How to Clean Braiding Hair?

The Braided Hair trend is literally exploding right now.

A casual 300 MILLION+ TikTok users have searched for Goddess hair braids so far, and even the celebs can't resist.

Janet Jackson rocked her pick n' drop in space bun ponytails (iconic), while Vick Hope hit up the UK's top celebrity braid stylist, Molecia Sessay, for her mermaid wave moment recently. 

Meanwhile, influencers are out here experimenting with different lengths, colors, and statement partings, making this style even more must-have. However, anyone who's worn braids knows that proper cleaning is essential for both comfort and longevity. 

Whether you're dealing with synthetic or human hair braids, knowing how to clean them properly can make the difference between an itchy nightmare and a gorgeous protective style that lasts for weeks.

How to Wash Braiding Hair After Installation

You chose Copper Deep Wave Bulk Hair to get those perfect, trendy goddess braids, and now they are installed. Regular cleaning is absolutely essential if you want to keep your scalp healthy and your braids looking fire. Here's how to wash them without ruining all the money and time you just spent at the stylist:

For Natural Hair Braids:

• Start by getting those braids completely wet with lukewarm water. Skip the hot water – it'll damage your Hair and possibly melt synthetic extensions. Not cute. 
• Grab a clarifying shampoo and apply it to your scalp. Use your fingertips (never your nails!) to massage in small circles. This gets the product buildup off without messing up your braid pattern.
• Work that shampoo down your braids gently – no rubbing or twisting! That's the fastest way to get frizz city or loosen your fresh install.
• Rinse super thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure no shampoo residue remains.
• Next, hit those braids with a lightweight conditioner, especially on the ends where dryness loves to hang out.
• Rinse everything out completely.
• Post-wash, apply a little coconut oil or any lightweight natural oil to your scalp and braids. This locks in moisture and keeps everything feeling fresh.
• Wrap those braids in a silk or satin scarf while they dry to keep frizz at bay. Your edges will thank you later.

For Synthetic Braiding Hair:

When washing synthetic braids, the apple cider vinegar method works every single time:

• Mix one cup of ACV with four cups of lukewarm water in a spray bottle, and lightly dampen your braids with plain lukewarm water first.
• Spray or pour that ACV mix directly onto your scalp and braids. Focus on the roots where all that product and oil build up.
• Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to break up any buildup and let it sit for about five minutes (perfect TikTok scrolling time).
• Rinse everything thoroughly with lukewarm water and add a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner made specifically for synthetic Hair for extra shine and manageability.

If you've never used an apple cider vinegar rinse for your braids before, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Not only does it refresh your style, but it also helps prevent the itchy scalp and inflammation that can lead to embarrassing scratching sessions and those annoying bumps.

Drying Your Braids Properly

You were inspired by our Kinky Straight Bulk Hair to finally try the Gypsy braids. So, after washing your braids, drying your braids the right way is key to preventing mildew and frizz. The best method?

Let them air dry completely at room temperature. If you need to speed up the process, use a blow dryer on a low heat setting, holding it at least six inches away from your scalp.

For extra protection, apply a leave-in conditioner or serum designed for synthetic braiding Hair to keep frizz at bay.

And don't forget, wrapping your Hair in a silk scarf or bonnet at night helps keep your braids looking fresh!

Why Does Synthetic Braiding Hair Make Your Scalp Itch?

Unlike Natural Braiding Hair, Synthetic braiding Hair is often treated with chemicals to give it that sleek, shiny look. Unfortunately, these coatings can trigger scalp irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Plus, synthetic fibers don't breathe like human Hair, even with huge braiding Hair like our Afro Kinky Bulk Hair. Your Hair can still breathe, but with synthetic fibers, it can't, meaning they can trap heat, sweat, and bacteria, leading to buildup, itching, and even Hair shedding over time. 

Some of these chemicals are also environmental pollutants and potential endocrine disruptors, not exactly something you want sitting on your scalp for weeks!

That's why proper cleaning, both before installation and during wear, is absolutely critical.

The good news is that with the right techniques, you can significantly reduce or eliminate these issues, allowing you to enjoy your braided style in comfort.

How to Wash Synthetic Braiding Hair Before Installation

The most important step in preventing scalp irritation happens before your braids are even installed.

Pre-washing your synthetic braiding Hair with a simple apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse can remove the irritating residue, making the Hair safer and more comfortable to wear. 

Here's how to do it:

1. Find a basin large enough to fully submerge the braiding Hair.
2. Fill it with warm water (not hot, as this can melt synthetic Hair).
3. Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to the water and mix well.
4. Submerge the braiding Hair in the solution, keeping the rubber bands intact to prevent tangling.
5. Let the Hair soak for about 30 minutes.
6. After soaking, the Hair will have a vinegar smell, so you'll need to rinse it thoroughly.
7. Prepare a second bath with fresh warm water, a small amount of gentle shampoo, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
8. Rinse the Hair in this solution until the vinegar smell is gone.
9. Lay the Hair flat or hang it to air dry completely before installation.

This apple cider vinegar bath works wonders because it strips away manufacturing residues while also providing antimicrobial benefits that can help prevent scalp issues once the braids are installed.

Many braiders swear by this method, claiming it can extend the life of their styles by weeks while eliminating the dreaded "new braid itch."

Upgrade to Human Braiding Hair

If you're over the endless itching, scalp irritation, and vinegar baths, it might be time to switch to human braiding Hair.

GoNaked Hair is perfect for women who love their natural texture but want the convenience of extensions.

Our high-quality Clip-ins, Headband wigs, and human braiding Hair blend seamlessly with natural Hair while giving you that extra volume and versatility.

Unlike synthetic Hair, human braiding Hair doesn't have chemical coatings, making it way more breathable, comfortable, and irritation-free. 

Plus, you can heat style and color it to perfectly match your look. We recommend Raw Hair for more natural Hair if you want the Hair to last longer with your experiments .

Clean Scalp, Happy Braids

Keeping your braiding Hair clean is essential for a healthy scalp and long-lasting protective styles.

Whether you're washing synthetic braiding Hair before installation or maintaining your human hair braids after installing the cutest Deep Wave Bulk Hair, these simple steps will help you stay itch-free and looking fresh.

With the right care (and the right Hair), you can enjoy flawless, irritation-free braids every time!