Your protective style has served you well throughout the cold months. Now it is time to switch things up with a chic and trendy hairstyle. Darling stylists Emelang Moyo and Thomas Tsheola share simple tips on the process of taking out your braids without damaging your hair.
Before removing your braids:
• Spritz the braids with warm water. Then follow up with your favourite product that allows your hair to feel slippery so that the braids can come off easily.
• Start from the bottom upwards. If the braids are longer than your natural hair, cut off the bottom part. But, leave enough space between the braid and where your natural hair ends. Keep in mind that your natural hair is now stretched and has probably grown.
• Trim the ends and use a comb to unravel the first few sections of the braid. Apply more detangling spray to your fingertips and slowly unravel.
• After unravelling the braids to the root, you will be able to remove the extensions.
After removing the braids:
• Use a detangling spray if your hair has developed knots, and leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Taking your time, use your fingers to split the tangled parts. Finger-comb as much as possible before using a wide-tooth comb.
• Comb your hair from the root to the tip.
• Wash with a hydrating shampoo, and follow up with a conditioner.
• Invest in a hydrating scalp treatment to nourish your hair and scalp.
SEE ALSO: 7 Steps To Undoing Your Braids & Cornrows
How long should I wait before my next hairstyle?
• Two weeks is a recommended waiting period to ensure that your hair has a good ‘breather. This only applies if your scalp did not experience any irritation while you were removing the braids.
• Wait for four weeks if you experienced any breakage.
• Only resume braiding when your hair has fully recovered, and is in a healthy state. You can only achieve this by giving your hair and scalp proper attention through cleansing, conditioning and nourishing them.
