7 Maintenance Tips for Braided Extensions
- Nike Anderson
- Mar 23, 2016
- 2 min read
I’ve worn braided extensions since I was a little girl. Even as an adult, they are my go-to style whenever I need a break from my natural hair. Not only are they absolutely gorgeous, but braids are very versatile and hassle-free. Whether I’m wearing Senegalese twists, box braids, or micro braids, one thing remains the same—I still have to look after my hair and scalp, even though I'm wearing a protective style. Over the years, I’ve learned some great maintenance tips that helped me make the most of my braided extensions. Here are seven maintenance tips for those of you considering braids as your next protective style.
1. Ease up on those edges. If I said it before, I’ll say it again—braided extensions can take a toll on your edges. The weight and tension of the braid pulls the hair away from the scalp. When your hairline is braided too tightly, this weight and tension can cause temporary to permanent hair loss, a condition known as traction alopecia. Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to go easy on your edges.
2. Go shorter. Long braids are beautiful, but they can be very heavy, causing undo stress on your hair and scalp. Stressed out hair leads to unnecessary damage and/or breakage. Opt for shorter braids instead, you’ll also sleep better at night with less bulk.
3. Keep your scalp clean. This is tricky. Sometimes washing your braided extensions can cause knots and tangles in your natural hair. A great alternative is to use diluted tea tree oil on a cotton ball to dab on your scalp and remove dirt. Tea tree oil is a great antiseptic, so it’s great for keeping your scalp clean and healthy when washing your braids isn’t feasible.
4. Keep your scalp moisturized. I used to skip this often because I was afraid of nasty product buildup. However, a dry scalp leads to unsightly flakes and patches, and unbelievable itching. Using a spray bottle with a mixture of water and coconut oil does a great job of relieving dryness while minimizing buildup.
5. Don’t exceed six weeks. I know we all dread the takedown. But, trust me, your hair and scalp need a proper cleanse and deep conditioning treatment. Not only can leaving braids in too long cause locking or excessive knotting, but all kinds of things get trapped into your braids overtime—primarily dust and lint. The longer these things stay in your hair, the more difficult they are to remove.
6. Give your hair a break. I learned this the hard way. Braiding my hair back to back is a definite no-no—especially since I have fine tresses. If you can help it, give your natural hair some rest between installments of braided extensions. Back-to-back installments can stress out the hair and cause it to break.
7. Deep condition! Before and after you install braided extensions, it’s a good idea to strengthen your hair with a good deep conditioning treatment—preferably one with protein. Doing so will prolong the moisture of your hair while reducing breakage. A win-win if you ask me!
Did I forget something? Let us know down below!
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