In the context of hair care, what does ‘tension’ refer to?

The concept of ‘tension’ in hair care specifically refers to the amount of pressure applied to the hair during styling, particularly during techniques such as braiding or weaving. Proper tension is crucial for achieving a neat and secure hairstyle while also ensuring the safety and health of the natural hair. Too much tension can lead to traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by excessive pulling on the hair follicles, while too little tension may result in braids or weaves that do not hold properly.

The other choices, while related to hair styling, do not accurately describe the term 'tension.' For instance, the style of braid being used pertains more to technique and aesthetics rather than the pressure applied to the hair. Similarly, the total weight of hair extensions is important for understanding how they may affect the hair’s health, but it does not define 'tension.' Lastly, the type of products used during styling is relevant to maintaining the hair’s condition and managing frizz or hold, but again, does not relate to the definition of 'tension' in hair styling practices. Understanding tension helps hairstylists maintain the integrity of the hair while achieving the desired styles.