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Expert Tips

Braid Aftercare Guide

Keep your braids fresh, your scalp healthy, and your style lasting longer.

How Long Will They Last?

Expected Longevity by Style

With proper care, your braids can last significantly longer.

StyleAvg. DurationMax (with care)
Box Braids4–6 weeks8 weeks
Knotless Braids4–6 weeks8 weeks
Cornrows2–3 weeks4 weeks
Feed-In Braids2–4 weeks5 weeks
Faux Locs4–6 weeks8 weeks
Passion Twists3–5 weeks6 weeks
Goddess Braids3–5 weeks6 weeks
Daily Care

How to Care for Your Braids

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Moisturizing Your Scalp

  • Apply a light oil (jojoba, coconut, or argan) to your scalp every 2–3 days
  • Use a spray bottle with water + leave-in conditioner to lightly mist braids
  • Avoid heavy creams directly on the scalp — they cause buildup
  • Focus oil on the scalp and roots, not the braids themselves
🌙

Nighttime Routine

  • Always sleep with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase
  • Never sleep on wet or damp braids
  • Loosely tie braids back or in a pineapple bun to prevent frizz
  • Use a satin scarf to wrap your edges nightly
🚿

Washing Your Braids

  • Wait at least 1–2 weeks before the first wash
  • Dilute shampoo in water and apply along the scalp with a nozzle bottle
  • Do not scrub — gently massage the scalp in sections
  • Rinse thoroughly — residue causes itching and buildup
  • Air dry or use a hooded dryer on low — avoid high heat
🏊🏾‍♀️

Swimming & Exercise

  • Always wear a swim cap in chlorinated pools
  • Rinse braids immediately after ocean swimming (salt dries hair)
  • After workouts, dry your scalp with a microfiber towel
  • Apply light oil to scalp after drying post-exercise
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Products We Recommend

  • Light scalp oils: jojoba, sweet almond, or argan oil
  • Dry shampoo spray for between washes
  • Braid spray with tea tree oil for scalp relief
  • Mousse or edge control for frizz and baby hairs
  • Sulfate-free shampoo for wash days
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When to Take Braids Down

  • Don't leave braids in longer than 8 weeks maximum
  • If you notice excessive tension, itching, or breakage — remove sooner
  • Take braids down if you see excessive lint buildup or smell
  • Give your hair at least 1 week to breathe between styles

✓ Do's — Keep Your Braids Looking Fresh

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase every night
  • Oil your scalp every 2–3 days to prevent dryness and itching
  • Keep your edges moisturized with edge control or light oil
  • Wash every 2–3 weeks using diluted shampoo on the scalp
  • Use a rat-tail comb to gently separate braids if they start to join at the roots
  • Keep braids out of your face when sleeping to reduce frizz at the hairline

✗ Don'ts — Avoid These Mistakes

  • Don't sleep without a bonnet or satin pillowcase — friction causes frizz and breakage
  • Don't apply heavy products directly on braids — causes buildup and odor
  • Don't leave braids in longer than 8 weeks — causes matting and breakage
  • Don't scratch your scalp aggressively — use oil and a soft brush instead
  • Don't swim without a swim cap in chlorinated water
  • Don't blow dry on high heat — air dry or use low heat only
  • Don't pull too tightly when styling — tension leads to thinning edges over time

Ready for a fresh style?

When your braids are done, we're ready to give you a beautiful new look.

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