How Long Do Braids Last? WOW African Hair Braiding Salon (2024)

FAQs

How Long Do Braids Last? WOW African Hair Braiding Salon? ›

Duration of Braids

The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.

Box braids, characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, box braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Wash your braids every two to three weeks.

With synthetic hair, you don't have to worry about too much tangling, dryness, or color-fading. However, it doesn't last as long. If you're wearing it daily, for example, if it's sewn in, or if you have synthetic hair braids, then expect to get a solid three to six months out of it.

“Braids can worsen or exacerbate existing scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia,” Dr. Adeline Kikam, Houston-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm, shares.

How long should you keep your braids on? According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. "Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage," she says.

Knotless braids for natural hair can last up to three months, but how long your knotless braids will last depends on a few things: your hair texture and hair porosity, how you take care of them, and how large the braids are.

However, they do not last as long as box braids. While your box braids will remain neat after several weeks, knotless braids will develop frizz very easily unless you consistently tame your flyaways with a mousse like Sofnfree's Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater Curling Mousse.

Can you get African braids wet? ›

Regular exposure to water can loosen the braids and reduce the crisp, defined look of the cornrow braids much faster. For those who want their style to last several weeks, it's crucial to minimize the frequency of wetting the hair and to follow proper drying techniques when it does become wet.

Be sure to pick an oil that your scalp loves and moisturize along your part lines every day or at the very least, every other day. Also, remember to pick up a proper braid spray to make things easier and use the oil to seal in the moisture.

Ideally a couple of times a week or as needed for refreshment. Mousse is the unsung hero in the world of braided hairstyles, providing not just the holding power you need but also a host of benefits that look after your hair's health and appearance.

Duration of Braids

Braids can last anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks, or even longer, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's essential to understand that how long your braids last will depend on your hair type, the size of the braids, and the level of maintenance you give your braids.

Award-winning hairstylist, Jennifer Cherilus, explains that you need to take down your protective style (box braids) at eight weeks at most so you can properly cleanse your scalp and let it breathe.

For coarser textures with tighter curls, knotless braids have the potential to last longer, potentially staying intact for two to three months. For silkier and finer textures with looser curl patterns, however, they may not last as long.

Braids can last anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks, or even longer, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's essential to understand that how long your braids last will depend on your hair type, the size of the braids, and the level of maintenance you give your braids.