Braids have proven to be the most common hairstyle for women. Protective styles can not only save you time in your beauty routine, but they can also protect your natural hair from potential harm. Although braids and twists are low maintenance, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure their longevity.

If you already have braids, scroll down for tips on how to keep them fresh.

Before Braiding

Okay, so you may not be able to see your usual stylist right, but if you live with a braider, bear in mind that planning is key to the durability of your braids.

Moisturize:

You’ll always want to keep your natural hair moisturized and balanced if it’s in braids. To keep your braids looking shiny and neat, you have a few choices for moisturizing them. On wash days, attempt a hot oil remedy by massaging your preferred oil onto your scalp slowly (we love olive or jojoba or a blend of many oils together).

Braid sprays are a great option for moisture on the go through the week. Braid sprays, which are made with hydrating oils and conditioners, provide lightweight moisture and shine to your braids.

Wash:

You should wash your braids for about three weeks to eliminate product residue (though you should wash them earlier and more often if they get soaked at the beach or pool). This will not only cleanse your hair but will also remove any excess weight on your strands from products and dust. 

Practice Proper Night Care

It’s important to start properly caring for your braids the night after your new braid installation to ensure they stay looking fresh for weeks to come.

Cover the braids in a silk scarf or a bonnet before going to bed. This will help you sleep well at night by reducing friction and preserving your braids while still combating frizz. If bonnets and scarves aren’t your favourites, a silk or satin pillowcase may be used to achieve the same effect.

Touch-Up the Braids:

If everything fails and your box braids get fuzzier than you would want before the eight weeks are finished, you can still have a hairline touch up. Since most people just see the perimeter of your braids, having your hairline re-braided is a simple and fast way to achieve a salon-fresh look in no time.