Maintaining And Taking Care Of Box Braids
Almost all women love getting box braids regardless of their age and hair type. However, not all women know how to take care of the box braids once they have them done by their hairdresser. It is important to keep the braids neat and in shape while protecting your hair too.
It is important to note that box braids are not all about going to the salon or inviting the hairdresser to your home to have them done. To avoid disappointments after getting your hair done, you will need to know how to maintain and take care of your box braids after getting your hair done.
- Trim All the Fly-Aways
Your hairdresser is likely to only trim the fly-aways of the braids that lie on the top layer and seal the braid ends with water once they are done doing your box braids.
It is your responsibility to thoroughly inspect all the braids and get rid of all the flyaways on every single braid once you get home from the salon. You can use a pair of scissors or any other appropriate equipment to cut them.
While getting rid of flyaways, it is important to differentiate between your natural hair and the braids to avoid cutting your precious hair. Accidentally cutting natural hair is every woman’s hair nightmare, and so you need to avoid that at all costs.
- Take Care of Your Edges
Most of the time there is some degree of pain that comes with getting box braids. Instead of cursing your stylist for pulling your hair, you should pamper your edges with essential oils such as coconut oil to help loosen the pressure.
Another way you can help reduce the pressure and pain from new braids is by using a warm towel on your edges.
Chances are that you will need to lay your edges after getting your hair done. It is important that you use a styling product that is alcohol-free to avoid unnecessary irritation.
- Cover Up Your Box Braids at Right
If you want any kind of hairdo to look fresh for a long, you will have to cover it up at night. This also applies to box braids regardless of whether they are made from your natural hair or extensions.
Subjecting any kind of hair to friction makes it fray more. Covering up the hair at night helps minimize the friction between the hair and the bedding while sleeping. This tip is important because frayed hair makes your hair have puffy roots when your braids start developing growth.
It is recommended that you invest in satin bonnets or head scarfs as they allow little to no friction regardless of how much you turn and toss while sleeping.
- Style Your Braids With Care
You will definitely need to change the style of your box braids every once in a while. Before you consider pulling your braids into that perfect ponytail, you have to be careful about how you do it. You need to put into consideration that the hair is subject to wearing and tearing.
Being rough while styling your box braids will only make them develop flyaways or even worst, you may end up pulling out your natural hair together with the braid.
You don’t need to use styling tools to style your braids because your fingers are all that you need. For a perfect final look, you may need to spray your hair for some extra shine.
- Keep Your Hair Moisturized
It is important to keep the roots of the braids moisturized because they constitute your natural hair. Moisture helps hair to grow and keeps the scalp protected therefore minimizing the chances of hair breakage as a result of a dry scalp.
It is important to keep moisture locked in, especially when your box braids start developing new growth. To lock in the moisture, you can make use of oils on top after applying the moisturizer.
- Wash Your Braids Once Every Two Weeks
Washing your box braids is an important factor in maintaining and taking care of braids that most people neglect. Dirty hair blocks the pores and prevents hair growth, or worst, it makes your hair smell.
