BEFORE YOU BRAID: 5 STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR NATURAL HAIR FOR A PROTECTIV (2024)

FAQs

BEFORE YOU BRAID: 5 STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR NATURAL HAIR FOR A PROTECTIV? ›

Answer. The most effective way to prepare hair for braiding is to start with clean hair, detangle it, moisturize it, divide it into sections, and protect the ends.

Answer. The most effective way to prepare hair for braiding is to start with clean hair, detangle it, moisturize it, divide it into sections, and protect the ends.

One good habit you should keep is to wrap your braids at night when going to bed. Using a silk scarf protects the edges and prevents the roots from drying out. It also protects your hair from breakage, keeping the edges looking fresh and well-maintained.

braiding, in textiles, machine or hand method of interlacing three or more yarns or bias-cut cloth strips in such a way that they cross one another and are laid together in diagonal formation, forming a narrow strip of flat or tubular fabric.

Always comb through any tangles and apply a lightweight Styling Paste for easier braiding. Create neat, even sections. Divide your hair into three equal sections: left, middle and right. Comb through the sections and secure each one with a small clear elastic to keep them separated.

Proper prep routine involving brushing and application of volumizing mousse can add grip and texture, making it easier to handle your hair for braiding. Also, to protect your fragile strands from further damage and keep them moisturized, use products like leave-in conditioners or serums during the process.

Do regularly care for your natural hair in your braids. To regularly take care of your hair in your braids, you should oil your scalp 2-3 times a week with moisturizing oils. Also, wash your scalp after strenuous activities such as swimming to ensure there is no dirt and product build-up.

How are braids protective? ›

The Science Behind Protective Styles

A protective hairstyle keeps your ends tucked away to protect your hair from things like humidity, heat, and physical manipulation. Your hair is hidden and tucked away, protecting the shaft and ends.

Conditioning is (MAJOR) key!

After you've cleansed your hair and scalp, you'll want to condition your strands to restore your hair's moisture. Bringing moisture back to your strands helps the hair become more pliable, and is helpful in prepping your hair for a new ✨lewk!

That said, you'll still need to moisturize on a daily basis if you want the protective style to do its job. Be sure to spritz a leave-in conditioner over your hair daily and use hair oil on your scalp to keep your hair soft and healthy.

Typically, protective styles are worn for at minimum a few days, up to about 8 weeks. We recommend keeping most styles in for about 6 weeks. You won't want to keep a style in for longer than two months because your hair can become dehydrated, and cause you to have increased scalp tension.