Braids are a popular and stylish hairstyle choice that can offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s a simple three-strand braid, a fishtail braid, or an intricate cornrow design, making your braids last longer is a common desire. This not only saves you time and effort in constantly redoing your hair but also allows you to enjoy your chosen look for an extended period. In this article, I’ll share with you some essential tips and techniques to ensure your braids stay intact and beautiful for as long as possible.
Start with Clean, Dry Hair
The foundation of long-lasting braids begins with the condition of your hair before you even start braiding. It’s crucial to wash your hair thoroughly and make sure it’s completely dry before braiding.
Washing: Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. For example, if you have dry hair, opt for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to add hydration. If your hair is oily, a clarifying shampoo can help remove excess oil. This step ensures that your hair is clean from any product buildup, dirt, or oils that could potentially cause the braids to loosen or look greasy prematurely.
Drying: After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. Then, it’s best to let it air dry completely. Using a blow dryer on a low heat setting can also be an option, but be careful not to overheat the hair as this can cause damage. When the hair is dry, it has more texture and grip, which helps the braids hold their shape better.
Prep Your Hair with the Right Products
Using the appropriate hair products can significantly enhance the longevity of your braids.
Leave-in Conditioner: Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to the lengths of your hair. This helps to keep the hair moisturized and adds a bit of slip, making it easier to braid without causing breakage. However, don’t overdo it as too much product can make the hair slippery and the braids may not hold as tightly.
Styling Gel or Mousse: For a neater and more defined look, you can use a styling gel or mousse. These products add hold and control to the hair, helping the braids stay in place. Apply a small amount evenly throughout the hair, focusing on the roots and the areas where you want the braids to have more structure. Be sure to choose a product that doesn’t leave a crunchy or sticky residue as this can be uncomfortable and make the hair look unappealing.
Hairspray: Once the braids are complete, a light spritz of hairspray can be used to set the style. Hold the hairspray about 6-8 inches away from the braids and spray in a light, even mist. This helps to lock in the shape and prevent flyaways. But again, don’t go overboard as too much hairspray can make the braids feel stiff and brittle over time.
Braid Tightly (But Not Too Tightly)
The tension of the braids plays a crucial role in how long they will last.
Tightening Technique: When braiding, start at the roots and gradually work your way down, making sure each section of hair is incorporated evenly and tightly. However, it’s important to find the right balance. Braiding too tightly can cause pain, scalp irritation, and even hair loss over time. You should be able to feel a firm hold, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it pulls
uncomfortably on the scalp.
Checking Tension: As you braid, periodically stop and gently tug on the braid from the end to check the tension. If it feels like it’s going to come loose easily, you may need to tighten it a bit more. But if it causes pain or the scalp turns red when you tug, then it’s too tight and you should loosen it slightly.
Secure the Ends Properly
The ends of the braids are often the weakest points and need to be secured well to prevent unraveling.
Elastic Bands: Using small, clear elastic bands is a common way to tie off the ends of braids. Make sure the elastic band is snug but not so tight that it cuts into the hair. You can also double-knot the elastic for added security. For larger braids, you may need a thicker elastic band to hold the hair in place.
Thread or Ribbon: Another option is to use thread or ribbon to tie off the ends. This can add a decorative touch while also providing a secure hold. Wrap the thread or ribbon around the end of the braid several times and tie it in a knot. This method is especially useful for more intricate braids where you want a more finished look.
Sleep with Care
How you sleep can have a big impact on the lifespan of your braids.
Protect Your Hair: Before going to bed, it’s a good idea to cover your braids with a silk or satin scarf or sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are smooth and slippery, reducing friction compared to cotton pillowcases. Friction can cause the braids to fray, loosen, and lose their shape. The silk or satin also helps to keep the hair moisturized as it doesn’t absorb as much of the hair’s natural oils.
Positioning: Try to avoid sleeping on the braids directly. If possible, sleep with your head slightly elevated or on your back to minimize pressure on the braids. Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause the braids to get flattened or distorted.
Avoid Getting the Braids Wet
Water can be the enemy of long-lasting braids, especially if they’re not properly protected.
Showering: When taking a shower, it’s best to cover your braids with a shower cap. This keeps the water out and prevents the braids from getting wet and loosening. If you do get some water on the braids accidentally, gently pat them dry with a towel as soon as possible.
Swimming: If you plan to swim, it’s essential to take extra precautions. You can wear a swim cap over your braids to keep them dry. If you don’t want to wear a swim cap, you can apply a waterproofing product to the braids before swimming. After swimming, rinse the braids with fresh water as soon as possible to remove any chlorine or salt water, and then gently pat them dry.
Maintain the Braids’ Shape
Over time, the braids may start to lose their shape, but there are ways to maintain them.
Gently Re-braid Loose Sections: If you notice that some sections of the braids are starting to come loose, you can carefully re-braid those sections. Use a small amount of the same styling product you used initially to help hold the hair in place. This can extend the life of the braids by keeping them looking neat and intact.
Avoid Manipulating the Braids Too Much: While it’s okay to touch up loose sections, try to avoid constantly playing with the braids or running your fingers through them. Excessive manipulation can cause the braids to loosen and lose their shape more quickly.
Watch for Signs of Damage or Loosening
Regularly checking your braids for any signs of damage or loosening can help you address issues before they become major problems.
Inspecting the Roots: Check the roots of the braids regularly to see if there are any signs of hair pulling or irritation. If the roots look red or feel tender, it may be a sign that the braids are too tight and need to be adjusted.
Looking at the Braids’ Structure: Examine the overall structure of the braids. If you notice any fraying at the ends, loose strands in the middle, or the braids starting to unravel, it’s time to take action. You may need to re-secure the ends, re-braid loose sections, or even consider taking the braids out if the damage is extensive.
Conclusion
Making braids last longer requires attention to detail from the very beginning when preparing your hair to how you care for them on a daily basis. By following these professional tips, including starting with clean, dry hair, using the right products, braiding tightly but not too tightly, securing the ends properly, sleeping with care, avoiding getting the braids wet, maintaining their shape, and watching for signs of damage or loosening, you can enjoy your beautiful braids for an extended period. Remember, each person’s hair is different, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect combination of techniques and products that work best for you. But with patience and practice, you’ll be able to achieve long-lasting braids that look great and save you the hassle of constantly redoing your hairstyle.
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