Maintaining Healthy Braids

Braids are mostly loved because they are such a low-maintenance style that you'll have very little upkeep once they're in place. However, you still have to keep them neat and looking healthy here is a few tips on how to;

Pull braids into a loose ponytail then cover them with a silk or satin scarf before you go to bed. If you are not comfortable with a scarf then an alternative is sleeping on a silk or satin pillow case this prevents frizzing up which would otherwise happen if you use cotton pillow cases.

Shampoo your braids preferably when taking a shower. Apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands and create a lather then apply to your scalp. Rub your scalp clean letting the water work the lather down into the braids. Squeeze the lather in gently, but don't rub it in.

Apply natural hair oils to your scalp massage the oils in and then rub your hands down the length of your braids to distribute the oils to the rest of your hair. Not only does this help to prevent your hair from breaking and drying out, but it also helps to protect your scalp. The oil nourishes your scalp, reducing itching, flaking and dandruff.

Never leave your braids in for too long interchange them at about at least six weeks. When removing the braids, coat your fingertips with an oil to help soften the hair and help restore lost moisture as you go along. Also do not wash your hair after taking out the braids without detangling this helps cut down on more tangles, knots and breakage. To do this coat hair with a moisturizing oil like coconut, olive or avocado oil and begin to finger-detangle section by section. Once the hair is fully moisturized and detangled, it is best to deep condition for 30 minutes to an hour before cleansing. This will help soften the hair, resulting in minimized breakage and hair loss in the shower.