Braids are the perfect hairstyle to switch up your regular ponytail. You can skip a few blows between washes, but braids require the same level of maintenance as non-braided ones.
Simply put, braids are intertwined strands that hold hair together with minimal effort. increase.
Shop TODAY spoke with a natural hair expert for tips and tricks for grooming your frizz.
Longevity | Refueling | Washing | Maintenance Tips | Featured Products |
How long should braids be worn?
Braids with extensions tend to last about 1 to 4 weeks, while braids without extensions tend to last about 1 to 4 weeks, according to hair care expert Tatiana Dudley. “Anything over six weeks is at risk of breakage,” she said.
How often should I oil my braids?
If you want to keep your hair shiny and moisturize your scalp, a little hair oil can add extra moisture to your scalp.
However, you don’t need to oil your hair to maintain a healthy scalp and desired braid style. “There is a big misconception that the scalp needs a lot of oil every day. Too much oil is counterproductive, clogging the hair follicles and causing damage.
Can you wash your hair with braids on?
It all depends on what type of braids or dreadlocks you have.Yasmine Young, hairstylist and owner of Diaspora Salon, recommends three braids as a better option to avoid undoing your hairstyle. It is recommended to shampoo the scalp instead of plaiting.
“Wetting the braids completely or submerging them in water will dry them out badly!” she added. “Another option to shampoo is to use a gel.” [shampoo]Scalp Serum or Dry Shampoo only on the scalp.
If you decide to get your braids wet, Dudley recommends letting them dry “long after shampooing to prevent mold and the odor that comes with it.” “It cuts the drying time in half. It may take several days for the blade to air dry.”
How to make braids last longer?
There are many ways to extend the life of your braid, but the most important thing is to make sure your braid is not too tight.
“Once the braids are in, you don’t have to tug or tug,” said Young.
Many people mistakenly believe that the tighter the braid, the safer it is, but this can harm the health of your strands and the scalp as a whole in the long run.
Here are some other expert-approved tips for keeping your braids looking fresh and moisturized without excess tangles.
- Wrap your braids every night. Dudley suggested wearing a silk scarf or bonnet to prevent frizz.
- Use light oil. “This can be applied several times a week for the duration of the style. Heavy oils can clog hair follicles and cause problems,” Dudley said.
- Use a hydrating spray. Young recommended using a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and keep hair supple.
- Avoid tight braids around the hairline. “This can lead to excessive breakage and pulling of the hair from the follicle,” Dudley added. .”
hair products for braids
Cantu Refresh Root Relief with Apple Cider Vinegar and Peppermint Oil
Extend the life of your braids with this refreshing oil infused with apple cider vinegar and peppermint. It’s also a shampoo alternative and hair hack if you need a quick refresh without soaking your braids.
“This made my scalp look cleaner and helped me keep my braids beautiful longer.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
This BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) penetrates deeper and helps exfoliate the different layers of the scalp. On days when you need to fight flakes, rub the treatment into your scalp for 10 minutes and shampoo as usual.
Invue Curl Restoring Intensive Mask
After a braiding journey, our scalp sometimes needs extra love. The curl-friendly mask is mineral oil-free and prevents dryness thanks to the added cupuaçu seed butter and organic coconut oil. I have dry, curly hair that needs extra help detangling best suited for you.
pattern cleansing shampoo
Tired of dry scalp? This shampoo helps remove oily buildup on the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils. According to the brand, if your hair has low porosity, the shampoo will prepare your curls to receive all the moisture they need. I highly praise it.
DESIGNME Hair Gloss.Me Hydrating Shampoo
Best suited for medium to coarse hair textures, this shampoo contains fortifying ingredients like moringa seed oil and hydrolyzed soy protein. I love the scent (great mix of sandalwood, magnolia and violets) and how it reduces frizz on my hair after use. please.
inner sense refresh dry shampoo
If you’re looking to extend the life of your braids, this dry shampoo from Innersense can help remove buildup and excess oil. Tapioca start and witch hazel pull oil while giving hair body and shine. Shake the bottle to pump the required amount and dry the roots for better results.
Driver Agua Fresca Hydrating Conditioner
After detangling your braids, condition and hydrate your hair. This conditioner is perfect for dry, thirsty hair looking to revive strands thanks to its mixture of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and other antioxidants that promote healthy hair structure.
“The consistency of the conditioner is thick and smooth and really leaves your hair soft after you step out of the shower,” said one reviewer.
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
No matter how much humidity, heat or dryness there is in the air, this hair mask will restore your weak strands. Repairs broken bonds damaged by
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil
This glow-enhancing treatment from Sol de Janeiro is infused with Pataua, Buriti Fruit, and Pequi Oil to combat frizz and repair split ends. According to the brand, the oil controls frizz for up to 72 hours and provides heat protection up to 450 degrees. The scent acts as a vacation-worthy respite.
DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder
Condition and protect your hair with this curly detangler. Wash Day Wonder is formulated with the brand’s Tangle Release Complex to dissolve stiff coils and soften curls.
“It’s an amazingly slippery detangling serum that can be used before shampooing stubborn knots and tangles,” Young added.
Herclinicken hair hydrating cream
The product is designed to hydrate, protect, and reduce breakage while improving hair texture, fullness, shine, and elasticity. , which instantly brings a softer consistency to your strands. It’s also loaded with organic ingredients like sunflower seed oil and argan oil to promote a healthy hair growth journey.
slip pink turban
A turban is a great hack for curly hair, but it’s also a great tool for protecting your braids. A plush head wrap can help you relax while you sleep without overthinking whether your hair is untied. This piece is made from long-staple mulberry silk to keep your morning braids and blowouts fresh.
What’s the best way to untie braids?
Once the braid is worn out, the best way to detangle is to use the tail end of a tail comb to release every other fold in the braid. [an] Effectively frees braids without tangling hair during takedowns. It is suggested to brush thoroughly with a brush.Released.
meet the experts
- Tatiana Dudley I am a hair care specialist and colorist based in Harker Heights, Texas.
- Yasmine Young Owner and founder of Baltimore-based Diaspora Salon, specializing in curly and coily hair types.
