Braid care - Long-lasting beauty and hair health

Why braids are more than just a hairstyle: protection and style

Braids are not only a beautiful and versatile styling trend, but also a popular protective hairstyle for Afro hair and curls. They reduce daily manipulation, protect the ends from external influences, and thus potentially promote hair growth by minimizing breakage. However, even with braids, the hair needs care to prevent dryness, itching, and buildup, and to ensure that the natural hair underneath remains healthy.

Inadequate care while wearing braids can lead to:

• Dryness and hair breakage: If the hair under the braids dries out, it becomes brittle.

• Scalp itching and irritation: Product buildup, sweat, or tension can irritate the scalp.

• Product build-up: Difficulties in cleaning can lead to residues.

• Bad smell: Due to insufficient ventilation and cleaning.

Your care guide for long-lasting beautiful and healthy braids

To optimally care for your braids and the natural hair underneath, follow these steps:

1. Regular scalp cleansing:

   • Diluted shampoo: Use a mild, diluted shampoo or a special braids shampoo that rinses out easily. Focus on the scalp between the braids. You can apply it with an applicator.

   • Gentle massage: Gently massage the scalp with your fingertips (not your nails!) to loosen dirt and build-up.

   • Rinse thoroughly: Rinse extremely thoroughly to avoid shampoo residue that can cause itching.

2. Moisturizing care is essential:

   • Lightweight leave-in sprays: Use lightweight leave-in conditioner sprays or special braid sprays that moisturize without weighing down the braids or leaving residue. Spray them on your scalp and lightly on the braids.

   • Light oils: Apply a few drops of a light oil (e.g., jojoba oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil) directly to the scalp and massage it in gently. Peppermint and tea tree oils also have a cooling effect and can relieve itching.

   • Diluted conditioners: Sometimes a conditioner diluted with water in a spray bottle can serve as a moisturizer.

3. Relieve itching:

   • In addition to cooling oils, special scalp serums or soothing sprays (e.g., with aloe vera) can help reduce itching. Avoid scratching your braids, as this can irritate the scalp and lead to frizz.

4. Protection during the night:

   • Silk/satin headwear: At night, tie your braids in a large silk or satin scarf or wear a silk/satin head covering . This prevents friction and frizz, and keeps your braids cleaner and shinier for longer.

5. Avoid prolonged wearing time:

   • Do not wear braids for too long (maximum 6-8 weeks). Wearing them for too long can strain the hair follicles and lead to breakage or even traction alopecia (hair loss due to pulling).

   • Give your hair a break between braids and take intensive care of it.

6. When removing the braids:

   • Patience: Be extremely careful and patient when removing the braids.

   • Conditioner/Oil: Moisten the braids with water and conditioner or oil to make them softer and easier to untangle.

   • Gently detangle: Before washing, gently detangle your natural hair in small sections using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. It's normal for a large amount of loose hair to accumulate – this is hair that would have naturally fallen out during the time you wore the extensions.

These care tips will not only keep your braids looking beautiful for longer, but will also keep your natural hair underneath healthy and protected.