Braids are a great option if you want to give you hair a break and still have a versatile hairstyle. However, just because your hair is out of sight and away from the elements, doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take special care of it. Take note of these steps to make sure your braids look good and your hair stays healthy.
Before
What you do before braiding is very important in preventing your braids from doing more harm than good. Before you head off to the salon, take a good look at the state of your hair. If it’s brittle, falling out or breaking, braiding will most likely worsen the situation and should be avoided until your hair is healthier. Hair that has just been chemically processed is quite weak and should be given at least two weeks to recover before braiding. To prepare for braiding, deep condition your hair at least a week before your appointment.
The next step is choosing your style of braids. Rather than simply going for something trendy, consider the effects that certain styles may have on your hair. Micro-braids can be very harmful as they often fall out with your hair and cause more tangles and knots, while very long braids are heavy and will weigh down more heavily on your hair. Opt for a style that uses more hair per braid, hair copes better with the tension this way. The fibre you choose is also a factor, try as much as possible to use a light fibre, this results in braids that aren’t so heavy.
Once you have your hair, style and fibre sorted, find yourself a well-recommended hairstylist and make sure they don’t braid your hair too tightly. Be especially careful when your hairline is being braided, as this hair is softer and more prone to breakage.
During
It’s very easy to forget about the actual hair underneath after your braids have been put in, but regular maintenance is absolutely necessary if you want your hair to stay healthy.
While braids can be styled in many different ways, avoid tying them up every day or regularly wearing any style that may pull at your hairline, such as tight buns or ponytails. Wrap your braids in a headscarf before bed to protect them while you sleep.
Moisturise your hair and scalp daily using a natural oil such as Shea butter or coconut oil. If you prefer something less greasy, use a natural leave-in-conditioner instead. Wash your braids every two weeks, this should be done gently and with special attention to any build-up on the scalp. After each wash, use a towel to absorb most of the water then leave your braids loose to air dry.
After
Although you may be tempted to hold on to your braids for quite a while, it is not advisable to have them for more than eight weeks. Any longer and your braids will start to look unkempt and might also damage new and fragile hair.
When the time comes to remove your braids, allow yourself enough time to do so carefully and with the least amount of breakage to your hair. Deep condition and treat your hair once your braids have been removed, and if you’re thinking of having braids done again, first let your hair “breathe” for at least two weeks.