Braids are a fantastic hairstyle for adding a twist to your everyday look. While they may allow you to skip a few blowouts between washes, maintaining braids requires the same level of care as any other hairstyle.
Simply put, braids are interwoven strands that hold your hair together with minimal effort. Besides keeping your hair free from frizz, braids can also offer a simple solution to common hair problems.
How Long Should You Keep Your Braids?
According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions typically last four to six weeks, while those without extensions usually last one to four weeks. “Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage,” she says.
Commerce Writer at Shop TODAY, Jannely Espinal, kept her braids for exactly a week but felt itchy, dry, and irritated after day four. Despite her braids being intact, she knew she had to prioritize shampooing and give her hair a break.
How to Make Braids Last Longer
The key to extending the life of your braids is to ensure they’re not too tight. Yasmine Young, owner of Diaspora Salon, advises against braids that pull or tug on your scalp. Many people mistakenly believe that tighter braids are safer, but this can damage your strands and overall scalp health in the long term.
Expert Tips for Maintaining Braids
Wrap your braids up every night. Dudley suggests using a silk scarf or bonnet to prevent frizz. Alternatively, you can use a silk pillowcase.
Use a light oil. Dudley recommends applying a light oil a few times per week to keep your hair moisturized. Heavy oils can clog hair follicles and cause issues.
Use a hydrating spray. Young suggests using a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and keep your hair supple.
Avoid tight braids around the hairline. Dudley warns that tight braids can cause excessive breakage and hair follicle damage.
Recommended Products for Braids
Design Essentials Peppermint and Aloe Soothing Scalp Tonic: This tonic is great for relieving itchiness and removing buildup from your scalp.
Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion: Loaded with strengthening ingredients, this lotion adds hold and shine to your braids.
Yanibest Silk Hair Bonnet: This satin-lined bonnet protects your braids, reduces frizz, and retains moisture.
Pattern Scalp Serum: Formulated with peppermint, rosemary, and lavender, this serum cleanses the scalp and fights flakes.
DevaCurl Hydrating Finishing Spray: This spray adds hydration to your hair, perfect for refreshing braids.
DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder: This detangler melts away knots and tangles, preparing your hair for braiding.
Editor-Approved Products for Braids
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil: This hair oil adds shine and moisture to your hair, perfect for extending the life of your braids.
Harklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème: Designed to hydrate and protect your hair, this crème improves texture and fullness.
By following these expert tips and using the recommended products, you can keep your braids looking fresh and hydrated, ensuring they last longer and remain healthy.