Whether you’ve recently gotten your hair styled in beautiful, intricate braids or you’re considering it as a new look, we’re here to give you valuable tips and insights on how to keep your braids looking fabulous for longer.
Braids not only offer a stunning aesthetic but also serve as a protective style for your natural hair. However, it’s important to remember that proper care and attention are key to preserving both the integrity of your braids and the health of your underlying hair. In this blog, we’ll explore various techniques, products, and essential practices to ensure your African braids stay on point and your hair remains healthy and nourished. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to maintaining your braids like a pro!
1. Maintain a healthy, moisturised scalp
Taking care of your scalp is one of the most important part of maintaining your braids. Washing your scalp at least once a week is necessary to ensure it’s clean. To get rid of any buildup or grime, you might use a mild shampoo and concentrate on massaging your scalp. Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing to hydrate your scalp and stop it from becoming dry and itchy.
Image link – https://pin.it/1toEiFo
2. Keep your braids safe while you sleep
Your braids and hair may become tangled, frizzy, and lose their shape while you sleep. Before going to bed, cover your hair with a satin, silk, scarf or bonnet to prevent this. By doing so, you’re avoiding damage to your braids and making sure they are retaining all the necessary moisture. To reduce friction and preserve the integrity of your braids, you can also consider sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase.
Image: Link
3. Protect them from over-styling
While it may be tempting to try out new looks, over-styling your braids can result in breakage and damage. Do not pull, twist, tug on and apply too much heat on your braids, as this can damage the roots and result in breakage. Another tip is to use moderate style methods and stay away from bulky hair accessories that could damage your hair.
4. Regularly hydrate your braids
Braids are susceptible to drying out over time, particularly in the winter. Apply a mild oil or leave-in conditioner to your scalp and hair every few days to maintain moisturised hair and braids. To keep your braids moisturised and looking good, sprinkle them with water or leave-in conditioner with a spray bottle and you’re ready to look and feel fresh as ever!
5. Protect your braids when swimming
Image link – https://pin.it/1UXTDjU
It’s crucial to guard your braids against chlorine and seawater if you intend to swim with them. Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to your braids before swimming to provide a barrier of protection. To reduce exposure to the water, you can also put on a swim cap or wrap your braids in a bun or twist for further protection.
6. Maintain your edges
Your edges are the most delicate section and need extra care and consideration when wearing braids. Use a mild oil or edge control gel to smoothen and protect your edges from damage. Avoid twisting or braiding your edges too tightly, since this can contribute to hair loss or thinning.
Image link – https://pin.it/3VcRl1D
7. Plan frequent touch-ups
Image link – https://pin.it/6PsOVVI
Every four to six weeks, you might want to plan routine touch-ups with a professional to keep your braids looking salon-fresh. This involves removing any loose or frizzy hair, mending any broken or damaged braids, and rejuvenating the style to keep it appearing neat and well-maintained.i
In conclusion, preserving and maintaining your One Million Braids takes correct care and attention. You can keep your braids looking salon-fresh and lovely by keeping your scalp clean and moisturised, protecting your braids while sleeping, avoiding over-styling, protecting your braids when swimming, keeping your braids hydrated, maintaining your edges, and setting up routine touch-ups.
Following these tips will ensure your braids remain healthy, protected, and gorgeous, all at the same time!