Box Braids: How to Prepare Your Hair & Take Care of Your Protective Style

Box braids are a popular protective hairstyle that can last for weeks, making them a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle. However, to ensure that your box braids look great, it’s important to properly prepare your hair before installation and take good care of them while you wear them. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to prep your hair for box braids and how to care for them once they’re in.

Start with clean hair

Before installing box braids, it’s important to start with clean hair. You can either shampoo your hair the day before or the same day as your appointment. It’s essential to avoid using any heavy oils or styling products as they can make your hair heavy. After washing your hair, ensure you’ve thoroughly dried it. 

Protect your hair at night

It’s essential to protect your hair at night. Before bed, use a silk or satin bonnet or wrap your hair in a silk scarf. This will help prevent your hair from rubbing against your pillow, reducing the risk of frizz.

Keep your braids clean

It’s essential to keep your box braids clean to prevent product buildup and maintain a healthy scalp. You can wash your braids regularly using diluted shampoo. Dilute the shampoo with water in a bottle and apply it to your scalp. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, and then rinse it out with water. Be sure not to tug on your braids while washing, as this can cause them to unravel or frizz.

Avoid excessive pulling or tension

While box braids are a protective hairstyle, it’s important to avoid excessive pulling or tension on your hair, as this can lead to breakage and damage. If your braids feel too tight or uncomfortable, speak up and ask your stylist to adjust them. It’s also important to avoid wearing your braids for too long, as this can cause your hair to mat and tangle, making it challenging to remove the braids.

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What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Braid Extensions?

Braid extensions are a great way to protect your hair while giving it a fresh look. However, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure that your braids look great and don’t cause damage to your natural hair. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when getting braid extensions.

Do’s:

• Do consult with a professional stylist who has experience in braid extensions. A stylist can help you choose the right type of extensions and ensure that they’re installed correctly.
• Do choose the right type of extensions for your hair type. There are different types of extensions, including synthetic and human hair, and choosing the right type for your hair can make a big difference in how well they blend and how long they last.
• Do take care of your scalp. Be gentle when washing your hair.
• Do protect your hair at night. Wear a silk or satin bonnet or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to protect your braids while you sleep.
• Do remove your braids after a reasonable amount of time. Braid extensions are not meant to be worn for an extended period, and leaving them in for too long can cause damage to your natural hair.

Don’ts:

• Don’t install your braids too tightly. Tight braids can cause tension on your scalp, leading to hair breakage and even hair loss.
• Don’t leave your braids in for too long. Leaving braids in for too long can cause damage to your natural hair and even lead to hair loss.
• Don’t pull on your braids or tie them too tightly. This can cause tension on your scalp and lead to breakage and damage to your natural hair.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your braid extensions look great and are a healthy protective style for your natural hair. Remember to consult with a professional stylist, choose the right type of extensions, take care of your scalp, and avoid tight braids, heavy products, and leaving your braids in for too long.

In conclusion, with proper preparation and care, box braids can be a great protective hairstyle that not only looks great but also helps protect your natural hair. Starting with clean hair, protecting your hair at night, keeping your braids clean, and avoiding excessive pulling or tension are all important steps to ensure that your box braids look great and last as long as possible.