How to Care for Your Braids Made with Human Hair

Braids made with human hair are a stunning way to transform and elevate your look while protecting your natural hair.

Whether you're rocking box braids, twists, or cornrows, human braiding hair has the added advantage of looking and feeling more natural than synthetic options.

However, their beauty and longevity depend on proper care. 

If you're wondering how to keep your braids looking fresh and feeling luxurious, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Proper Care Matters

The great thing about human hair braids is that they tend to last longer than synthetic braids, and they offer more styling options as they come in different textures like Ocean Wave Braiding Hair and Latin Wave Braiding Hair.

But this comes with a level of responsibility, too.

Neglecting your braids can lead to frizz, matting, and even damage to your natural hair underneath, so you need to follow a proper routine designed to extend the life of your braids and keep them looking good while keeping your natural hair and scalp healthy.

Start with a Strong Foundation

Prep Your Natural Hair

Before installing your braids, you should always make sure that your natural hair is in its best condition.

This means washing and deep conditioning the hair beforehand so you have a clean and hydrated base to work with.

While you're at it, be sure to trim split ends and free your scalp of any buildup or irritation.

Choose High-Quality Hair

Always choose premium-quality human hair bundles for your braids.

Investing in good hair means better durability, more styling options, and a more natural look.

For best results, look for 100% human hair and be wary of human hair "blends" that often contain synthetic fibers.

Daily Maintenance

Keep Your Scalp Clean

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy-looking braids, and it's as easy as using a lightweight cleanser or scalp spray every few days to remove buildup and prevent itchiness.

Apply it along the parts and gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to work it in properly.

Moisturize Regularly

Human hair braids need more hydration than synthetic ones, so they should be ready to moisturize regularly in order to prevent dryness and frizz.

You can use a leave-in conditioner or a mixture of water and a lightweight oil, such as argan or jojoba oil, to keep the hair moisturized. Mist your braids lightly to avoid oversaturating them.

Protect Against Frizz

Another thing to look out for with human hair braids is the frizz.

You're dealing with natural hair here, so you'll have to take the good with the bad.

To keep it at bay, simply avoid touching the hair excessively or pulling on your braids. 

Also, tie your hair down with a silk or satin scarf at night or sleep on a silk pillowcase.

 These materials help maintain moisture and reduce friction, keeping your braids neat.

Weekly Care Routine

Wash Your Braids

Yes, you can (and should!) wash your braids, even if they're done with human hair.

Here's how:

• Dilute a sulfate-free shampoo in a spray bottle with water.
• Spray the mixture onto your scalp and braids, focusing on the roots.
• Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips.
• Rinse thoroughly using lukewarm water, and make sure there's no product residue left behind.
• Follow up with a lightweight conditioner, avoiding the roots to prevent buildup.
• Allow your braids to air dry completely before styling to prevent mildew or odor.

Treat Your Scalp

Apply a light oil or scalp serum to nourish your scalp and keep the hair from getting dry.

Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and castor oil are all excellent choices for soothing irritation and promoting healthy hair growth.

Styling Tips and Tricks

Avoid Heavy Products

Human hair braids don't need heavy creams or gels as they can weigh down the hair, cause buildup, and make your braids look dull.

Stick to lightweight, water-based products for styling and maintenance. Think light oils or serums that'll keep the braids moisturized and shiny without leaving any product buildup behind.

Change Up Your Look

One of the benefits of human hair braids is their versatility.

You can go all out and experiment with buns, ponytails, or half-up styles if you like, and it'll all look good. Just be mindful not to pull too tightly, as this can strain your edges and cause tension.

Use Heat Sparingly

If you want to curl or straighten your human hair braids, use heat tools on a low to medium setting and always apply a heat protectant.

Excessive heat can damage the hair and shorten the lifespan of your braids.

Extending the Life of Your Braids

Retouch as Needed

Over time, your natural hair will grow, and you might notice your braids loosening at the roots.

To stay ahead of this new growth, schedule a retouch for the edges or the entire hairstyle to keep them looking fresh.

This is particularly important if you plan to wear your braids for more than four weeks.

Trim Flyaways

Human hair braids are prone to small flyaways over time, so use hair scissors to trim any frizz or stray hairs that may stick out.

But be careful not to cut into the braid itself.

Avoid Overwearing

While human hair braids are durable, they shouldn't be left in indefinitely.

For best results, aim to wear your braids for no more than 6-8 weeks to prevent damage to your natural hair and scalp.

Also, check Common Mistakes with Installing Frontals to extend your lace life span.

Removing Your Braids Safely

Time to take out your braids?

Here's how to do it without harming your natural hair:

• Gently cut the extensions, leaving enough length to avoid cutting your own hair. Unravel the braids carefully using your fingers or a detangling tool.
• Once all the braids are out, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb.
• Wash and deep-condition your hair to restore moisture and strength.
• Avoid rushing through the process, as tugging or pulling can lead to breakage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Itchy Scalp

If your scalp feels itchy, check for product buildup or dryness and touch it up with a clarifying scalp spray.

You'll also want to avoid scratching with your nails, as this can cause irritation.

Frizz and Flyaways

Frizz is natural. It's going to happen the longer you keep your braids.

But, it can be managed by tying your hair down at night and using a light styling product. A mousse designed for human hair extensions can also help.

Odor

To keep your braids smelling fresh, wash them regularly and avoid exposing them to smoke or strong odors.

A dry shampoo or hair mist can provide a quick refresh.

Flawless!

Caring for braids made with human hair requires commitment, yes, but once you're used to them, they become part of your regular hair care routine.

Just make sure to follow these tips to keep your Burgundy Bulk Hair and Honey Blonde Bulk Hair healthy and shiny.

Keep in mind that consistency is the name of the game here: a little effort each day will keep your braids looking beautiful and feeling comfortable for weeks to come.