How to Maintain your Hair in Braids

​Braids are a great styling option when caring for natural hair....

​They protect your strands and result in amazing hair growth. When my hair is braided in canerow styles I see the most hair growth and length retention compared to any other style. Braids also make your natural hair routine so much simpler, by reducing styling time. No prepping the night before or anxiousness if your twist out will be dry by the next day.
 
Despite all the benefits from braided hairstyles, braids can also have the reverse effect, resulting in damaged hair. We have all had experiences when we have removed the braids and there is a horror story that has been hiding for weeks. In order to get your hair to flourish you still need to put some effort into looking after your braided hairstyles.
 
My braid hair care starts before I even install the braids. First I need to make sure I am starting off with a clean scalp, if you are going to wear braids for several weeks product build up is inevitable, especially if you choose not to wash the braids during that period. I absolutely love Primal Beauty Black Soap Shampoo for clarifying my hair. My hair is super clean, but also still soft and hydrated.
The next step is evaluating the state of your hair. I love a good trim before placing my hair in braids. There is no point holding onto see through strands that will probably end up breaking off when your remove the braids. Remember we are looking for that fairy tale ending of healthy hair and not the horror story.
 
Having a good relationship with your stylist is a must. If he or she doesn’t want to hear that the braids are too tight, then they are not the one for you. Your braids can still look neat and not be squeezing the life out of your scalp. Is it not better that a few braids drop out than your actual hair?

Now once the braids are installed it is time just for a little bit of TLC to keep your actual hair healthy.
I just use two products on my braids, a leave in spray conditioner and an oil for my scalp. I use the conditioner on a daily basis. A spray leave in conditioner that still keeps my hair moisturised hours later is Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Curl Refreshing Spray.
I will oil my scalp around three times a week and use the oil on my edges nightly.                          This routine will be personal to each individual depending on their hair type. So finding the balance for you involves experimenting. The frequency of product use can also change with the seasons.
 
Finally it’s good to know when it is time to remove the braids. Indicators for me is if my hair is getting really dry and the products are no longer helping to moisturise my hair. Also if multiple braids are loosening and are starting to pull on your hair. Finally if your hair is just plain dirty and it needs a good wash. Time to take them out.
 
Let me know in the comment box what you do to keep your hair healthy in braids.