How to Care for Black Individual Braids
- 1). Oil the scalp. Single braids will last longer in healthier hair that is well-conditioned. Scratching an itchy scalp will create more wear on the root of the braid. This is only necessary if you have dry scalp.
- 2). Spray oil sheen or moisturizer on the braids to keep the hair conditioned. This will also keep the braids shiny.
- 3). Wash the braids. Even though the hair is braided, it can still be washed. Washing hair will remove any excess oil and dandruff from the scalp, as well as lint that can often be mistaken for dandruff. To wash, let the braids hang straight down. MyBraids recommends using a clarifying or protein rich shampoo. Then follow up the shampoo with a 3:1 mixture of distilled water with apple cider vinegar. Cornrows recommends covering the scalp with a stocking cap. Then mix one to two tablespoons of shampoo to one liter of water and massage the hair with the shampoo mixture. Rinse the hair with a water pick or faucet extension, and then massage in leave-in conditioner. Air dry or pat the hair dry.
- 4). Re-braid the hair. New hair growth can unseat single braids and loosen the braid's tautness to the scalp. Also, hair will begin to unravel from the braid as a whole. Rather than wait to redo the entire head, re-braid hair as needed. A few braids may only need to be redone per day, versus all of them. Often, wear begins to show in the braids lining the forehead first since this is the most visible area. These braids will need to be re-braided more often.
- 5). Wear a silk or satin scarf when sleeping. Tossing and turning when sleeping can cause braids to wear and unravel faster, wearing a scarf will help protect the hair. It will also keep the hair moist.
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