Welcome back to Behind the Chair — the ratchet, real, and raw podcast where two Atlanta stylists keep it all the way 100 about Black hair.

I’m Denise — 16 years behind the chair.

I’m Jada — 7 years in. I do natural hair and locs, that’s it. No wigs, no weave, no lace. Just what grow from your scalp.

This week: Protective styles that ain’t protecting. Braids, twists, knotless, faux locs, crochet — they’re supposed to give your hair a break. But if your edges gone, your scalp bald, and your ends burnt off? That style ain’t protecting nothing.

We’re breaking down:

• Tension = hair loss — if it hurts, it’s too tight. Pain means your hair is getting pulled out the root.

• Too long is wrong — 6-8 weeks max. After that it’s neglect, not protection.

• Dirty hair don’t grow — you still gotta wash your scalp in braids. Every 2 weeks.

• The take down — this is where most damage happens. Stop ripping. Use your fingers FIRST to break up buildup, then a wide tooth comb. Then shampoo THREE times.

• Boiling water is cooking your ends — 212°F is hot enough to crack the outside layer of your hair, make it dry, and cause it to split. Keep YOUR hair out the hot water. It don’t need to be “sealed.”

• Locs + braids = danger — adding braiding hair on top of locs doubles the weight and pulls your roots thin. It traps dirt and causes breakage. You can be versatile with locs, but skip the styles braiders push just ‘cause it’s pretty. They got paid. You got thin locs.

The science, simple: Your hair grows from a hole in your scalp. Pull it too much, too long, and that hole gives up. Once it scars, the hair ain’t coming back. That’s traction alopecia. And heat breaks down the protein in your hair — that’s why boiling water makes ends snap.

Product of the Week: KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Glossifier for your scalp in braids, and Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In for take downs.

Behind the Chair: Protect your crown. Pour up, press play, and don’t touch your roots till we talk.

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