Braids can be an excellent protective style for your natural hair. However, to ensure that your braids remain healthy and effective in protecting your hair, it is crucial to maintain them correctly. Here are some top tips to help you care for your braids and keep them looking their best.
- Keep Your Braids Moisturized During the time you have your braids, it’s essential to keep them moisturized and healthy. Use a hydrating hair spray like Sheen and apply it generously to your braids. This will instantly refresh your braids’ appearance and moisturize your hair simultaneously.
- Don’t Neglect Wash Day Washing your braids is crucial, especially if you have long braids. However, washing your braids can be cumbersome and challenging, as the braids may not dry properly, leading to mold and fungi growth. You can follow the video above to clean your scalp every 7-10 days. Once you remove your braids, you can give your hair and scalp a thorough cleanse.
- Avoid Over Styling Styling your braids differently can cause them to come undone quickly, leading to tension that can affect your natural hair, causing shedding and hair loss. Keep your styles simple and varied, if possible, and avoid excessive pulling of your braids.
- Protect Your Braids While Sleeping Before going to bed, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or use a satin bonnet to reduce friction while you sleep. This helps preserve your braids and combat frizz. You can also use a silk pillowcase to achieve the same results.
- Know When It’s Time to Take Them Out Braids are not meant to last forever. Although these tips can help you preserve your braids, after approximately six weeks, it’s time to remove them and give your hair a break from the weight.
Following these expert tips can help you maintain your braids effectively and keep them looking fabulous for as long as possible. Remember to let your hair breathe for a few weeks after taking out your braids to allow your hair to recover fully.
