Braids are perhaps the most beautiful and protective hairstyle one can wear. They can make you look gorgeous and enhance your overall personality, but without the right care, they can also quietly work against your hair.
Though it’s a proactive hairstyle, the hair underneath the braid can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage over time. Well, the great thing is that most of these damages are preventable. Here’s how to protect your hair with braids. We’ve given a proper planning & routine right from installation to taking down your beautiful braids, which will keep your hair nourished every day.
Let’s understand some healthy hair practices to protect them while wearing braids.
1. Braid Installation
Maintaining healthy hair with braids begins with the installation itself.
Avoid Tight Braiding
When your braids are getting installed, and you feel excessive pulling or even the slightest pain, ask the braider to loosen them. Tight hairstyles can lead to permanent hair breakage over time. Braids are a proactive style; they should never cause scalp pain, headaches, or small white bumps on your hair roots.
Refrain from Heavy Extensions
The most important step is to choose the right size of extension to avoid pulling at the hairline. If you pick extra-long braids, it might put excessive pressure on your natural hair. To prevent this, opt for comfortable and lightweight, medium-length braids to perfectly style your hair.
Protect Your Edges
During installation, ask the stylist to use larger sections around your hairline and to apply less pressure on the fine baby hair. The hair around your face is the most delicate, so if you do not protect them, then they are at risk of traction alopecia. The word alopecia means bald, which is a common autoimmune disease. Around 7 million people in the US and 150-160 million worldwide are struggling with alopecia, and about 2% will experience it at some point in their lifetime in the future. To protect your hair from this disease, you need to maintain healthy, strong edges and roots.
2. Prioritize Daily Care
Daily care is something you cannot ignore. Just like our everyday routine, from waking up, taking a bath, to going to the office and sleeping. Similarly, your hair should also have a hair care routine to maintain its natural shine and nourishment. Set a daily hair routine from morning to night and follow it consistently to protect your hair from everyday pollution and dust.
Keep the Scalp Clean
Every day dirt, pollution, and sweat can build up on your scalp with braids, which can damage your hair and cause it to lose its soft, silky texture. Use a gentle and soothing braid & scalp foam cleanser to cleanse the roots, and feel refreshed without disturbing the style.
Moisturize Regularly
After cleansing, moisturizing should be the most essential part of your hair care routine. Do not let your natural hair dry out. Use a hydrating leave-in spray or natural oil from 2 to 3 times a week to keep your roots nourished and maintain the natural shine and health of your hair.
Use Satin Bonnet at Night
At night, do not put your hair on your regular cotton pillowcase, as it can cause friction, frizz, and breakage to your beautiful braids. Instead, always tie your hair up with a satin or silk bonnet or wrap them in a silk scarf to preserve the natural beauty of your hairstyle.
3. Braid Taking Down & Resting
After installing and flaunting them for weeks, it’s time to rest your hair by carefully taking down the braids.
Keep Them 4 to 6 Weeks
No matter how much you like the braids hairstyle, you cannot keep them forever. Take them down within 4 or 6 weeks after installation. Otherwise, if you continue to keep them, it will lead to major hair damage, product buildup, matted roots, and excessive natural shedding of your hair.
Gentle Takedown
Do not pull down or aggressively rip your braid; it will adversely affect your hair health. Be gentle with your hair. Before taking them down, always spray with leave-in hair conditioner and a light oil, and then carefully use your fingers or wide-tooth comb to gently untangle your hair. Do not rush; it is a delicate process. You can also go to the same salon where you had your braids done, as they are experts in taking down braids, making the process painless and comfortable.
Take a Break
After you take down your braids, it’s important to give your hair a break for at least 2 to 3 weeks, especially between braid styles. It will allow your hair to recover and prevent traction alopecia, and take care of them during the break. After complete rest, your hair will be hydrated and nourished just as it should be.
By following these proactive tips, you can maintain the health of your hair while flaunting braided hairstyles.
Harlem Natural Hair Salon: Trusted Destination for Quality Braids That Nourish Your Hair!
Maintaining healthy hair with braids doesn’t have to be complicated with the right salon. Harlem Natural Salon is the most professional place for jaw-dropping braids done with optimal care and precision.
Managing natural hair isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. We have experienced braiders who perform the braiding, ensuring the health of your natural hair. Whether you want to explore more proactive styles or unique locs, we combine a relaxing, soothing, and refreshing salon experience in Harlem Natural Salon.
Our experts closely consider the various factors, such as hair density, texture, and type, to satisfy each of our clients’ needs. Let us cleanse, moisturize, and groom your hair to make you feel good and look good. Schedule your visit today and get stunning braids installed without losing the natural shine of your hair!