Braids and twists both are protective styles,these hairstyles rock and are super trendy.The get popular because they are versatile and low-maintenance,especially during the summer months when you'd rather be out soaking up the sun instead of fussing over your hair all day.Let's be honest.Braids take a lot of time and cost a good bit of money.
There are several reasons you may choose to get braids for yourself or your daughter,and we know most of them.So,to make sure that your investment goes a long way we have some steps for you to take.Who wants to spend money or time making their hair look good with braiding only to see it go down rapidly after 2-weeks?Nobody.
But if you have loose,3b curls,you may find your braids starting to unravel after just a few days.Not to worry,you're not alone!If your braids don't last as long as you'd like,there are a few ways to make them last much longer.Here are some tips for making your braids and twist last longer:
Protect them at night with a silk scarf or bonnet
A silk headscarf or a satin pillowcase will help keep your braids from drying out.Your edges will also remain fresher.Doing both may sound like an overkill but many women lose their headscarf during sleep,only to find their braids pressed up against a moisture robbing cotton pillowcase.Keep frizz down and hairstyles in tact with these materials.
Keep Your Scalp Moist
Break out a Spray Bottle and spray your thirsty roots.It only take a couple of minutes to moisturize your hair.Just like EVERY other living thing on this earth,your hair needs moisture to survive.
Wrap it up!
Once your braids develop frizz,it'll be difficult to make them look completely neat again without re-doing them.To avoid frizz as much as possible,wrap your hair with a secure silk or satin scarf at night.A silk pillowcase is a helpful back-up,but nothing will keep your edges maintained like a scarf will.No excuses!
Avoid Unnatural Products For Keeping Your Braids Moisturized
Avoid mineral oils like the plague.Yes,your braids need to hold as much moisture as they can for that optimum look.But,did you know that “Mineral Oil” is the key ingredient in most of the popular braid moisturizers? Don't use them!Instead,use natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil.To seal in the moisture a leading option is Apricot Castor Oil.You can use it to seal entire braid strands or just your ends.The oils are really good for scalp soothing and retaining important moisture.If you need a non-greasy feeling moisturizer simply use a natural leave-in conditioner.
Cut down your wash routine
Yes,you need to keep your scalp clean while your braids are installed.But your regular wash routine will absolutely cause frizz at the scalp – not to mention how long it'll take to dry all of that hair! Instead,use a root rinse or treatment,like Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Clarifying Scalp Treatment,to cleanse your scalp.
Wash Braids Bi-Weekly (Minimum Recommendation)
A daily buildup of dirt or sweat can cause pores to clog and product build up.This is a recipe for disaster of a scalp and hair.Go here to learn how to wash braids without creating much frizz.
Redo Your Edges After 4 to 6 Weeks
On average,hair grows 1/2 an inch per month.This means after 4 weeks you have some new growth and the braids around your front hairline…(Edges) can begin to look a bit rough.2-months in you will feel like you are pushing the limits of HOTNESS..lol.
Reduce Up-Dos,Pulling and High Manipulation
Constant styling and high ponytails or up-dos pulls on your hairline.Consistently pulling on your hairline will weaken your thirsty roots.No need to destroy your edges over styling.Simply limit these kind of styles to 1 or 2 times a week instead of daily.
Don't Wear Braids For Too Long
Some women have been able to effectively wear braids for 4-months with serious care.We recommend a maximum of 2 months.New growth can cause the hair to be pulled on from heavy braids or constant tugging from them.Sleep patterns and daily movement can weaken or damage the new growth from consistent stretching.Fragile ends or breakage goes totally against “Protective Hairstyle” so please,Be Careful!
Regular touch-ups
You don't have to run to your stylist every four weeks for completely new braids.The braids or twists around your edge and the front and back of your hair are normally the ones that look a little more rough and in need of sooner upkeep.The ones in the middle are not as exposed or affected by styling,so they tend to look newer,longer.Get a touch up on a few rows in the front,sides,and back of your hair before you do away with them all.It'll save you time and money.
These many steps for maintaining braids or twists should keep you looking nice.You should definitely get your moneys worth of wear.Your thirsty roots will also remain beautiful as you experience healthy hair growth.How long do you keep your braids in? How do you do it? Let us know below in the comments! If you're looking for more black hairstyle ideas,check out in
Uyasi.com.
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