Before you begin the braiding process your hair should be clean. It’s best to get rid of any build up, dirt and oil. Your foundation matters! Adding braids to dirty hair will reduce the longevity of your style.
You also have to make sure that your hair and scalp are strong enough to handle the extra weight and tension of the braids.
Deep condition your hair. Allow the conditioner to sit in your hair for about 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out with water. Once you are done washing your hair and scalp, it is important to make sure your strands are properly moisturized. The better moisturized your hair is before you put in the braids, the better hydrated it will stay for the entire time your braids are in.
Use a medium tooth comb and detangle your hair from the tip and work your way up to the roots. Make sure you work through any tangles to make braiding easier. Do not stress on your hair. Use your fingers for those tiny fairy knots, or anything that’s too tangled. You don’t want to pull down on your hair and break it before your braids.
Also, try to solve any scalp issues you might have that may be weakening your hair.
1. Spray the braids with some water.
2. Begin from the bottom upwards.
3. Apply detangler to your fingertips and slowly unravel the braids/twist.
4. Once you have unraveled the braid/twist to the root you will be able to slowly remove the extensions.
5. Massage your head.
4a, 4b, 4c Installations – After washing and conditioning your hair, while it’s still damp detangle it before it shrinks & braid it in sections. Before you get to your appointment it will be stretched and tangle free and less prone to breakage.
Let your detangled hair dry to about 50-75% and use a blow dryer on low/ cool setting to stretch your healthy hair. will drastically reduce breakage and the time it takes to work with your hair.
You can blow dry your hair before braiding, but not without appropriate preparation and the right settings, such as a cool temperature. Even if you decide not to blow dry, letting it dry on its own prior to styling is also a great option. However, keeping your hair in great condition makes your styling process a lot less risky in general, regardless of the drying method you choose.
* Maintenance & Cleansing
Split the hair into four sections, then using watered down shampoo and your fingers, apply the shampoo to the scalp and rub gently to lift the dirt off the scalp. If you have a lot of product buildup from using greases, oils, and growth aids then the use of a soft and small baby toothbrush can help. Just ensure that you do not rub too hard.
* Moisturize Regularly
Use a liquid moisturizer or braid spray twice a day. A liquid moisturizer is best as it can penetrate the braids and get to your actual hair.