stylist?”  every time. But lately? My scalp and strands have been whispering something different. And I’ve had to listen.

If you’re a 4C girl who’s been in a braid cycle with no breathing room in between, this one’s for you.

@coliz.beauty via Instagram

1. Your Edges Are TIRED

Let’s not lie. 4C hair, especially around the edges, is delicate. The tension from braids, even the so-called “tension-free” ones,  adds up over time. Those sleek parts and constant pull can start thinning out your hairline without you even realising. One day it’s fullness, the next it’s “what happened here?”

If your edges are starting to look patchy or feel sore, your hair is asking for a break.

2. Scalp Health > Aesthetic

When was the last time your actual scalp saw the light of day for more than two days in a row? If you’re always in braids, your scalp rarely gets that deep, nourishing TLC it deserves. 4C hair thrives when your scalp is clean, moisturised, and free. Constant braiding can lead to buildup, flaking, and even inflammation if you’re not careful.

@braidsbossray via Instagram

3. It’s Not Always Protective If It’s Constant

Let’s be honest, braids get marketed as a “protective style,” but they’re only protective if done well and in moderation. Constant tension, weight, and lack of rest can actually do more harm than good. If your hair is breaking at the nape, shedding more than usual, or just feels dry no matter how much you oil your scalp, your “protective” style might be stressing your hair out.

4. Your Natural Hair Needs to Breathe Too

4C hair flourishes when you learn it, feel it, care for it. If you’ve had braids back-to-back for a year, when was the last time you really connected with your texture? Gave it a deep condition? Watched how it responds to different products? Sometimes the best way to grow your hair is by putting your hands in it (gently), understanding it, and giving it the patience it needs.

@miaforhair via instagram

5. There Are Other Low-Manipulation Styles

Taking a break from braids doesn’t mean your hair has to suffer or look blah. Try flat twists, twist-outs, puffs, wigs (with your hair cornrowed loosely underneath), or even a good ol’ satin-lined turban. Your hair can still be cute, stylish, and cared for, without the weight of synthetic hair tugging at your strands for six weeks straight.

This isn’t anti-braids. This is pro-rest. Pro-health. Pro-edge-recovery. As a 4C girl, your hair is beautiful, strong, and full of personality,  but it’s also fragile in its own way. Give it space to breathe, grow, and just be for a while. Your scalp will thank you. Your strands will thank you. And when you do go back to braids, your hair will be in a much better place.