How to care for hair after taking out braids
By Temitope Ojo
We love to get them, especially when we simply get tired of doing our own hair. After 6-8 weeks or even more, we are ready to take them down, we sometime don#t know the things we should do when taking down this protective styles.
So, what should you do with your hair after taking down braids?
Finger detangle the hair
The first step to making sure your hair remains strong after a set of braids is to gently finger detangle your hair. We know your gut instinct is to take a comb and work through all the knots, tangles, and shed hair, but chances are you’ll end up ripping out perfectly good and healthy hair in an effort to get out all the kinks. Finger detangling is better for your hair instead. After removing each braid, gently separate the roots to loosen build-up, and then use your finger detangling method as you wash.
Clarify your scalp
For the 6+ weeks you carried the braids, your scalp has been working overtime trying to keep the rest of your natural hair moisturised, and are likely full of oils, both natural and added, that was used in an effort to relieve dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. To clarify your scalp, choose an intense shampoo. Avoid things like moisturising shampoo, curl cleansers, e.t.c as those aren’t strong enough.
Deed condition
Your hair hasn’t gotten any love for 6-8 weeks, and you think a quick co-wash will leave it moisturised? Whether you want to slather it in coconut oil or use the most luxurious deep conditioner you own, sit under a steamer or just a shower cap, deep conditioning is absolutely essential after taking down braids.
Trim
If you didn’t do so before your protective style, your hair is most likely going to be ready for a trim immediately after keeping it hidden for several weeks. Trimming is an essential part of a healthy natural hair, so don’t hesitate to trim as needed.
Give your hair rest
This means not to go ahead and reinstall braids in two days, or worse, the same day! When your hair is braided, though it is not being manipulated frequently, it is still being stressed by the weight, friction, and synthetic nature of the extensions. Even though hair is dead, it needs access to water and air, and needs to regroup after being tucked under braids. Wear your hair proudly in its natural state for at least two weeks – whether a wash and go, twist-out, or a pretty up-do – before reinstalling a protective style.
