Yes, you can and should wash your hair with braids to maintain scalp health and hygiene. Braided hairstyles, whether box braids, cornrows, or any other type, can still accumulate dirt, oil, and product buildup over time. Properly washing your braided hair not only keeps your scalp clean but also extends the lifespan of your braids, ensuring they look fresh and neat for longer. However, washing hair in braids requires a gentle approach to prevent frizz, unraveling, and unnecessary tension on the scalp.
How to Wash Hair With Braids
1. Prepare Your Scalp and Braids: Before washing, dilute your shampoo with water in a squeeze bottle or cup. This makes it easier to apply the shampoo directly to your scalp and through your braids without over-saturating them.
2. Gentle Application: Apply the diluted shampoo solution directly to your scalp and gently massage with the pads of your fingers (not your nails) to loosen any buildup. Avoid rigorous scrubbing, which can cause frizz and loosen your braids.
3. Rinsing Thoroughly: Carefully rinse your scalp and braids, ensuring all shampoo is washed out. It’s important to rinse thoroughly to prevent residue build-up, which can lead to itchiness and irritation.
4. Apply Conditioner (Optional): If your braids are made with natural hair, you can apply a light conditioner or a leave-in conditioner to the length of your braids, avoiding the roots to prevent buildup. For synthetic braids, you may skip this step or apply conditioner only to your natural hair exposed at the roots.
5. Drying Your Braids: Gently squeeze out excess water from your braids. Then, wrap your braids with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to absorb water without causing frizz. It’s crucial to let your braids dry completely to prevent mildew or odor. Air drying is recommended, though you can use a hooded dryer for faster results, ensuring it’s on a cool or low-heat setting.
Tips for Maintaining Braids When Washing
- Frequency: Wash your braids every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain scalp health without causing undue stress on your hairstyle.
- Avoid Heavy Products: Minimize the use of heavy oils or butters directly on the scalp or braids before washing, as these can lead to buildup that’s hard to rinse out.
- Protect Your Edges: Be extra gentle around the hairline to avoid tension and stress on your edges, which are more prone to breakage.
- Scalp Care: Between washes, consider using a witch hazel or diluted apple cider vinegar spray to refresh your scalp and reduce itchiness.
Conclusion
Washing your hair with braids is not only possible but necessary for maintaining both the health of your scalp and the appearance of your braids. With the right approach and gentle care, you can keep your braided hairstyles looking beautiful and fresh for their entire lifespan. Remember, the key to successfully washing hair with braids lies in the preparation, careful washing and conditioning, thorough rinsing, and complete drying to ensure your scalp stays healthy and your braids remain intact.
