This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
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Not only are braids a good look for many individuals, but they can also help grow your hair without it being too affected by the weather. However, when improperly taken care of, braids can become a styling nightmare. Here are some tips on how to care for your braids in order to enjoy their full range of benefits.
Steps
Properly Washing Braids
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1Apply a generous amount of shampoo onto the scalp. Cover your nape and hairline. Gently massage every inch of the scalp, paying close attention to itchy areas.
- Before applying the shampoo, rub it between your hands to activate the suds. This will make it easier to apply to your scalp.
- If desired, use a basic (or fancy) spray bottle to dilute the shampoo and allow for easier application. In addition to water and shampoo, moisturizer can be added to the bottle if needed.
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2Rinse hair thoroughly while leaning over the tub. Let the lather run over the braids.
- Try not to rub the braids too much, as this can cause frizzing. Instead, focus on massaging the scalp.
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3Repeat the shampooing process. Only this time, after massaging the scalp to rinse it, squeeze the braids to remove deeply-embedded dirt. Rinse once more, gently squeezing the braids to remove excess water.
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4Apply conditioner. Use fingers to work conditioner into the braids. Don't rub or shift your braids. Instead, gently press down on your braids, pushing the conditioner into them. Then, cover your braids with a shower cap. Let the conditioner sit for about 15 minutes before removing the shower cap and rinsing thoroughly.
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5Dry braids by wrapping them in a large towel. Make sure all of the braids are tucked in, and leave the towel on for ten minutes. After ten minutes, remove the towel and let your hair air dry before applying moisturizer.
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6Choose the right shampoo and conditioner. While any shampoo or conditioner will work, it is better to use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, especially if your scalp is dry and itchy. Some products such as Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo and Giovanni Tea Triple Treat shampoo are made specifically for dry scalps and thick hair.[1]
Taking Care of Braids Before and In-between Washes
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1Before braiding your hair, give it an oil treatment. It is generally a bad idea to braid hair that is brittle, weak, and overworked. An oil treatment (preferably one with Vitamin E) can help renew hair health and make the braiding process much easier.[2]
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2Braid hair correctly. This will not only make it more manageable but will also produce healthier hair one the braids are removed. Here are some tips on how to braid hair correctly.
- Make sure your braids are parted neatly.
- Use even, gentle tension so that you aren't pulling too hard on the scalp.
- Do not make braids too tight.
- Leave braids in for two months at most.
- Re-braid your hair when you see noticeable growth.
- Choose a style of braid that will not be too hard on your hair and scalp.
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3Wash your braids every two weeks. This will help you keep your hair clean without exposing it to too many hair products. If you have an oily scalp or are experiencing any product build-up, you may need to wash your braids more often than this.
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4In between washes, moisturize the scalp with a light oil product. Recommended products include Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Mist or Shea Radiance Moisture Milk, or simpler products such as coconut oil, Shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil.[3]
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5Wear a head scarf while sleeping. This will help prevent braids from becoming tangled and gathering lint. Use a satin or silk scarf as opposed to a cotton scarf that will absorb a large portion of the moisturizer.[4]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow long should I keep my braids in for my hair to grow?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou should redo the braids every four to six weeks, but you can keep wearing braids for as long as you like.
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QuestionHow soon can your hair be washed after braiding?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistThere is no specific waiting time because braiding is not a chemical treatment. However, your braids will last longer if you wash them less frequently. Washing 1-2 times a week is usually best.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan I use dry shampoo and leave in conditioner?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, you can use these products on your braids. However, they should only be used to supplement your regular washings with standard shampoo and conditioner.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
References
- ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Natural Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
- ↑ http://www.bellanaija.com/2009/09/02/take-care-of-your-braids/
- ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Natural Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
- ↑ http://www.kisforkinky.com/quick-tips-on-how-to-wash-and-take-care-of-your-braid-or-twist-extensions/
About This Article
To wash your braids, start by applying a large amount of moisturizing shampoo to your scalp, including your nape and hairline. Then, rinse your hair thoroughly by leaning over the tub and allowing the water to run through it. Repeat the shampooing process, but after you have massaged it into your scalp, focus on squeezing your braids to remove dirt and excess water. Finish by applying conditioner to your braids, putting on a shower cap for 15 minutes, and rinsing your hair. For tips on how to look after your hair before you braid it and how to braid hair correctly, read on!
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