Hey CurlMixers,

This post has been a long time coming.

I get asked all the time why I don’t wear braid extensions. From the outside, it seems like the perfect protective style: low maintenance, long-lasting, and super cute. But the truth is, I haven’t worn braids in nearly eight years and I don’t plan to go back.

Me, 8 years ago. 

And I want to talk about why.

This isn’t about policing how other women wear their hair. It’s about sharing my personal hair journey and what I’ve learned, both as a woman with natural hair and as the co-founder of CurlMix, a brand rooted in healthy hair education and self-love. I believe in making informed choices about our beauty routines, especially when they affect our health. And braid extensions? They come with more risks than most people realize.

Side Note: 2 for $30 Leave-Ins Are Available for a LIMITED TIME!

The Tension Damage is Real

Let’s start with the obvious: the tension. So many of us grew up hearing “beauty is pain,” but now that I’m older, and wiser, I realize that beauty should never hurt. Not our edges. Not our scalps. Not our sense of self.

Over time, tight braids can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by repeated pulling. I’ve seen it in friends, family, and even customers. And once those follicles are damaged? It’s hard, sometimes impossible, to grow that hair back.

As someone who’s deeply invested in hair health (literally), I knew I couldn’t keep putting my scalp under that kind of stress.

Braids Don’t Get Washed Enough And That’s a Problem

One of the main reasons we created liquid shampoo at CurlMix was to support clean scalps without stripping natural hair. But with braids, washing becomes a logistical nightmare. Most people don’t wash their hair while wearing them or they do it so infrequently that buildup, itchiness, and even odor become major issues.

And let’s be real: healthy hair starts with a clean scalp. When I’m rocking my curls, I can wash and care for them consistently. That’s not just a beauty preference, it’s a wellness choice.

The Chemicals Lurking in the Hair

This one might surprise you.

In our Fox After Forty podcast, I interviewed Dr. Kenyatta, a board-certified dermatologist, and she opened my eyes to just how toxic some braid extensions can be. The synthetic hair used in many braided styles is often coated with chemicals like alkaline lye, which can irritate the scalp, cause allergic reactions, and even lead to long-term skin issues.

You can listen to the full conversation here: Episode 29 – Harmful Chemicals in Weave for Braided Hair

Ever wondered why your scalp is burning after getting fresh braids? It’s not just the tightness, it could be the chemicals.

And sure, you can try soaking the hair in apple cider vinegar before use (I did that too!), but I realized: why am I going to this much trouble to wear a style that doesn’t even serve my hair health?

What I’ve Learned from CurlMix University

If you’ve ever taken a class or watched a lesson from CurlMix University, you know we don’t play when it comes to facts. In this video on hair damage, we break down what real damage looks like and how it starts from the root. Literally.

Wearing braids for long stretches without access to moisture, cleansing, or scalp care sets you up for breakage and dryness. The very style that’s supposed to protect your hair can end up destroying it if not done carefully.

My Hair Feels Stronger Without Them

Since stepping away from braid extensions, my hair feels stronger, fuller, and more alive. I get to feel and touch my texture every day. I get to hydrate it with our leave-in conditioner, nourish it with flaxseed gel, and see my growth in real time.

And most importantly, I’ve reconnected with my curls on a deeper level.

They’re not something to hide or tame, they’re something to celebrate.

Am I saying you should never get braids again? No. But I am saying: ask the hard questions. Look at the risks. Listen to your scalp. And don’t be afraid to change course, even if everyone around you is doing something different.

Your hair, your health, your rules.

Side Note: 2 for $30 Leave-Ins Are Available for a LIMITED TIME!

My hair today! 

With love & flaxseed gel,
Kim Lewis
Co-Founder of CurlMix