Making braids, box braids or add-ons may seem like a trivial choice. However, there are a few rules to follow and criteria to check before taking the plunge. Your hair’s health depends on it!
Making box braids can be a great way to vary the pleasures and protect your hair from damage, it’s a great protective hairstyle if done right. Braids are a popular option for both these reasons,
This style can be applied to all hair types:
On the other hand, if you have damaged, brittle hair or hair loss, don’t risk making the situation worse by making box braids. In this case, take the time to get to know your hair, repair it with the right care products, and opt for Afro hairstyles with no additions, such as simple braids, vanillas, twists or glued braids, until your hair is back in tip-top shape.
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MISTAKE N°1: DON’T DO ANY HAIR CARE BEFORE MAKING BOX BRAIDS
Scalp and lengths must be clean. Above all, don’t leave your hair dry and free of moisturizing and nourishing hair care products, as they will offer your hair a protective effect for the duration of your Afro hairstyle. Whatever your hair type – frizzy, curly or straight – start by washing hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove chemical residues and dirt accumulated at the roots. Next, apply a moisturizing/nourishing mask or conditioner to replenish your hair’s lipids and moisturize it. The hair routine doesn’t stop there, apply the LOC or LCO Method, which corresponds to a leave-in treatment, a moisturizing cream or milk, to maximize hydration, then finish with an oil, serum or butter (Shea Butter) to seal it in.
Wait until your hair is completely dry before braiding, and have it styled the next day or two to be sure.
Don’t forget to detangle your hair gently during care, using the right gestures. This will make styling much easier and prevent your lengths and ends from breaking.
MISTAKE N°2: NOT WASHING YOUR STRANDS OR EXTENSIONS BEFORE VISITING YOUR AFRO HAIRDRESSER OR SALON
It’s not just your hair that needs cleaning! I never thought about it until an Afro hairdresser asked me to. To be on the safe side, whether it’s synthetic or human hair, we give it a little shampoo and leave it to dry for as long as necessary. Following this action, it’s true that I had less itching on my scalp. I’d definitely recommend it.
MISTAKE N°3: PULLING TOO HARD ON THE HAIR DURING THE STYLING SESSION
Pulling too hard on the hair during braiding sessions can lead to alopecia (hair loss) over time. This is because the constant pulling on the root detaches the hair from the papilla, shortening the hair’s life cycle in the first instance, a hair that sometimes doesn’t grow back afterwards.
Taking care of your hair also means being clear with your hairdresser when you think he’s going to harm it, for example by telling him to stop if he pulls too hard on your hair. Some people may tell you that if you don’t pull on your hair, your style won’t last long, that braids unravel more quickly, etc. No, braiding doesn’t require pulling out the bulbs.
The consequences can be uncomfortable all night long after your hairdressing session: you may be in so much pain that the braids are so tight, your hair will break at the roots, or worse, cause hair loss.
Remember, it’s your hair you want to keep as long as possible, and in good health too.
MISTAKE N°4: WEARING AFRICAN BRAIDS FOR TOO LONG
Wearing African braids for longer than 8 weeks can damage your hair. In fact, this hairstyle exerts a great deal of tension on the scalp, which can lead to irritation, inflammation and even hair loss.
If you want to keep your African braids for a long time, make sure you take good care of your scalp and hair by washing regularly, massaging your scalp with a nourishing oil and using a soft bristle brush to avoid tangles.
Mist your hair on a daily basis to avoid dryness and damage.
When removing your African braids, be sure to give your hair a good deep treatment, with intense moisturizing to replenish lost moisture.
Avoid washing your hair too often. Washing hair robs it of its natural oils and can cause braids to loosen.
1 – Treat your hair
2 – Wash your locks
3 – Be cool with your hair – there’s no point in over-tightening it!
4 – Wear your braids for 2 to 3 weeks (beyond that, your hair bulbs may suffer).
Do you have any other tips? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
