How to Grow Edges and Keep Them Healthy While Wearing Braids

If your edges have been looking a little sparse after your last protective style, you’re not alone. The hairline is the most fragile area on your head—those fine, baby hairs are smaller in diameter, have fewer cuticle layers, and are more prone to breakage. Combine that with tension from braids, twists, or weaves, and it’s easy for your edges to thin out.

But here’s the truth: You don’t have to sacrifice healthy edges for beautiful protective styles. With the right techniques, products, and habits, you can protect your hairline, encourage regrowth, and still enjoy your favorite looks.

Here’s your ultimate, step-by-step guide to keeping your edges flourishing.

Why Do Edges Thin in the First Place?

 

Before we talk about growth, let’s understand why edges struggle:

 

• Tension & Weight: Tight braiding, especially near the hairline, can cause traction alopecia—a type of hair loss from repeated tension. The constant pulling weakens follicles and may even cause permanent damage if styles are consistently worn too tight.

• Dryness: Edge hairs are naturally finer and more fragile than the rest of your strands, making them prone to breakage when dry. Without regular moisturizing and sealing, they can become brittle, split, and snap off easily.
  

• Neglect: When cleansing or conditioning, many people unintentionally skip the hairline. Product buildup, sweat, and dirt can clog follicles around the edges, slowing growth and causing irritation.

• Breakage from Friction: Cotton pillowcases, scarves, and hats can cause friction that rubs away delicate hairs. Over time, this leads to thinning and breakage—especially if you’re not protecting your hair with a satin or silk barrier.

• Overstyling & Frequent Brushing: Constant brushing, slicking, and edge laying with gels or hard-hold products can stress fragile hairs. The combination of mechanical tension and product buildup can lead to gradual thinning.

• Hormonal & Health Factors: Postpartum shedding, thyroid issues, or nutrient deficiencies (like iron, vitamin D, or protein) can affect hair growth cycles, making edges more vulnerable to thinning.
  

• Chemical Overprocessing: Relaxers, bleach, or frequent heat styling around the hairline can weaken the hair shaft and damage follicles, resulting in long-term thinning.

When you know the causes, it’s easier to prevent them.

 

Step 1: Choose Protective Styles That Actually Protect

 

Not all protective styles are created equal. If your braids are too heavy or your weave is sewn too tightly, your edges take the hit.

Gentle style tips:

• Ask for looser tension: Especially around the hairline. The braid should move when you gently tug it.
  

• Go for knotless braids: They’re lighter and put less strain on edges.
  

• Use smaller sections: Thick extensions in tiny sections can be heavy on your follicles.

Step 2: Keep Your Scalp Clean and Healthy

 

 

A healthy scalp = a healthy foundation for growth. Dirt, sweat, and product buildup can clog follicles, slowing growth and even causing irritation.

That’s why GIRL+HAIR CLEANSE+ Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a braid-wearer’s best friend. Its applicator tip makes it easy to get the product exactly where you need it—on your scalp—without disturbing your style.

Why it works:

• Tea tree oil balances scalp oil production and reduces itchiness.

• Gentle cleansing agents remove buildup without stripping natural oils.
  
  

How to use on braids:

1. Apply CLEANSE+ Sulfate-free shampoo using the convenient applicator tip.

2. Target your hairline and scalp, parting your braids in sections.
   

3. Massage with your fingertips to loosen buildup.

4. Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
   

 

Step 3: Stimulate Growth with Nourishing Oils

 

Your edges need targeted care to regrow. Oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins help strengthen hair, while scalp massages increase blood circulation to the follicles.

Best oils for edges:

• Rosemary oil: Promotes circulation and stimulates dormant follicles.

• Castor oil: Packed with ricinoleic acid, it strengthens and thickens strands.
  

• Peppermint oil: Invigorates the scalp and may encourage faster growth.

 

Try RESTORE+ Nourishing Hair Balm, which is a blend of castor, sunflower, abyssinian, neem, tea tree, pimento, grape seed, coconut and olive oil that protects and softens the natural hair cuticles while supporting hair growth.

Massage routine:

• Apply a few drops directly on your scalp using the convenient applicator tip. 

• Gently massage in circular motions for 3–5 minutes.
  

• Repeat 3–4 times a week, ideally at night.

 

Step 4: Hydrate Your Edges—Always

 

Moisture is the secret weapon against breakage. Dry hair snaps easily, especially at the fragile hairline.

Why GIRL+HAIR NOURISH+ Leave-In Conditioner works:

• Shea butter deeply nourishes strands.

• Castor oil protects and softens the natural hair cuticles while supporting hair growth.
  

• Lightweight formula won’t cause buildup around your edges.
  
  

Edge hydration tip: Lightly mist your hairline every 2–3 days, then seal in moisture with a light oil.

Step 5: Protect at Night Like It’s a Ritual

 

Your pillowcase might be undoing all your hard work. Cotton draws moisture from your hair and creates friction that can break strands.

Nighttime protection tips:

• Wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet every night.
  

• Use a satin pillowcase as backup.
  

• Make sure your wrap isn’t too tight—remember, less tension!

 

Step 6: Give Your Hairline Recovery Time

 

Constant styling with no breaks can cause long-term thinning. Your edges need rest periods to repair and regrow.

Between styles:

• Leave your hair out for 1–2 weeks.
  

• Do deep conditioning treatments.
  

• Continue oil massages to keep follicles stimulated.

 

Insider Tips from the Curly-Haired Girls

 

Because sometimes, the best advice comes from women who’ve lived through every braid install, twist-out, and edge regrowth journey. These tips are straight from the natural hair community—tested, trusted, and worth adding to your routine.

 

1. Prep Before You Install

Don’t install braids, twists, or a weave over dry or fragile hair. A week before your appointment, do a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and elasticity, then follow up with a light protein treatment to strengthen strands. This prep step gives your hairline a solid foundation so it can better handle the tension from a protective style.

 

2. Baby Your Baby Hairs

Your edges are the most delicate strands on your head—treat them like fine silk. Use your ring finger to apply moisturizers or oils to your hairline so you naturally apply less pressure. Even when brushing or slicking your edges, choose a soft-bristle brush and keep movements gentle to avoid unnecessary breakage.

 

3. Don’t Skip Scalp Days

Even with braids in, your scalp needs regular care. Aim to cleanse every 10–14 days with a targeted shampoo like GIRL+HAIR CLEANSE+, using the applicator tip to reach your scalp without disturbing your style. This prevents buildup, keeps follicles clear, and supports healthy growth.

 

4. Edge Gel in Moderation

A sleek look is tempting, but daily use of strong-hold gels—especially those with alcohol—can dry out edges and lead to breakage. Save them for special occasions or switch to lightweight, moisturizing gels that won’t compromise your hairline’s health.

 

5. The Satin Double-Up

Many curly-haired women swear by using both a satin bonnet and a satin pillowcase. If your bonnet slips off while you sleep, the pillowcase ensures your hairline still has a friction-free surface to rest on. This extra layer of protection also helps preserve moisture overnight.

 

6. Rotate Your Styles

Avoid back-to-back styles that pull in the same direction. For example, if you’ve just had braids that pull back from the front, try twists or a style with a looser pattern next time. Switching things up reduces repeated tension on the same spots along your hairline.

 

7. Protective Styles Aren’t Forever

Protective styles are meant to protect—not stress—your hairline. Many seasoned naturals keep their braids or twists for no more than six weeks. After that, the weight, tension, and buildup can start causing more harm than good.

 

8. Make Scalp Massages a Ritual

Consistent scalp massages with oils like rosemary, castor, or peppermint are a game-changer. Not only do they improve circulation to your follicles, but they also help deliver nutrients directly where your hair needs it most. Plus, they’re a relaxing way to wind down at night.

 

Key Takeaways

• Gentle styles are essential—your edges should never feel sore after braiding.
  

• A clean, nourished scalp supports healthy regrowth—CLEANSE+ makes it easy to wash under protective styles.
  

• Hydration + oils keep fragile hairs strong.
  

• Break periods let your edges recover between styles.
  

• Curly-girl-approved hacks like satin layering, style rotation, and gentle application make a real difference.

Your edges are worth the care. With consistency, patience, and the right products, you can keep them healthy—even while enjoying braids, twists, or weaves.

👉 Shop GIRL+HAIR CLEANSE+ for your next wash day and start your journey to stronger, fuller edges today.