Braids are a classic go-to hairstyle for all types of hair. They’re stylish, easy to do, and can help protect your hair from the elements. Unfortunately, braids can also be prone to frizzing up—especially if you live in an area with high humidity.
If you’re trying to master the perfect braid but find yourself dealing with a frizzy mess, this blog post is for you!
We’ll walk you through some simple tips and tricks for keeping your braids looking neat and polished—even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Read on to learn how to keep your braids looking their best!
How To Keep Braids From Frizzing Up
To keep braids from frizzing up, it is important to use the right products and techniques. Here are some tips:
Use a moisturizing product before braiding.
- Braid hair tightly to prevent frizz.
- Treat your hair with lukewarm water
- Wrap hair in a silk or satin scarf at night.
- Avoid sleeping on rough cotton pillowcases.
- Re-moisturize and re-braid loose ends as needed.
- Use a light-hold hair spray to tame flyaways.
Start by addressing any scalp buildup
Your skin, including the skin on your scalp, is the largest organ in your body. Even when you have braids in, you still need to take regular care of your hair if you want it to grow out healthy.
Product buildup on the scalp can cause problems with the scalp and hair. It may also be unpleasant! Dandruff or product flakes on your clothing can be unsightly and can cause itching, redness, and irritation.
That implies that washing your scalp is a necessity, and you can do it without ruining your protective style. In a common squeeze bottle with a pointed nozzle, dilute your shampoo before jumping in the shower. The bottle’s form will make it easier for you to focus on the areas that require cleaning, and diluting your shampoo with water has additional advantages.
Treat your hair with lukewarm water
Additionally, you can rejuvenate your braids from frizzles by doing something as easy as some hot water. Remove the towel from the pot using tongs, then let it cool just enough so that it is still warm to the touch but not burning.
After that, spread the towel over your braided hair. Your braids will seem cleaner and the frizz will be reduced by the hot water.
Oludele advises putting two drops of oil in the boiling water and dipping the midshafts of your braids (where your natural hair ends) into the solution before using a hot towel to dry the hair and the ends if you want something that will provide you with a little extra moisture. Take care when removing your braids from the hot water.
Wrap hair in a silk or satin scarf at night.
It takes less than a minute to cover your braids at night, and it can significantly reduce the amount of frizz they develop. It may also have an impact on how long your style eventually endures.
A silk or satin scarf or bonnet for braids is exactly what you need if you’re wearing your hair in box braids, ghana braids, lemonade braids, or any other braid style.
All of these prevent your hair from drying out and reduce frizz by reducing friction between your hair cuticles and your bedding.
Avoid sleeping on rough cotton pillowcases.
Sleeping on rough cotton pillowcases can cause hair to frizz as the rough surface creates friction between the hair and the pillow. This friction can cause the hair strands to become tangled and frizzy.
The rough surface of the cotton pillowcase can also strip hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and more susceptible to frizz. Using a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce the amount of friction between the hair and the pillow, helping to prevent frizz.
Re-moisturize and re-braid loose ends as needed.
Apply your oil or oil sheen to the braids and your scalp to seal in the moisture from the conditioner and water mixture. Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and shea butter are some of the best oils to use for this stage.
Make sure the all-in-one oil spray you use is lightweight. Heavy oils should not be used for braids because they might weigh the hair down and lead to root breakage. Additionally, avoid over-oiling your braids because this can cause product accumulation.
You’re prepared to deal with the frizzy roots now that your hair has been thoroughly washed, conditioned, moisturized, and sealed. The ideal way to accomplish this is to rubber band them.
Apply a hair gel or lotion to the roots and smooth the hair upward starting with one braid. Put the rubber band on after you’ve adequately flattened your natural hair, then wrap any frizz around the braid’s base.
What Causes Braids To Frizz?
- Lack of moisture: Dry hair is more prone to frizz, so it’s important to keep braids moisturized.
- Poor braid technique: Braids that are too loose or too tight can cause frizz.
- Sleeping on rough surfaces: Sleeping on rough cotton pillowcases can cause friction between the hair and the surface, leading to frizz.
- Weather: Humidity and high winds can cause braids to frizz.
- Over-manipulation: Constantly touching and playing with braids can cause them to frizz.
- Using the wrong hair products: Using heavy, greasy products can weigh braids down and cause them to frizz.
- Re-braiding too often: Re-braiding loose ends too often can lead to breakage and frizz.
- Exposure to heat: Exposure to heat from styling tools can cause hair to frizz.
Tips For Keeping Your Braids Looking Fresh
If you’re one of those people who is constantly battling frizzy braids, we feel your pain. It can be so frustrating to try to keep your braids looking neat and tidy, only to have them start frizzing up a few hours later.
But don’t despair! Here are our top tips for keeping your braids looking great:
- Moisturize regularly: Use a light, water-based moisturizer to keep braids hydrated.
- Avoid over-manipulation: Refrain from playing with braids too much, as this can cause them to frizz.
- Protect braids at night: Wrap braids in a silk or satin scarf to prevent friction and frizz.
- Avoid harsh hair products: Steer clear of heavy, greasy products, which can weigh braids down and cause them to look dull.
- Re-braid loose ends as needed: Re-braid loose ends as soon as they start to unravel to keep braids looking neat.
- Avoid heat styling: Avoid using heat styling tools, as exposure to heat can cause braids to frizz.
- Use a light-hold hair spray: Use a light-hold hair spray to tame flyaways and keep braids looking smooth.
How Often Should You Wash Your Braids?
It depends on the individual, but typically it’s recommended to wash braids every 2-4 weeks. Washing too often can cause braids to become dry and frizzy, but waiting too long can lead to buildup and an unpleasant odor.
It’s important to find a balance that works for you and your hair type. When washing, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a light conditioner to avoid causing damage to the braids.
Additionally, avoid getting the braids too wet and use a silk or satin scarf to protect the hair when sleeping.
Conclusion
Keeping your braids from frizzing up doesn’t have to be a hassle. With regular care, hydration, and simple protective styling techniques you can easily extend the lifespan of your braids.
Try some of the tips mentioned in this article and you should notice a difference in how long your braids stay looking fresh and bouncy. Remember to always use quality products when caring for your hair – it will make all the difference!