5 Easy Ways to relieve Pain from hair braiding

Majority of hair braiders experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders? As a mobile hair braider, you should certainly’ve felt the strain that comes with your craft. But here’s the good news: with the right exercises to relieve Pain from hair braiding, you can transform your braiding experience from painful to powerful. Whether you’re braiding in home’s or on-the-go, this guide is your ticket to a healthier, more pain free career. Ready to relieve Pain from hair braiding? Let’s start!

1. The Neck and Shoulder Powerhouse

As hair braiders, our necks and shoulders bear the brunt of our work. Hours of looking down can leave us feeling like we’ve got the weight of the world on our shoulders. But fear not! These exercises will have you feeling light and limber in no time.

Neck Rolls

Start by gently rolling your head in a circular motion. Imagine you’re drawing a halo with your nose. Do this 5 times clockwise, then 5 times counterclockwise. This simple move can release tension you didn’t even know you had!

Shoulder Shrugs

Raise your shoulders towards your ears, hold for 3 seconds, then let them drop. Repeat this 10 times. It’s like giving your shoulders a mini-massage!

Arm Circles

Stand with your arms outstretched to the sides. Make small circles with your arms, gradually increasing the size. Do 10 forward circles, then 10 backward. This exercise is great for improving circulation and reducing stiffness.

2. Wrist and Hand Wonders

Our hands are our money-makers, so we need to treat them right. These exercises will keep your wrists and hands flexible and strong, ready to create those intricate braids your clients love.

Wrist Flexor Stretch

Extend one arm in front of you, palm up. Use your other hand to gently pull the fingers back towards your body. Hold for 15–20 seconds, then switch hands. This stretch can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a common issue for us braiders.

Finger Fan

Spread your fingers as wide as you can, hold for 5 seconds, then make a fist. Repeat this 10 times with each hand. It’s like a fan dance for your fingers!

Thumb Touches

Touch your thumb to each fingertip, one at a time. Do this 5 times with each hand. It’s a simple exercise, but it can work wonders for your dexterity.

3. Back and Core Strength: Your Braiding Foundation

A strong back and core are crucial for maintaining good posture during those long braiding sessions. These exercises will help you stand tall, braid strong, and Relieve Pain from hair braiding.

Cat-Cow Stretch

On all fours, arch your back-up like a cat, then dip it down like a cow. Repeat this 10 times. It’s a great way to improve spine flexibility and relieve lower back pain.

Plank Hold

Hold a plank position for 30 seconds (or as long as you can). This exercise strengthens your entire core, which is essential for maintaining good posture while braiding.

Bird Dog

On all fours, extend your right arm forward and left leg back. Hold for 5 seconds, then switch sides. Repeat 10 times on each side. This exercise improves balance and strengthens your back muscles.

4. Leg and Foot Care: The Unsung Heroes

We often forget about our lower body, but as mobile hair braiders, our legs and feet need love too! These exercises will keep you light on your feet and ready to tackle any braiding job.

Calf Raises

Stand on the edge of a step, letting your heels hang off. Raise up onto your toes, hold for 3 seconds, then lower. Repeat 15 times. This exercise strengthens your calves and improves balance.

Ankle Alphabet:

Sit in a chair and “write” the alphabet with your foot, moving only your ankle. Do this with both feet. It’s a fun way to improve ankle mobility and prevent stiffness.

Toe Yoga:

While sitting, try to lift each toe individually. It’s harder than it sounds! This exercise improves foot dexterity and can help prevent foot pain.

5. Eye Care: The Secret Weapon

Our eyes work overtime when we’re braiding. These exercises will help reduce eye strain and keep your vision sharp. Relieve Pain from hair braiding is the whole body, including your sight.

20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a simple rule that can significantly reduce eye strain.

Palm Cupping

Rub your palms together to generate heat, then gently cup them over your closed eyes for 30 seconds. The warmth and darkness can be incredibly soothing for tired eyes.

Eye Rolling

Without moving your head, slowly roll your eyes in a circular motion 5 times clockwise, then 5 times counterclockwise. It’s like a mini-massage for your eye muscles!

6. Mindful Breathing: Your Secret Stress-Buster

Braiding can be stressful, especially when dealing with demanding clients or tight schedules. These breathing exercises will help you stay calm and focused and Relieve Pain from hair braiding

Box Breathing

Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts. Repeat this cycle 4 times. It’s a powerful technique used by Navy SEALs to stay calm under pressure!

Breath of Fire

Take quick, forceful breaths through your nose, focusing on the exhalation. Do this for 30 seconds. It’s an energizing breath that can help you power through long braiding sessions.

Pro Tips

1. Create a routine: Incorporate these exercises into your daily schedule. Even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference!
2. Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. Hydration is key for muscle health and overall well-being.
3. Invest in ergonomic tools: Use comfortable chairs and well-designed braiding tools. Your body will thank you in the long run.
4. Take regular breaks: Set a timer to remind you to stretch every 30–60 minutes. Your clients won’t mind if you explain it’s for their benefit too!
5. Listen to your body: If something hurts, stop and reassess. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong.

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Relieve Pain from hair braiding has never been so easy!

As hair stylist, our bodies are our most valuable tools. By incorporating these exercises into our daily routines, we can ensure a long, healthy, and prosperous career. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your clients too. A healthy, pain-free worker creates better braids!

So, are you ready to transform your braiding experience? Start with just one exercise today to Relieve Pain from hair braiding, and gradually add more to your routine. Your body (and your bank account) will thank you!

Loved these tips? Want more insider tricks to boost your braiding business? Subscribe to our email list for weekly updates, exclusive content, and special offers. And don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your favourite exercise or any tips you have for fellow hair artists.