Hair weaves and exotic braiding have seen a dramatic increase in popularity recently. Given the increase in popularity it’s surprising the practice is completely unregulated statewide. While the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology will test and regulate Barbers and Cosmetologists they steer clear of braiding and weaving and still no license or actual training is required to perform this service.
On the surface this may not seem like a big deal until you become aware of what can happen when it’s done wrong. Often the philosophy of the stylist is “The tighter the braid the better the weave” or “If it ain’t tight it ain’t right”. Since Weaving and Braiding isn’t taught in schools and is learned from friends, family and others actively doing weaves and braiding this is often where the problem starts. Since no license is required no standards exist.
When braids are done excessively tight the tension on the hair follicle causes pain and will stress the follicle beyond its tolerance and it may die. The result is thinning hair, permanent hair loss, scaring and all this often leads to a receding hair line called “Traction Alopecia” which is a medical term for hair loss. This will occur over time and is an irreversible consequence of a braid that’s too tight. Migraine headaches, muscle damage and even more serious injuries such as pressure necrosis of the scalp have been documented.
Most people who install weaves or do braiding learned from family member or a friend and may be completely unaware of the potential negative results they can cause or what to do about it. Due to the embarrassing nature of this injury it often goes unreported. Recently there have been studies in medical journals (Johns Hopkins Study 2016 Published in Science Daily) documenting these problems. We recently concluded a case for a young lady who experienced pressure necrosis from an overly tight weave and this injury changed her life. Weaves or braids should not be painful… Pain is the best indication that something is wrong and you need to take immediate action. Demanding the stylist loosen the braids immediately may help you avoid a permanent injury.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when they refuse to follow the law. We help with serious issues that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth. We have over 80 years of experience in our plaintiff’s only law firm. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We Can Help!
