Protective and low manipulation styles like braids are an effective way to give your hair some rest and retain your length. However, in order to reap the benefits, you’ll have to put in work. It is not out of the ordinary for women to complain about extremely dry hair, breakage or thinning when they take their braids out. Keep reading to find out how to prevent the aforementioned from happening to you.
1. Installing Braids
- You should always shampoo, deep condition and moisturize prior to getting braids.
- A protein treatment is recommended especially if you are relaxed.
- Your braids should be secure but not too tight.
- Don’t try to braid every single strand of hair around your edges; they are way too delicate!
2. Caring for Your Hair & Braids
- Moisturize and seal everyday or every other day.
- The more you moisturize and seal, the more buildup will occur. Therefore, it’s best to shampoo weekly or every other week.
- Deep condition after every wash.
- To keep your braids looking fresh, you can always re-braid the first few rows in the front.
3. Taking Braids Out
- Never leave your braids in for too long. Six weeks is the max for me.
- Don’t wait to have all the braids out to begin detangling. Detangling as you go will cut down on more tangles, knots and breakage.
- Never wash your hair after taking out the braids without detangling first.
- Lots of shedding should be expected because you haven’t combed your hair in weeks! Don’t freak out!
[See pg. 2 for shampooing and deep conditioning tips]
Shampooing & Deep Conditioning: I wouldn’t recommend washing your braids while they’re all hanging because wet braids are extremely heavy and can cause breakage at the root.
1. Section your hair into four or more parts, rubber band and loosely braid each section.
2. Secure each section with a duckbill or hair clip to keep it from hanging down.
3. When you’re ready to shampoo, remove the clip and work one section at a time. You can unravel the braid if you want, but a rubber band will hold the section together.
4. Focus shampooing more on your scalp and less on the braids (the lather will trickle down).
5. Use an applicator bottle to get the shampoo between your parts and on your scalp. Diluting your shampoo will allow it to spread easily and prevent it from stripping your hair.
6. Rub your scalp gently with your fingers, not nails!
7. When you’re done with a section, braid it back up if you did unravel it for washing purposes, and secure it with your hair clip.
8. Remember to rinse thoroughly to remove any shampoo residue that might sit and buildup later.
9. One section at a time, towel dry and apply your conditioner generously. This will require you to unravel each section for the time being so you can saturate every braid.
10. With each section saturated and re-secured, place a shower cap on your head and sit under the dryer for 30-45mins. Rinse afterward.
Is there anything you will be doing differently next time you get braids?
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