Maintaining and Caring for Braided Hair

Hollie Shirley / Hair & Skincare Editor

Wearing braided hair is a very good way to protect your hair and especially your edges, from harsh environmental conditions. However, your hair situation might go from protective styling to a total disaster if you do not maintain and care for your braided hair, properly. Surprised? Don’t be. 

Braided hair requires an extra level of care and maintenance. Here are our tips for getting the best out of your braids.

Ensuring your hair roots do not dry out 

Below your braidsyour scalp needs to be kept far away from dryness. Covering your braided hair with silk is a good way to ensure that your hair retains the nutrients it needs to grow strong, long and healthy as well as to avoid hair breakage.  

 

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Washing your braids once every week 

This sounds disturbing especially when popular opinion has it that regular hair wash is potentially damaging to the hair. But you know what is more damaging to your hair? A buildup of sweat and dirt in your hair. 

You can dry-wash your braided hair using a cloth, organic shampoo, and some water. Dampen the cloth with a generous measure of shampoo. Part your hair and clean scalp in between rows. Use water to dampen the cloth and clean through your scalp. Voila, you just got yourself a hair wash and clean and good smelling hair 

 


 

Moistening your scalp 

Your hair scalp is very delicate and prone to dryness especially as braids expose your scalp. In the same vein as in #1, get a spray bottle with water and spray water onto the scalp. Essential oils and unrefined shea butter is also beneficial to your scalp as they contain active ingredients that promote hair growth. Do not ignore your braids, however. Retaining your braid’s glow is also very important if you wish to enjoy the maximum benefits from your money and from the time you spent sitting to get the hair done. Get an organic spritz for your braids to keep your hair shining. 

 

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Wearing your braids for one month at a time  

It is common to see ladies wear their braids for months and months because they think protective styles can be worn for longer periods. Well, hair experts advise that you should not wear your braids beyond 12 weeks. There is a high tendency that you will lose a large portion of your hair (starting from your hairline) if you leave it longer than that. Let your scalp breathe after you have taken the braids off and avoid high manipulation and regular up-do hairstyles. Once again, it is for the integrity of your hairline. 

Hollie Shirley
Hair & Skincare Editor

Hollie Shirley is SILKUP’s hair and skincare editor. She’s obsessed with all things hair care and results-driven skincare, that is kind to the environment and your wallet. She has a weakness for limited edition eyeshadows and is always testing out the newest and greatest deep conditioners. Hollie has a passion for hair and is studying Trichology, working towards becoming a Member of the Association of Registered Trichologists.