Everyone knows that summer is the prime time to put your hair in a protective style. Maybe you need a break from wash-day or you just want to try something new.
As great as braids can be, there comes a point where they start to look a little old, but who wants to take them out right away after spending hours in a chair or forking over a hefty amount of money? Nobody.
So the question is, how do you keep your braids looking fresh? And how do you do that while also maintaining the health of your hair?
We got you covered! Keep reading for tips, tricks, and some product recommendations to keep your hair looking unapologetically fly in knotless or box braids.
MAINTAINING YOUR BRAIDS
1. MOISTURIZE THAT SCALP SIS!
Maintaining your hair underneath your braids is a must! Otherwise, what's the point of calling it a protective style if you're not doing any protecting. Your scalp is more prone to dryness, flakiness and irritation because it's exposed to the elements. So it's important to provide it with a little hydration here and there. The best part? All you need is a leave-in conditioner, mist, or oil.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Under There Conditioner, Magic Miracle Sun Drop Potion, and Twisted Pattern Hydration Mist. Thank us later!
2. DON'T FORGET TO WASH YOUR HAIR!
There's this common misconception that you can't wash your hair when it's in braids. We're here to tell you that that is false. It's essential that you wash your hair when it's in braids. Your hair is prone to product build-up, dryness, or irritation the longer you wear a protective style. We recommend using a clarifying shampoo that will be easy to wash out, but will also leave your scalp feeling clean. Condition as normal. You can dry your hair using a microfiber towel (to squeeze out excess water) and a blow dryer. Please make sure your hair is fully dry! Nobody wants to deal with mildew.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Scalp Refresh Cleansing Water. A little goes a long way!
3. LET'S KEEP THE TIGHT STYLES TO A MINIMUM
As fun as it is to experiment with different styles while your hair is in braids, it's important to do it in moderation. If you constantly manipulate your hair into styles (high ponytails, buns, etc.) you'll deal with more frizz, breakage, and weakening at the roots or edges.
4. IT'S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK
We know that keeping your braids in for a while is great, but don't keep them in for too long. Your hair needs a breather too, so we would recommend only keeping you braids in for four to six weeks.
REFRESHING YOUR BRAIDS
1. DIY
If you want to avoid paying anyone to refresh your hair, then this might be the best method for you, especially if you have knotless braids.
Always start off with shampooing your hair. We recommend paying extra attention to your scalp. However, be gentle so you don't accidentally mess up the parts.
Once your hair is freshly washed, apply a leave-in conditioner. That can be in the form of a mist or cream.
Next, it's important to oil your scalp! This is essential before you start the re-twisting process because you want to seal in that moisture.
Lastly, we recommend grabbing a pair of clips (the small metal ones will do) and our Tailored Loc Spray. Don't let the title fool you because it's for everyone!
Mist your hair lightly, gently twist your new growth, and clip it down. This will provide you with extra moisture and it will tighten your new growth so you can wake up with fresh, new braids.
You can always stop there, but if you want to take it a step further, you can dip your braids in hot water for 2-5 minutes and pair it with our Magic Mousse. This is perfect if you want to lay your edges down and minimize any frizz/fly aways.
2. GET YOUR STYLIST TO REFRESH THEM
This one is pretty self-explanatory! If you don't mind paying a small fee or driving to see your stylist again, this might be the method for you.
Typically, your stylist may re-braid those sections that need a little extra love. They might also re-dip your braids and lay your edges down to make it look brand new.
3. CROCHET NEEDLE METHOD
Stick with us! This might sound odd, but this might be a good method if you don't want to keep re-twisting your hair every few days.
You can get your stylist to help you or if you're brave enough, try it yourself.
After cleansing your hair, gently comb your hair upwards (where the braid starts) after applying some form of gel, pomade, or jam. This is to make sure that your parts are clean and to avoid any problems with fly-aways.
Next, take a crochet needle and loop your braid into the section two times. You can do this to each individual braid or just to the front.
Afterwards, you can dip your hair in hot-water or apply a mousse to get it to lay down.
LET'S WRAP IT UP
You can officially say that you know how to maintain and refresh your braids after a few weeks! Let us know if this article was helpful and make sure to check out our Culture Collection for all your braid and loc care needs.
It sure was helpful when you said that using oil for your scalp can seal in the moisture, so it is essential to consider this step. This is something that I will remember because I am interested in box braids, and I am planning to see a professional on Friday after work. I definitely want to keep my braids maintained well, so your tips are helpful. https://www.lovinasafricanbraids.com/services/
I’m glad that you informed us how important it is to moisturize the scalp if we want to refresh and maintain our braids to protect it from dryness, flakiness, and irritation after being exposed to the elements. My friend wants to try out box braids, so she’s planning to visit the salon next weekend. I hope there’s a hair stylist nearby that’ll give her the box braids that will suit her best. https://www.lovinasafricanbraids.com/services/
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Zala Hair
November 22, 2022
Interesting stuff!!! Loads of good pointers are here to consider…thanks for sharing!!!
Zala Hair
https://www.zalahair.com/