How to care for your braids

Braids can be a great style to protect your natural hair. Braids can be worn in a variety of styles, although your own hair is not exposed, it still needs to be cared for while wearing extensions. Every black woman is aware that braids should never be done so tightly that they cause headaches, and even worse traction alopecia I would also recommend that you give yourself a deep conditioning treatment before getting your hair braided for added protection.  Braid styles should also be covered with satin or silk scarves at night.

When wearing braids you should still have a hair care regimen just like the one you have for your natural hair, your hair and scalp still need to be kept clean and well moisturised. Braid styles should be washed, especially if worn for long periods of time.

The method you use to take off your braids is also important. Set time to take off your styles. You don’t want to cause damage i.e. breakage because you are rushing to get the braids out. Depending on how many braids you have or the size of the braids, you may even have to set aside a couple of hours over a few days to take your braids down. It takes me at least 6 hours to take mine off, after you unbraid each braid, use your fingers to de-tangle the hair before wetting or combing to avoid tangles and knots.

Warning: Never wash your hair before it is fully detangled after taking down your braids, unless you want a tangled massive mess.

After de-tangling with your hands first, you can use conditioner and water again to detangle further with a wide-tooth comb before washing. I would again recommend that you give yourself a deep conditioner after washing.