Braid Tips: What To Do Before Braiding Your Hair

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Braids are becoming increasingly popular with Nigerian ladies and with good reasons. It lasts long and could be styled in several ways to give you various gorgeous looks. If you are thinking of getting your hair braided, there are a couple of things you should do before heading to the stylist’s.

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Consider the state of your hair

Firstly, before choosing to braid your hair, you need to consider the state your hair is in. If your hair is breaking, or has a lot of knots, it’s probably not the best time to get your hair braided. It would only damage your hair more. Rather, work on repairing the damage to your hair. If on the other hand, your hair is in perfect shape, move to the next step.

Wash and condition your hair

Washing your hair before braiding is kind of important. You don’t want your scalp itchy and uncomfortable a week after getting your hair done. Don’t forget to condition your hair – your hair loves conditioner. The major ingredient in any conditioner is aqua/water – it provides moisture to your hair leaving it soft and shiny. If your hair is natural (unrelaxed), deep condition i.e. apply conditioner, cover it with a shower cap and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.

Detangle/comb your hair.

Completely detangle your hair before heading to the salon. If your hair is tangled and messy, you will probably end up with a headache when the hair is finished. The stylist will not have the patience/time to comb your hair gently and will tug and pull till you feel like your head is being pulled from your body.

Tips for maintenance

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After getting our hair braided, we tend to neglect the hair till it’s time to take out the extensions. That decision usually leaves the hair dry when the braid cycle comes to an end.  Here are a few tips to ensure your hair is healthy when it comes out

• Wear a satin scarf to sleep or use satin pillowcases

• Avoid wearing your hair too tight, it damages your edges (front hair)

• Moisturize your hair often with a leave in conditioner spray

• Apply hair butter or cream to the roots of your hair

• Wash your hair every two weeks. Yes, you can and should wash your hair while its braided

 

Below are a couple of ways to style your braids.

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