Just because your hair is in braids does not mean you should stop washing it.  It’s important to look after the extensions and most importantly, the hair as both, have a huge impact on how your hairstyle looks overall.

 Here are some ways you can keep your braids looking nice and fresh.

Keep your scalp moisturized: When hair is in braids, it often loses its moisture, making it easier to fall out. Moisturize and seal every day or every other day; just a touch of oil on your scalp will help keep your scalp moisturized. Treat your scalp to an invigorating fingertip massage using a scalp oil.

Protect your hair at night: Silk or satin scarf wrapped around your head at night, keeps your braids neat.  (avoid using cotton as it draws out your braids’ natural oils) This is important because it determines how long your braids will stay.

Wash your braids: You don’t need to hop in the shower and douse your braids in water if you don’t want to. You can always dry-wash your hair with a cloth, shampoo, and some water. Dampen a wash cloth with warm water and your shampoo of choice. Part your hair and wipe your scalp down in sections.

Avoid constant up-dos: Constantly styling your hair into high ponytails pulls at your hairline. This constant pulling weakens the hair along your hairline. Be gentle with your hairline. Rock your up-dos  but try to limit up-do styling to 3 or 4 times a week rather than every day.

Edges: Show your edges some love and use a hair- friendly edge control or gel to hold down your edges. By night, rub in castor oil as your edges are most sensitive to breakage.

What to do after you take out your braids

You hair should not be in braids for more than 2 months, leaving it longer than necessary can lead to hair-loss. Once you remove your braids, wash and deep condition your hair, as well as give yourself a ‘Hot-oil’ treatment. Be sure to also let your hair rest for at least a week or so before relaxing or braiding it again.