Essential Maintenance Tips To Protect Your Braids Hairstyles

Braided hairstyles like box braids, knotless braids, goddess braids, cornrows, fulani braids, and boho braids are popular choices for protecting natural hair and adding versatility to one’s look. However, to maintain healthy braids and prevent excessive hair shedding, thinning, breakage, or permanent damage, proper care is crucial.

Avoiding over-styling that puts pressure on the roots and edges, and timely takedown after 5-6 weeks, are essential for preserving the quality and longevity of braided styles.

Preparation Before Braiding

Cleansing and Conditioning

1. Thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp using a clarifying shampoo to remove dirt, buildup, and product residue. This step is crucial for creating a clean foundation for the braids.
2. After shampooing, condition the hair with a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioning treatment. This helps to hydrate the strands, prevent dryness, and reduce the risk of breakage during the braiding process.
3. For added moisture and protection, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the hair and scalp. Oils like sunflower, avocado, and black castor oil are recommended for their nourishing properties.

Detangling and Stretching

1. Detangle the hair thoroughly from ends to roots using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. This step is essential to prevent knots and tangles during the braiding process.
2. Stretch the hair by blow-drying it in sections or using the tension method. This step helps to elongate the hair strands, making the braiding process smoother and reducing the risk of breakage.
3. If using synthetic hair extensions, wash and blow-dry the extensions before installation to remove any allergens or residues.

Sectioning and Preparation

1. Divide the natural hair into four box-shaped sections using a wide-tooth comb. This step helps to organize the hair and make the braiding process more manageable.
2. If braiding the natural hair, part the hair into smaller sections before braiding. This step also helps to ensure that the braids are neat and organized.
3. If adding synthetic hair extensions, gather the necessary number of packs (typically 6-8 packs for long, thick box braids).

Remember, proper preparation is key to ensuring that your braids are installed correctly and last as long as possible without causing excessive stress or damage to your natural hair.

Identifying a Quality Braid Job

Recognizing Signs of Proper Braid Installation

1. Tension: Well-installed braids should feel snug but not excessively tight. Request that the braider leave some flexibility at the roots to prevent traction alopecia and hair loss over time.
2. Parting and Sectioning: Examine the parting and sectioning of the braids. Neat, even parts and sections indicate a skilled braider’s attention to detail.
3. Braid Patterns: Observe the braid patterns for consistency and uniformity. Irregular patterns or loose, unraveling braids may signify inexperience or rushed work.

Evaluating the Braider’s Expertise

There are two main ways for you to evaluate the braider’s expertise, one is based on the previous work, technique.

Previous work: Now based on previous work, an experienced braider should be anle to provide examples of neat, long-lasting braid styles.

Based on technique: A professional braider should be adept at parting, sectioning, and maintaining even tension while an Inexperienced braider may braid too tightly or struggle with sectioning.

While friends or relatives may offer affordable braid services, investing in a skilled professional braider can ensure a quality installation and prevent long-term hair damage.

Styling and Maintaining Braids

Once your braids are installed correctly, you can experiment with various styling options. Updos, ponytails, or braiding the braids themselves can add texture and versatility to your look. However, avoid excessive pulling or styling that puts strain on the roots and edges.

Scalp and Braid Care Routine

Cleansing and Hydrating

1. Shampoo the braids every 2-3 weeks using a clarifying shampoo like Lush hair neutralising shampoo. Be gentle to avoid disrupting the braids.
2. After shampooing, use a deep conditioner to replenish moisture.
3. Spray the style daily with a refreshing spray to keep hair hydrated.

Scalp Care

1. Avoid scratching the scalp, as it can cause hair loss and inflammation. Instead, use oils with antiseptic properties like peppermint, tea tree, and vitamin E to soothe the scalp.
2. Moisturize your scalp.
3. Protect your scalp from sun exposure by covering it with a scarf or hat when spending long periods outdoors.

Maintenance and Removal

1. Try not to wear braids/twists for longer than 2 months, and detangle carefully when removing the style to avoid breakage. Use a detangling spray like to ease the process 
2. Wait a few days before reinstalling a new protective style to allow the scalp to rest. Apply a protein treatment once a month to maintain hair elasticity and strength after protective styling.
3. Wrap your hair at night using a silk bonnet or scarf, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent dryness, breakage, and frizz. Style hair in low-manipulation styles like plaits, twists, or pigtails to let it rest and recover after taking out braids.

Takedown and Post-Braid Care

Braid Removal Process

1. Timing: Remove braids after a maximum of 8 weeks to prevent excessive tension and damage to your natural hair.
2. Detangling: When taking down braids, use your fingers to gently detangle your hair. Avoid using a brush, as it can cause unnecessary breakage and tangling.
3. Cleansing: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup and residue from the scalp after braid removal.

Post-Braid Hair Care

1. Deep Conditioning: After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning treatment and allow it to penetrate for 20-30 minutes. This step helps restore moisture and strengthen the hair after protective styling.
2. Trimming: Trim any damaged or split ends to promote healthy hair growth and prevent further breakage..
3. Resting Period: Leave your hair alone for at least 2 weeks before reinstalling a new protective style. This resting period allows your hair and scalp to recover from the tension of braiding.

FAQs

1. How can I safeguard my braids from damage and frizz?
To protect your braids and minimize frizz, consider wearing a silk scarf or bonnet while sleeping. If you find it uncomfortable to wrap your head, opt for a silk pillowcase instead. Additionally, applying a light oil a few times per week throughout the duration of your hairstyle can be beneficial.

2. What techniques can help extend the life of my braids?
To ensure your braids last longer, it’s advisable to gently wash them every two weeks. If you prefer not to fully immerse your braids in water, consider using a root rinse or treatment to cleanse your scalp. Alternatively, dry shampoo or a damp washcloth with warm water and shampoo can be used to clean your hair without soaking it.

3. What should I do to prepare my hair for braiding?
Before getting braids, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean your hair and scalp. Use a clarifying shampoo to eliminate all dirt and buildup. Clean hair not only supports the longevity of your braids but also ensures they look fresh and neat.