If you’ve been thinking about installing braids, you have chosen the right time of year for it. Protective styles are a go-to for many naturals, but many still have questions about proper maintenance.
How often should I get braids installed?
To a large extent, how often you get your hair braided depends on the style and your hair. Some of us have really fine hair that will break off in a stiff wind, so braiding with extensions is out of the question, no matter how infrequently. And if that is the case for you, the strands of our hair are so fine that they cannot handle the weight of extensions. Sounds like you? Install your braids using the crochet braiding method. However, if your strands can handle it, you may install braids in your hair as often as you like, provided you consider the following guidelines.
How long should I wait before getting braids installed again?
Leave at least a week between installations so that your scalp has the opportunity to breathe.
Before your next installation, be sure to prep your hair for braiding with intensive deep conditioning treatments that improve the strength and moisture of your hair.
Image Source: @j.ad.a242
How do I maintain my natural hair while wearing braids?
As tempting as it might be, braiding one’s hair is not a “fix it and forget it” deal. To maintain or improve the health of your hair while wearing braids or any other protective style, you must continue to moisturize your hair and scalp. A homemade hair spritz is great for this purpose, and you can probably make one pretty easily with ingredients you already have.
How often should I wash my braids?
Washing your hair while it is braided or twisted is a matter of preference but choosing not to wash your braids doesn’t mean you can’t still have a clean scalp. One way to keep your scalp free of dirt and product build-up is to cleanse your scalp with witch hazel.
Image Source: @girlandhair
If you would like to wash your braids without causing frizz, doing it while wearing a stocking cap is a great option. You must be prepared to maintain your braids while you wear them, and though your routine doesn’t need to be elaborate, you must ensure that your hair stays moisturized and your scalp is healthy and clean.
How long should I keep my braids in?
Talk to your stylist to determine how long your specific braids should be in to maintain the health of your hair and scalp, but as a general rule, try to keep your braids in for no longer than eight weeks at a time for optimal scalp and hair health. According to Mane Addicts writer Kadia Blagrove, two months should only be your cut-off point if you refresh your hair.
Image Source: @treestaaaa
Here’s the truth:
However long you keep your braids installed is a personal choice; things like activity level and how you maintain them will affect how long you can keep them in. It is best to err on the side of caution and keep your braids in for no longer than eight weeks as long as your hair and scalp show no distress. If you notice any breakage or persistent tenderness, then taking your braids out’s a good idea to curtail any damage.
Just remember this: your protective style will only work if you do!
