Braids are a popular, practical style for natural curlies when they are transitioning, growing out a cut, or simply giving their hair a break from manipulation. Braids (and twists) look beautiful, and you can get creative with lengths, thickness, and color without damaging the hair- but only if you are careful!
How to Take Out Your Braids
Image Source: @arielellzey
You may be annoyed that your time with them is up; I know I was. However, it would be best if you put that energy into taking them out correctly to cause less stress to your scalp and hair.
My keywords for this process: time and slip.
You must set aside enough time for this process just as you did for installing the braids in the first place; the worst thing to do is to rush, as you may cause damage in doing so. Add a slippery detangling product to the hair that makes it easy to glide through its surface — this is the best way to remove knots or any tight style from the hair.
You can create slip using your favorite leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, oil, or a mix of water and conditioner. When taking down my braids, I prefer moisturizing my scalp beforehand with one of these products:
- African Pride Black Castor Miracle Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse
- Naked X by Essations Serenity Instant Scalp Refresher
- Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detoxifying Tonic with Eucalyptus & Lemon
Steps
1. Spritz the braids with some warm water
Then follow up with your chosen product with a slip, carefully ensuring you cover all parts of the hair.
2. Begin from the bottom upwards
Image Source: @the_unbraider
If your braids are much longer than your natural hair, you can cheat by cutting the bottoms, but still leave enough space where your natural hair ends. Keep in mind that your natural hair is now stretched and has probably grown. Simply trim the ends and use a comb to unravel the first few sections of the braid.
3. Apply more detangler to your fingertips and slowly unravel the braids/twist
4. Slowly remove the extensions
Image Source: @lovemonicabeauty
Once you have unravelled the braid/twist to the root, you will be able to slowly remove the extensions. Take a breath; it will feel amazing!
Do not be alarmed if you see huge knots at the ends or some breakage. We shed hair daily, so the weeks (or months) worth of hair in our braids will equate to a decent amount of hair fall.
5. Deep condition
Once the protective style is removed, you want to treat your hair like a newborn baby—give it lots of TLC. Clarify as if your scalp has been working overtime!
Deep condition with heat to get your best conditioning treatment out the cupboard and sit under a cap/hooded dryer for a good 30/40 minutes, your hair will thank you for it. I like Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner and Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner.
Once you’ve followed this process, allow your hair to breathe! Do a simple wash and go—no crazy manipulation. You want to let your hair be in its natural state and relax for the next week or so. You should find your natural hair back in great condition after being tucked away for so long!
How do you care for your hair after wearing a protective style?
This article has been updated since its original publication.
