Braids are a great protective style and can last up to two months if taken care properly, but what about the damage to your natural hair? Thembeka Mgobhozi, stylist and owner of Sphalaphala salon in Durban shares 5 ways to make sure your natural hair is taken care of while with braids.
1. Shampoo often
It’s important to have your scalp shampooed even when wearing braids. However don’t use conditioner (and if you do, use little of it) as it tends to loosen the braids because of its silken qualities. Conditioners tend to affect the wear life span of the braids hence we skip this step altogether.
2. Dry properly
It’s very easy to grab a hair dryer because it works quicker, but always try your best to stay away from heat. After washing your braids, rather dry your hair with a soft towel or an old t-shirt and wrap it around your hair. Dry your braids by squeezing the water out and not by pulling them, in this way your natural hair won’t break as easily as it would if you pulled your braids.
3. Moisturise and hydrate
Be sure to still moisturize your scalp and hydrate it. Dry scalp leads to dry hair which leads to hair loss/breaking and a thinning hair line. Invest in a good after care regime that will ensure that your scalp is hydrated and healthy. We recommend the Ladine braids and weaves range as it consists of a Root treatment that keeps your scalp hydrated and a fresh and lasting spray that keeps your braids smelling fresh and clean. (This works wonders especially for those ladies that work out a lot).
4. Cover your braids before you sleep
Whether it is a hair net or silk scarf, it is important to protect your hair and braids from loosening while you sleep by covering it. This will help preserve the style longer and prevent dirt from getting on your scalp.
5. Be careful where your braids start
If you have a fine hairline, don’t plait on it, your hair will break and you will lose your hairline. Invest edge taming gel, you can get one at Clicks and Dis-chem, Mizani and Design essentials are very good with those.