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7 Effective Tips for Maintaining Healthy Braids

Installation of braids is a time-consuming and expensive process. However, they are a special way of styling your hair that keeps it safe and healthy, especially when the weather is tough. They are easy to take care of and won’t harm your hair and scalp. If you don’t look after your them properly, problems can occur.

This article focuses on 7 effective tips to help you maintain healthy braids.ย 

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Braids

7 Effective Tips for Maintaining Healthy Braids

1. Moisturize Your Scalp as Often as You Can

Moisturizing your scalp is an essential tip as it prevents flakiness and dryness, maintaining the health of your scalp. Various skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis can cause scalp dryness. In extreme situations, this may result in crusting, weeping, and bleeding.

Donโ€™t stop moisturizing your scalp because of your braids. Your roots and scalp require sufficient moisture to maintain good health. Some effective ways to moisturize your scalp include:

  • Coconut oil
  • Tea tree oil
  • Canola oil
  • Aloe Vera based products
  • Mayonnaise
  • Home remedies such as Apple Cider Vinegar

Finding the suitable product for your hair may take a few experiments. A good way to start is with essential oils or moisturizing shampoo.ย 

2. Wash Your Hair Regularly

Many ladies donโ€™t wash their braided hair for a long time. However, it is important to note that your hair picks up sweat, dirt, and dust, and you surely wouldnโ€™t want them to smell bad. Therefore, washing your hair frequently, at least twice per week, is crucial. Wash your braided hair just like you wash your hair with water and shampoo.ย 

In order to prevent damage to the hair shafts, you can dry-wash the braids with a clean cloth, some water, and shampoo. Clean your scalp with a damp cloth after parting your braids.

3. Avoid Using Unnatural Moisturizing Products

You might have heard that mineral oils are good for your scalp. They can help keep your hair moist and look nice. But if you’re using moisturizers, try to avoid ones that have mineral oils. Some products can make your hair break easily, while others can help protect it. So, it’s better to use natural oils like almond oil or coconut oil. If you don’t want your hair to feel greasy, you can use a special conditioner that you don’t wash out.

4. Treat Your Scalp Gently

When you clean your hair with braids, it’s important to be careful. Sometimes you might want to scrub it really hard to get rid of the oil and sweat that can build up. But actually, that can hurt your scalp. So, instead, try to be gentle but make sure you clean it well. After you’re done washing, dry your braids by gently squeezing out the water. Don’t pull on your braids to dry them because that can put too much pressure on your scalp. Finally, give your scalp a nice massage while you put some good hair products on it to keep it healthy from the roots to the tips.

5. Avoid Keeping Them Tied Up All the Time

If you always tie your hair up in a fancy way, it can make your hair edges weak. Avoid styles that make you pull the braids too hard. Braids are supposed to protect your hair and make it healthy. You can try different hairstyles as long as you don’t pull too hard on your hair when you’re styling it.

6. Avoid Wearing the Braids for Too Long

This is a common braid sin among most women. While it is a protective style, it’s not a good idea to wear it for too long, especially if you don’t want to go bald. For the sake of your scalp’s health and hygiene matters, don’t have your braids on for more than eight weeks โ€” six weeks is considered the ideal period. Whether they’re twists, dread braid twists, crochet braids, or Bantu knots, having them for months on end can damage your hairline and result in hair breakage.

7. Maintain a Nighttime Hair Care Routine

At night, when you go to sleep after taking care of your braids all day, it’s important to be careful. One thing you can do is wrap your braids before bed using a soft, smooth scarf made of silk. This helps to keep the edges of your hair safe and stops the roots from getting dry. It also helps to prevent your hair from breaking, so that your braids look nice and well-kept.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining healthy braids requires consistent care and attention. By following these seven effective tips, you can keep your braids looking fresh and your scalp healthy.ย 

Visit Pretty Angels Beauty Salon today for effective hair care treatments for keeping your hair and scalp healthy and moisturized. We also offer unique braiding styles to make you look stunning for that special event!ย