Braids are the go-to hairstyle for many women due to their convenience. However, many people do not know how to maintain their braids and keep them looking fresh even after a couple of weeks.

You can never go wrong with braids for several reasons. This is why many people believe it is the perfect hairstyle. As they are easy to pack and style, braids are simply efficient yet pretty. 

Therefore, most people make braids several times yearly due to their flexibility and durability. Whether it’s a corporate event, wedding, or even a party, there’s a style of braids for you.

Two hair experts sat with TODAY.com to give their opinions on braids and how to maintain them. First is Tatiana Dudley, a hair care specialist and colorist with years of experience based in Harker Heights, Texas. 

The second is Yasmine Young. She is the owner and founder of the Baltimore-based Diaspora Salon, which specializes in both curly and coily hair types.

According to Dudley, the duration depends on the type of braids done. Those with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. 

She also mentioned, “Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage.” Therefore, it is advisable to take out braids before then.

Braids are only effective and beautiful when maintained. Therefore, you need to maintain your braids to prevent hair damage, breakage, and roughness. 

There are many ways to do this, and the two experts have outlined some basic and easy ways. They don’t require much time, and you can complete some of these steps in minutes.

This is the first and possibly the most important tip, and it starts when you’re getting your braids done. Do not get really tight braids. The feeling that the tighter the braid, the safer it is is a myth. “You should not feel pulling or tugging once the braids are in,” Yasmine Young said. This is because tight braids damage the scalp greatly.

Another great tip for keeping your braids fresh is to wrap your hair every night before bed. Dudley suggests wearing a silk scarf or bonnet to keep frizz at bay. If you would be uncomfortable with that, you can use a silk pillowcase to give the same effect. 

There would be less friction, and your braids would look fresh and not frizzy when you wake up.

Another great way to maintain braids is to use quality hair products. These help to moisturize your roots and scalp and prevent hair damage. 

Therefore, you should choose products based on expert recommendations, including formulas that help extend the lifespan of braids. Your hairstylist can also recommend products, as they will have a greater understanding of your hair type and needs.

Light oil is very important for hair care, especially when braids are on. Do not use heavy oils, as they can clog hair follicles and cause numerous problems, including dandruff, itching, and roughness. 

Dudley recommends applying multiple times a week. “This can be applied a few times per week for the duration of the style,” she said.

Young strongly recommends a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and keep your hair feeling supple. A very ample way to do this is to get a spray bottle and add some leave-in conditioner and water. Mix it all up and spray generously on your braids and scalp. This leaves a shiny finish, making your braids appear newer and more vibrant.

Tight braids are bad, but tight braids around your hairline are even worse. This is because they do a lot of damage to the hair and scalp. “This can cause excessive breakage and pull of the hair from the hair follicle,” said Dudley. “This is noted by tiny white bulbs at the base of the hair strand and/or bumps on the scalp.”

After enjoying your braids for a couple of weeks, it is time to take them out. However, you need to be careful while doing this. Loosen them gently without tugging at your roots, and moisturize if you have to. 

You also have to take care of your now loosened hair before making another hairstyle. This is to prevent hair damage, keep hair clean, and promote growth.

There are several products that help to get the best of your hair after loosening your braids. Dudley and Young recommended a few products which they believe, in their expert opinion, are good for your hair care. 

Some of these include: Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, Curl Restoring Intensive Mask, Pattern Cleansing Shampoo, Refresh Dry Shampoo and GLOSS.ME Hydrating Shampoo.