This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Washing Braided Hair at Home: Tips and Tricks ¶
Washing your hair is essential, whether you have long hair or not. Dirt and sweat accumulate on your scalp, blocking pores and causing dryness, itching, and dandruff.
For those with long hair, protective hairstyles like braids are a must to shield your hair from direct sunlight and dust.
Braiding has numerous benefits, including protecting your hair from excess breakage, promoting hair growth, and increasing length retention. Plus, rocking braids can boost your confidence to another level!
One of the main reasons why most ladies prefer braiding their hair is its durability. Braids can last for 1-2 months, depending on the style, saving you money and time spent on daily hair combing.
However, braids have their downsides. They can catch dirt quickly and look old fast due to hair growth, leaving them looking untidy.
With many people hesitant to visit salons and redo their hair, washing your hair at home can help preserve your braids and keep them smelling fresh.
Divide your hair into three or four portions and focus on shampooing each portion first to make the process easier. Avoid applying shampoo directly to your hair, as this can be difficult to wash off.
Use a spray bottle with water and add shampoo, shaking well to activate the soapsuds. Alternatively, apply a generous amount of shampoo to your hand and rub it together to activate the soapsuds.
Massage your scalp gently, focusing on itchy areas. Avoid rubbing your hair too hard or using your nails, as this can cause injury and hair breakage.
Next, wash off the shampoo using running water. You can wash your hair while showering and slowly rinse out the shampoo.
Apply a conditioner and wash it out slowly to ensure all chemicals are properly removed. Gently wring out your braids to remove excess water.
Use a hair dryer on low heat to dry your hair faster or let it air dry. If you style your hair before it's completely dry, it may develop a foul smell.
Repeat the washing process weekly or every two weeks, depending on how fast your scalp gets dry and itchy.
After washing, apply some oil to your braids to keep them moisturized. Using braid spray is more effective, as it penetrates the hair more than normal oils.
Style your braids in a bun or ponytail to hold them together. This will help preserve your braids for longer.
Remember to wrap your braids in a headscarf while sleeping to prevent hair tagging and pulling. This will also keep your hair oil from rubbing off on your bed sheets and pillowcases.
