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In a Nutshell:
To maintain your braids, thus keeping them looking fresh and long-lasting, you need to:
– Wash Your Braids Regularly
– Make Sure Your Scalp Moisturized
– Protect Your Braids at Night
– Reduce Up-dos and Tight Hairstyles
– Consider Redoing Your Edges
– Do Not Wear Your Braids for Too Long
So you love your braids, and they’re a great protective style, but they always seem to fall apart after a few weeks? While for many women, wearing braids is a great way to give their natural hair a break from daily styling and heat damage, if not properly cared for, they can turn into a real nightmare. In this article, we’ll discuss how to maintain your braids and make them last longer.
Whether you choose elaborate box braids or simple cornrows, it is important to maintain your braids regularly to keep them looking healthy and prevent signs of damage and hair breakage.
Continue reading to find out how to care for your braids.
1. Wash Your Braids Regularly to Make Them Last Longer
The first step to keeping your braids fresh and healthy is to wash them regularly.
You should aim to wash braided hair every other week. It helps to remove dirt, sweat, and product buildup from the hair and scalp, which can lead to irritation and scalp infections if left unchecked for too long.
With regular washing, your braids will stay looking great for longer, so be sure to take the time to give them the care they deserve!
2. Make Sure Your Scalp is Well-Moisturized to Maintain Your Braids
While having braids, it is essential to keep your scalp well-moisturized.
A dry scalp can lead to itchiness, flaking, and even discomfort. This is why it’s important to keep your scalp hydrated – it will help reduce overall irritation and keep your follicles healthy.
You should also keep your hair moisturized. This will help to keep your braids looking neat and tidy for longer.
There are a number of different products that can help you keep your hair and scalp moist, including leave-in conditioners, hot oil treatments, and deep conditioners. Depending on your hair type, you could also opt for a natural leave-in conditioner with coconut or almond oil.
You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair.
3. Protect Your Braids at Night
It can be tempting to simply throw your braids into a loose topknot before you go to bed at night, but this is a big no-no if you want them to last.
Braids can be extremely vulnerable to environmental and physical stress damage, particularly at night when you sleep.
To keep your braids looking their best throughout the week, protect them while you sleep. To do so, you need to minimize contact with fabrics or bedding, which could also cause friction and tugging on your hair.
The best way to go about it is to use an extra layer of protection such as a satin scarf or sleep bonnet and tie up your braids securely so that they don’t shift around at night; this should prevent breakage and other damage.
Here are our top picks to help protect your braids at night:
4. Reduce Up-Dos and Tight Hairstyles
Often, styling your braids into intricate updos or pulling your hair straight back can result in unnecessary tension and stress on your hair, leading to breakage or permanent damage.
To protect your braids, it is best to avoid these styles and opt for more low-key looks instead. This will not only keep your hair looking great for longer, but it will also prevent damage and ensure that your locks remain healthy and strong.
So next time you’re feeling inspired to try something new with your braids, just remember that a simple ponytail might be all you need to keep them looking gorgeous throughout the season.
5. Consider Redoing Your Edges
If you’re looking for that fresh, out of the salon look, you might want to consider redoing your edges after a few weeks. This simple process can really help to give your braids a whole new look and keep them looking their best.
To redo your edges, you will need to remove the braids and apply a fresh set of extensions around the perimeter of your hair. This can be done at home or by a professional, depending on your preference.
Once the new extensions are in place, simply re-braid your hair and style as usual. This simple process can really help to give your braids a whole new lease on life and keep them looking fresh for weeks to come.
6. Do Not Wear Your Braids For Too Long
Failure to care for your braids can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, dandruff, mildew, and even hair loss.
That’s why it’s important to not wear your braids for more than six weeks at a time. While you may be tempted to keep them in longer, giving your scalp a chance to breathe will help prevent these potential problems.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: six simple tips for maintaining your braids and making them last longer. Just be sure to follow these guidelines, and you’ll be looking fabulous for the next couple of weeks.
What do you think?