Braids are a popular protective style that many people rely on to give their hair a break from everyday manipulation, but maintaining moisture while wearing braids is tricky for most people.
Without proper moisture, your hair in braids can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. While braids help protect the hair, it's essential to take extra steps to keep the hair hydrated and healthy.
In this blog post, we will be sharing with you 5 tips to keep your hair moisturized in braids.
1. Moisturize properly before braiding
Having a deeply moisturizing wash day before installing your braids goes a long way in preventing breakage.
Begin with a sulfate-free shampoo to gently get rid of build up and old product without stripping your hair strands. Then, follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner to reintroduce moisture deep in your hair strands. This prepares your hair with a strong, moisturized foundation, helping it stay healthy and resilient within your protective style.
Next, use a rich leave-in conditioner to cover your hair in a blanket of moisture and provide long-lasting hydration to your hair. If you want to take it a step further, you can seal in all that moisture with a water based hair cream so your hair has moisture reserves going into the protective style.
2. Weekly maintenance
Most people do braids with the intention of keeping them in for a month or more. No matter how much you moisturize your hair before installation, your hair will eventually need a pick-me-up.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a lightweight, hydrating mist that’s specifically formulated for braided hair. These sprays add moisture without causing buildup, keeping your braids fresh and healthy.
Of course don’t forget to take care of your scalp because a dry, itchy scalp can quickly become uncomfortable with braids. An oil blend with soothing ingredients like menthol and tea tree directly to your scalp helps lock in moisture and prevent itchiness, ensuring your hair and scalp remain well-nourished throughout your style.
3. Use your satin/silk scarf
It’s one thing to moisturize your hair and it’s another to keep it that way. With the use of satin scarves, you keep moisture from escaping your braids.
I mean the whole reason you did the braids in the first place was to get a break from dealing with your hair all the time and when you practice this crucial moisture retention tip, that’s exactly what you’re going to get as your hair stays moisturized for longer.
On the plus side, satin and silk reduce friction, which minimizes frizz and keeps your hairstyle looking neater for longer as well!
Conclusion
By following a few key steps, you can enjoy the beauty and convenience of braided styles while protecting the health of your hair.
Consistency is essential, but moderation is just as important. While keeping your hair hydrated is crucial, overdoing it can lead to buildup, a flaky scalp and clogged pores.
Aim to moisturize 1-2 times a week, finding a routine that keeps your braids healthy without overwhelming them with product. This balance will help maintain both your hair’s health and the freshness of your braided style.
Before you go…
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Shanyi Organics is a brand focused on providing high-quality safe and effective hair care products for men, women, and kids and we also cater to any hair type and style. We also incorporate all these Ayurvedic herbs in our products.
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