Before this past March, the last time I had braids in my hair, I was a teenager. I decided to get some now because I’ve been rockin’ some short variation for most of my adulthood, and I’m ready to get some length for my locks. But if you’ve ever tried to grow out your hair before, you can personally attest to the fact that there is more than one “awkward phase”’ that will make you want to forget your long-term goal and go back to whatever ‘” you had in the first place with the absolute quickness!
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Aside from how long I have to sit in the chair to get my box braids done (typically around seven hours for the size and length that I like), I’m feelin’ everything about making this protective style decision. Come to think of it, the only thing that drives me crazy are these flakes that I tend to get; ones that I always have, mind you (because my scalp is naturally dry and sometimes dandruff creeps up), but is so much harder to manage when you’ve got a billion-and-one braids in their way.
If you can relate to where I’m coming from, I’ll share some hacks that have helped me reduce the appearance of my flakes while still keeping my braids looking pretty darn good.
Before The Braids:
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Deep Condition Your Hair
Ever since you can remember, you probably knew it was essential to condition your hair. But, it’s even more crucial to deep condition it, no less than a couple of times a month. By applying a thicker conditioner (something along the lines of a hair mask) and letting it sit for 30-60 minutes before rinsing it out, not only do you help to protect your tresses from experiencing heat damage, but it also helps to replace any proteins (and moisture) your hair may have lost. When prepping your hair for braids, deep conditioning will give your hair softness and strength and your scalp the extra pampering needed while your braids are in a protective style for the next several weeks.
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Exfoliate Your Scalp
If you struggle with dandruff, two main things cause it. One is a type of yeast called Malassezia. The second reason is connected to it. When the yeast irritates your scalp, it causes the cells on your scalp to grow at an accelerated rate, which leads to a lot of itchy and sometimes sticky flakes. Something that will help to reduce this is massaging your scalp with a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of lavender oil.
The granules in the baking soda will remove the flakes, plus baking soda will help to restore the pH balance on your scalp so that the yeast has a more difficult time surviving. Lavender oil will also keep the dandruff at bay while soothing your scalp. Exfoliate your scalp on newly washed hair about 2-3 days before your braiding appointment.
Once Your Braids Are In
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Create a Witch Hazel and Tea Tree oil Hair Spray
Hands down, one of my favorite treatments for an irritated scalp or scalp flakes is witch hazel. Because it’s a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel can cleanse and soothe your scalp without drying it out.
If you add a few drops of tea tree oil to it, its antifungal properties will keep bacteria, yeast and fungi from developing. You can apply the combo with a few cotton balls. I like to pour it into a spray bottle, pull my braids apart, and spray the solution directly onto my scalp several times a week. It’s cooling and super effective.
Dab Some Jojoba Oil Onto Your Dry Spots
Our scalp naturally produces sebum (a type of oil). If you’ve got flakes because your scalp doesn’t get enough sebum, jojoba oil mimics sebum in many ways. Not only that, but it’s the kind of oil that is rich in antioxidants so that your scalp and hair remain nice and healthy.
Apply Peppermint Oil With a Few Q-Tips
This is another awesome scalp tip. Not only does peppermint oil feel super refreshing (thanks to the menthol that’s in it) with a scent that makes me smell like a piece of candy, but its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties fight off dandruff (even lice).
Peppermint oil also absorbs excess oil while keeping your scalp moisturized. To apply the oil without making the roots of your hair frizzy, dip a couple of Q-tips in the oil and rub them along the parts of your hair. You’ll immediately feel relief.
Watch TikTok How-to-Shampoo Videos
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You probably wouldn’t wait a month (or more) to wash your hair if you didn’t have braids in it, so it’s not a good idea to do it now. Suppose you’re worried about washing your braids because a lot of water on braids (especially box braids) can make them feel heavy, or you think that doing so will make your braids frizz up (which is the absolute worst). In that case, TikTok has videos that can provide you with all kinds of helpful shampooing and conditioning tips.
Keep Product Use to a Minimum
One of the best things about having braids is there isn’t much of a need for hair products like gels, mousses, and sprays (except for maybe where your baby hair goes). But if, for some reason, there’s a style you want to try that requires one of these, just so your scalp doesn’t end up with a ton of build-up, make sure to apply the “less is more” principle. Towards the end of your braid run, your scalp—and even the appearance of your braids—will thank you.
Consume a Dandruff-Fighting Diet
Did you know that a part of managing your dandruff flakes is watching what you eat? Certain types of foods that are able to keep your dandruff under control, including ones that are high in zinc (spinach, almonds, dark chocolate), protein (lean meats, quinoa, peas), iron (broccoli, pumpkin seeds, red meat) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, basil).
Try an Apple Cider Clarifying Rinse
I tend to make sure my scalp is clean more than worrying about washing my entire head every couple of weeks. The dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse contains apple cider, which is also great for restoring pH balance and removing build-up, lavender extract, and even aloe vera. It comes with a handy nozzle that makes it easy to apply, and it’s formulated for natural hair, locs, and extensions (including braid extensions).
Don’t Keep Braids In For Longer Than Eight Weeks
Braids are super-convenient and (to me) one of the best ways to grow out your natural hair. But even too much of a good thing can cause problems. No matter how well you take care of your hair, there is bound to be some sweat and oil build-up that can only be fully removed by taking your braids out. When should you do that? After eight or ten weeks, it should be your absolute max. Once you remove them, if you do the first two things I mentioned again, any remaining flakes should go away, and your scalp will be refreshed and restored. Awesome!
Check out these braided hairstyles as well!
