Protecting your natural hair while in braids

Braids are beautiful and safe to install in your hair. They are also great protective styles for the switch ups. I love my long 2-strand twist I usually get them during the winter months. Sometimes I go for box braids, short twist or corn rows. Like wigs having braids in your hair doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care for your own natural hair. There are always consequences for neglect, I guess 🤔 If you have dandruff like me 😥 taking care of your hair before and when your hair is braided up is more important. If your hair is a little finer you may have to completely refrain from the added weight of extensions on your hair as well as the pulling, that comes with braids.

How often should I install braids?

You can install braids as many times in the year as you want, in cold and hot weathers, with the following precautions:

• Take time to prep you hair before installing your braids. This includes cleansing and deep-conditioning to boost moisture and strength of your hair.
• Create time in-between installing the braids so your hair can “breathe”. The convenience of having braids is great but installing back-to-back without a break can damage your natural hair. I’d recommended at least 2 weeks from take down to installing new braids. Use the “break period” to deep condition, moisturize your hair and pamper your natural hair a bit, before installing new braids. Keep in mind your hair and scalp needs a lot of love after you take down the braids, with all the pulling and tension.
• Braids should not bee too tight whether you are installing them yourself or with hair stylist. Close to the front of my hair and edges are very fragile (and fine), so I’m very particular about how my stylist installs the braids on those ends. She has the “honor” of always having me talk her through the extra precaution for my ends. When I corn-row my hair I usually leave them out.

How long should I keep my braids?

• Ideally, at least 8 weeks, and up to 12 weeks maximum if you are constantly moisturizing your hair and scalp. Yes, I know that doesn’t sound good enough for you, however, keeping braids in for too long can cause unnecessary build-up on your scalp, dryness and potentially damage your hair and scalp. So for the health of your hair and scalp, please DON’T keep your braids for Too long.
• Keep in mind synthetic hair can cause itching in your scalp. So your scalp may be itchy not necessarily because it’s dry but may be from the hair you used for the braids. You many want to consider treating the synthetic hair before using it on your hair especially if you are installing them yourself. Otherwise talk to your stylist and see if anything can be done to the hair to reduce friction.
• Its a personal choice when it comes to how long braids are kept. A number of things play a role, such are how active you are. If you work out often you need to be sensitive and responsive to your hair and scalp’s needs. You may need to take down soon as there are any signs that your scalp may be distressed. If you notice your hair is breaking or persistent tenderness then it’s a good idea to take the braids down ASAP!

How do I moisturize my natural hair while in braids?

1. Consider washing often. This is my preference (at least biweekly) but there are other ways to cleanse your scalp without using shampoo or cleanser.
   • You can also use apple cider vinegar + water mix, simply add 2-3 tablespoons to about 16oz of water. With a warm microfiber towel wipe your scalp with the mixture
2. Ensure you dry your hair properly if you happen to wash. I usually wrap my hair in a microfiber towel and allow it to dry. I achieve 2 things with this – my hair absolves additional moisture and I don’t manipulate my braids too much to force them to dry quickly. Feel free to squeeze out excess water, gently, if needed with the towel. You can decide to apply a conditioner or not, I do either depending on how much moisture I want to introduce to my hair.
3. Add a moisturizer to your scalp and hair when you wash or cleanse focusing on your scalp. I usually use my DIY oil mix or the peppermint mix (in my previous post). The peppermint oil spray is great for itchy scalp as well.

How do I care for my hair in braids at Night time?

1. Apply warm mist on scalp and add an oil like black castor oil after the water application – best every night or every other night.
2. Apply an oil of your choice or mixture to your scalp every day or every other day (without the water mist)
3. Cover your hair with scalp or bonnet before sleeping – this is basic and you should already know – just a reminder!!! 😁