Can You Wash Your Hair With Braids

February 17, 2023 by Nimisha Goyal

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Given the heat and sweat that build up on your scalp during the hot summer, you should be aware that your hair can become damaged and that this can be very problematic. Getting braids is the best remedy for the problem. This hairstyle serves as a protective layer for your hair as well as a means of staying in style. Any of these styles—whether you choose box braids, fish trail, lattice, ladder, French braids, plaits, or rope—will prevent breakage from heat styling, improve retention, and shield your hair from environmental damage. Although it does not hurt once in a while to change your outlook, and gain a fresh appearance, also with braids, it will take a shorter time to get dressed and you do not have to wait much time in styling.

In other words, braids can make your life much simpler and require little upkeep. Some might refer to it as a cheat sheet because you do not have to wash your hair every day. The openness to the scalp can lead to product build up, which is bad for the overall health that braids provide. Your scalp will require some care if you sweat a lot or swim frequently. Therefore, you should wash your hair as often as you can because doing so also helps to keep your braids looking good and healthy. However, there are some guidelines to follow so that your lovely braids are not harmed. So, let’s go over some quick instructions for washing braids.

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Wash Your Hair With Braids

Tips On Washing Your Hair With Braids:

Let’s quickly go over how to wash your hair so that your braids are not harmed and you can do it correctly. For beginners, it might seem like a difficult task, but with the right guidance, you can finish it. Furthermore, depending on the type of braids you get, the length of your braids—which can last anywhere from two to eight weeks—determines how often you wash them.

Use The Right Shampoo:

Mistakes are frequently made when selecting shampoos for braids. The best choice for the scalp is a clarifying shampoo to get rid of extra product build up. It is best to check the formula because hair tension and braids can cause an itchy scalp, and you do not want your shampoo to make it worse. Select a milder shampoo formula, or go with the co-washing technique.

[ Read: 7 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Colored Hair ]

Get A Spray Bottle:

Although having one makes life much simpler for someone with braids, it’s okay if you don’t have one or don’t get one. Trust me, you’ll want one because it makes applying the solution to your scalp easier.

Dilute The Shampoo:

Make sure to dilute the shampoo as it can help in spreading all over the scalp. It is also done to ease the consistency of the shampoo to rinse easily from the scalp and braids. The best ratio is to take 20 ml and mix it with 80ml in the spray bottle.

Massage And Apply:

Massage the shampoo into your scalp in a gentle, circular motion. From back to front, move it using the spray bottle. You can effectively clean up the dirt in the back by carrying it out in this manner. Because your scalp is typically very sensitive, scratching should be avoided as it can cause cuts and abrasions. To make it easier to reach the scalp when wearing thicker braids, it is advised to divide your hair into sections.

Rinse Thoroughly:

Wash your hair thoroughly. Use the upside-down method to thoroughly wash your hair. Moving the hair down from the bottom of braids rather than trapping it in your crown, will aid in the removal of all dirt and residue from the hair.

Squeeze The Braids:

Make sure to squeeze them, never rub them. Squeezing your braids will assist in cleaning the scalp, where tough residue tends to collect. Squeezing is the ideal technique to use in order to reduce friction as well.

Condition:

Always condition your hair because doing so will help the braids from the scalp to get the nutrition they need. Grasp the braids with your finger. Avoid rubbing or shifting your braids; instead, gently press them into place. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 15 minutes, for dry frizzy hair you must them for 20 minutes. Remove them from the braids and gently rinse them.

Dry Them By Using A Large Towel:

The tension in your braids could be lost if you wiggle or rub the towel over them. Use a microfiber towel instead, which will absorb the moisture, and hang it loosely on your braids to allow the air to pass through and dry the surplus moisture. In the case of synthetic hair or thicker braids, blow dry on a cool setting.

Conclusion

Your braids may be difficult to manage, and there is no doubt that they sometimes really are. But hey, you know the effort pays off in the end when they emerge shiny, nourished, and thick. However, the process is not over yet. Before I leave, I’d like to offer a few tips. First, always oil your braids before washing to seal in moisture because brittle strands may come out when the hair is washed. Washing your braids every two weeks can help keep your scalp clean and prevent you from using too many hair products, but if you have an oily scalp, you may need to do it more frequently. To prevent your braids from looking dull and broken due to lack of nourishment, always moisturize your scalp to lock in the moisture. To seal in the moisture for the braids, use Shea Mist or something as basic as coconut oil. Once you’ve made the decision to get braids, keep in mind how important this is. Always wrap your braids in a scarf before going to bed to prevent lint or tangling. Simple techniques can go a long way toward securing lovely, nourished braids.

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