Braids are, without a doubt, some of the most common hairstyles among all genders. Coming in different patterns, colors, and styles, braids create a raw and unique beauty. However, as most braid enthusiasts know, braids are hard to make and even harder to maintain.
In this article, we will provide some answers to the questions of how to ensure your braids are exactly what you paid for. The most basic and prevalent variation of braid is a solid, three-stranded structure.
Various intricate braid styles, such as rope, French, waterfall, fishtail, five-stranded, and more, can be crafted using different numbers of strands. Braids are fashionable, ageless, and adaptable. They are ideal for any situation and may instantly take your outfit from carefree to elegant.
How Can I Make My Hair Easier To Braid?
Nothing is more fashionable and sophisticated than a precisely plaited braid. A lovely braid gives your regular look a playful “twist” and keeps your hair out of your face. The first step in braiding your hair is to detangle it to ensure it is knot-free.
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This can be done with either a brush or a wide-toothed comb. After ensuring your hair is knot-free, you start by separating your hair into three equal portions using a comb. Subsequently, using your left hand, hold the left section and your right hand, the right section.
During this step, ensure that the central portion dangles loosely in the middle. By snatching the right half and bringing it over to the center portion, you change the positions of the middle and right parts. Grasp the left side and cross it across the middle, then repeat with the left and middle strands. Ensure you continue doing this until your hair is fully braided.
How To Make Braids Last Longer?
One thing most braid enthusiasts ask is how to maintain a braid, ensuring it lasts longer. There are various ways of ensuring braids’ longevity, but the most important thing is to ensure that your braids aren’t made too tight.
There is a common misconception in the braiding community that tighter braids are better and safer. However, this is not only untrue but also unsafe. Tighter braids weaken hair and scalp, damaging them in the process.
After consulting with experts, here are some techniques to help ensure your braids retain their “brand new” look while remaining hydrated. The first tip is to always wrap your braids in a silk scarf or bonnet before going to bed at night.
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If you find sleeping with covered hair different, you can try alternating it with a silk pillowcase. According to Tatiana Dudley, a hair care specialist, always use light on the braids.
Dudley says, “This can be applied a few times per week for the duration of the style. Heavy oils can clog the hair follicles and cause problems.” Speaking with Yasmine Young, she suggested using a leave-in conditioner to seal in moisture and maintain the suppleness in the braids.
Young owns Diaspora Salon in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, Dudley warns against tight braids near the hairline to prevent hair breakage and follicle damage.
Is It Easier To Braid Wet or Dry?
Among all hair-making tips, one very valuable tip when it comes to braiding is that dry hair is easy to manipulate. This is because when the hair is wet, the hair shaft is more prone to swelling and damage. The hair is strongest when dry, making braiding easier and giving a firmer hold.
Since the chemical bonds in hair change in wet and dry conditions and because the protein structure of the hair changes in dry conditions, the hair will remain in its new shape rather than changing back to its wet state. This will allow for a stronger hold without causing any damage to the hair.
Research indicates that the hair absorbs about 45% of the water in the skin, increasing its weight by 12% to 18%. This causes the hair to become weaker and heavier, swells the hair shaft (the visible portion of the hair), and makes the hair more pliable and sticky when it protrudes from the skin.
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What Products To Use on Braids?
Protective styles offer a stylish change while providing relaxation for natural hair. For those wondering, you will be glad to hear that washing your braids once a week is OK. Speaking with Jess Rutana, founder of the exclusive luxury braid boutique Zuri Hair Studio, the best shampoo product for moisturizing braids is Afrocenchix’s Swish Shampoo.
Additionally, Rutana recommends Imbue Coil Rejoicing Leave-in Conditioner, which has moisturizing, detangling, and scalp-soothing properties. Furthermore, she suggests the Ampro Shine N Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse and the Red One Black Aqua Hair Gel Wax.
Rutana suggests applying a good scalp moisturizer, such as Charlotte Mensah’s Manketti Oil Finishing Mist.
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