Braids are the trendy, timeless hairstyle for frizzy or afro hair! As well as being pretty and stylish, they save you from daily brushing and tame your (often) rebellious curls. However, they require meticulous preparation and well-targeted care to maintain a beautiful braid without damaging your hair. What’s the latest on braided hair?
It all starts with a treatment that will strengthen your frizzy or afro hair so that it doesn’t “suffocate” from being constantly braided and tightened by an elastic band. So, before you braid your hair, make sure it’s as moisturized as possible.
“There is no shame in black beauty.”
Lupita Nyongo
An oil bath, a ten-minute head and scalp massage, a gentle shampoo and conditioner and a moisturizing cream are all essential steps to nourish your hair before styling.
When braiding, if you’ve chosen to add extensions or synthetic strands, soak them in cider vinegar. This will neutralize the chemical elements that coat them: they could irritate your scalp and dry out your natural frizzy hair.
When tying them, avoid braids that are too tight or too heavy. Yes, they look cool, but in the long run they can lead to traction alopecia, i.e. permanent hair loss.
Even if ultra-short or even shaved hair is a look that suits some women, it would be a shame if it were irreversible!
A final word of advice: in your braids, be careful not to include the small hairs around the forehead, temples and nape of the neck, so that they don’t pull too much at the roots.
As we’ve seen, braids can weaken your frizzy hair. That’s why, if you adopt this hairstyle, take the time to pamper your hair with special care that simply consists of washing your braids at least once a week!
To do this
Dilute a few drops of mild shampoo in water.
Apply the mixture to the scalp and braids, massaging gently.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Bonus tip: We recommend complementing this treatment with a nourishing conditioner. Twice a week, spray on a moisturizing styling spray for Afro hair, to keep your tresses healthy and shiny.
Finally, to keep them in good condition overnight, tie a silk scarf around your head. We recommend wearing your braids for three to four weeks, no longer! Beyond that, you risk damaging the hair fiber.
After unbraiding, your scalp may be a little sore, numb or even less supple. But a new moisturizing treatment for curly or frizzy hair will soon make you forget about this sensation!
Then let your hair “res-pi-rer” for another month. It goes by quickly and allows you to vary your looks! Then your Afro hair will be ready for a new adventure.
Do you often wear your hair braided? Do you have any other tips for keeping your frizzy or afro hair healthy and looking its best? Would you like to share your tips with us?
