Braids are a timeless and versatile style that can be achieved on any hair type, including relaxed hair. However, before braiding relaxed hair, it’s important to properly prepare and care for your tresses to avoid breakage and damage. There are a few crucial steps you should take to get your hair ready for braids, and this article will provide you with the necessary information.
Whether you’re braiding your hair for a special occasion or as a protective style, it’s important to understand the right way to prepare your hair. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to prepare relaxed hair for braids, including proper washing, moisturizing, and protective styling techniques. By following these simple tips, you can achieve beautiful braids without sacrificing the health of your hair.
Importance of Properly Prepped Relaxed Hair for Braids
Properly prepping relaxed hair for braids is crucial for the overall health of the hair and the success of the braided style. When hair is relaxed, it undergoes a chemical process that weakens the hair strands and makes it more prone to breakage. Prepping the hair properly helps to mitigate some of the damage caused by the relaxing process and makes the hair more resilient to the tension applied by braiding.
Additionally, prepping the hair involves adequately detangling and moisturizing the hair, which makes it easier for the stylist to braid the hair without causing undue stress. Adequate prepping also ensures that the braids last longer and don’t unravel prematurely. So, whether you’re getting box braids, cornrows, or any other braided style, taking the time to properly prep your relaxed hair will ensure that you not only look great but also maintain healthy hair in the long run.
Top Products for Prepping Relaxed Hair for Braids
When it comes to preparing relaxed hair for braids, using the right products is essential. The right products can help to strengthen and hydrate your hair, and reduce the risk of breakage while braiding. Here are some top products that can help to prep your relaxed hair for braids.
Firstly, using a protein treatment before braiding can help to strengthen your hair and reduce breakage. One option is the Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment, which helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair. Another great product is the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector which also helps to strengthen and repair hair from the inside out. Additionally, a leave-in conditioner like the As I Am Leave-In Conditioner can help to moisturize and protect your hair, keeping it healthy and strong during the braiding process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Relaxed Hair for Braids
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Relaxed Hair for Braids
Preparing your relaxed hair for braids requires a set of important steps to achieve a longer-lasting style and avoid damage. Firstly, you should deep condition the hair to revive shape and moisture in the tresses. The hair should then be thoroughly detangled to minimize the chances of tugging or breakage during braiding. This can be done with a wide-toothed comb while gently starting detangling from the tips towards the roots.
After detangling, the scalp should be thoroughly cleaned using a clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. The hair should be left to air-dry without the use of a hairdryer. Once dried, it is time to apply a leave-in conditioner, nourishing oil and a hair-tie to hold the hair during braiding. Following these simple steps will lead to healthy, strong and beautiful braids for any style.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Relaxed Hair During Braiding Process
Braiding can be very stressful for your hair, especially if it is relaxed. Maintaining healthy relaxed hair can be a challenge, but it is essential to keep your hair looking its best throughout the braiding process. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy relaxed hair during the braiding process.
Firstly, make sure to moisturize your hair regularly. Dry hair is more prone to breakage, and relaxed hair is already more fragile than natural hair. Therefore it is important to keep your relaxed hair moisturized. You can achieve this by using a water-based moisturizer or a leave-in conditioner. Apply the product to your hair and massage it into your scalp regularly to ensure your strands remain hydrated.
Secondly, protect your hair while you sleep. A satin or silk hair scarf or bonnet will help you keep your hair smooth and breakage-free while you sleep. Avoid using cotton pillowcases or covers as they can create friction and lead to hair tangling. Follow these tips to maintain healthy relaxed hair during the braiding process, and you will be ensured your hair will be protected and remain healthy.
Techniques for Reducing Tension and Tangles During Braiding of Relaxed Hair
When it comes to braiding relaxed hair, it’s important to minimize tension and tangles. These can lead to breakage, thinning, and even hair loss. One technique for reducing tension is to start with clean, detangled hair. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and moisturize your hair, and then use a wide-tooth comb to remove any knots and tangles.
Another technique is to use smaller sections of hair and braid them loosely. Avoid pulling your hair too tightly, as this can cause stress on the scalp and lead to hair damage. Additionally, consider using a braid spray or hair oil to help add moisture and reduce friction during the braiding process. By using these techniques, you can help ensure that your relaxed hair stays healthy, strong, and beautiful while wearing braids.
How to Prevent Breakage and Damage to Relaxed Hair While Braiding
Braids and relaxed hair both require their own special care and attention. When it comes to combining the two, it’s important to take extra measures to prevent breakage and damage. Here are some tips to help keep your relaxed hair healthy while braiding:
1. Prepare your hair properly: Before braiding, ensure that your hair is clean, moisturized, and detangled. This step is crucial for avoiding breakage and damage. Also, avoid using heat-styling tools like curling irons or straighteners, as this can weaken the hair.
2. Avoid tight braids: When braiding, don’t pull the hair too tightly. This can cause tension on the hairline and scalp, leading to hair loss and breakage. Ensure that your braids are comfortably snug but not painfully tight. Additionally, avoid wearing braids for prolonged periods of time to give your hair time to rest and recover. By following these tips, you can successfully prevent breakage and damage while having beautiful braids on relaxed hair.
Post-Braiding Care for Relaxed Hair to Ensure Strength and Growth
After getting your braids done on relaxed hair, it’s essential to take proper post-braiding care to ensure your hair’s strength and growth. First and foremost, it’s necessary to keep your scalp clean and moisturized. A dry scalp can lead to itching, dandruff, and breakage of hair. To avoid these issues, use a dry shampoo to keep the scalp oil-free, and then apply a light moisturizer with a massage to the scalp.
When it comes to maintaining the length and strength of your hair, trimming the ends is crucial. Trimming will help in removing split ends or damaged hair that can cause breakage and stop your hair from growing. Deep conditioning your hair once in a week or a fortnight is always a good idea even after you take down the braids. Always make sure to detangle your hair gently, starting at the ends and then working your way gradually towards the roots. Following these simple steps will allow your relaxed hair to remain healthy and grow longer.
In Summary
In conclusion, preparing relaxed hair for braids can seem like a daunting task for many people. However, with the right techniques and products, you can easily ensure that your hair is strong and well-nourished before and after braiding. It is important to cleanse, deep condition and moisturize your hair regularly to ensure that it stays healthy and strong, and avoid excessive pulling and tugging when braiding.
Moreover, it is always advisable to seek professional help if you are unsure about how to prepare your relaxed hair for braids. Consult a stylist who specializes in braiding to help you make the best decisions on the products that will work for your hair type. With the right preparation, you can rock a braided hairstyle without sacrificing the health of your hair.