In reality, braiding structurally strengthens the hair by immobilizing strands within the weave. This reduces the hair’s day-to-day contact with fabrics, people, and objects that can lead to frictional hair breakage. For example, hair that has been braided is less likely to fracture when tossing and turning in bed, and is combed or brushed less often, which can reduce hair breakage due to grooming and detangling.