How to Care for Braids Properly

Braids are available in a variety of styles, from cornrows to braided extensions. Your braids may consist only of your own hair or include synthetic or human hair to make the braids longer.

Caring for braids is slightly different from caring for unbraided hair. Braids soak up water and shampoo more readily and can stay wet inside if not air-dried or dried with a blow dryer. Keep your braids beautiful and your scalp healthy and itch-free by caring for them properly.    

Things You'll Need
Residue-free shampoo
Deep conditioner
Square silk scarf
Witch hazel
Tea tree or peppermint oil
Spray bottle
Shea butter
Blow dryer and hood attachment (optional)

1
Wash your braids once a week with residue-free shampoo. Lather the shampoo in your hands and apply the lather to your scalp. Massage the lather into your scalp and leave it on your head while you bathe or shower. Rinse out the lather with cool water, squeezing the suds through your braids.

2
Deep condition your hair every two weeks using a cholesterol conditioner or hot oil treatment according to the package directions.

3
Fold a square silk scarf in half diagonally to make a triangle. Tie the scarf around your head at night to keep your braids from becoming fuzzy from the friction of moving around in bed.

4
Mix 1/2 cup of witch hazel with 5 drops of tea tree or peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Spritz your scalp with the mixture between shampoos to freshen your braids and prevent itching.

5
Scoop a dime-sized amount of shea butter into the palm of your hand and rub it between your hands until it liquefies. Massage your scalp between conditioning treatments as needed.

Tips & Warnings
Never go to bed with wet braids or tie wet braids up. Allow your braids to dry fully to prevent mildew from forming inside.





Source: ehow