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How to care for your summer braids

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Taking care of summer braids
Taking care of summer braids

International and local Spring/ Summer 2019 fashion weeks were abuzz with models flicking their beaded and bedazzled braids. On the red carpet famous faces such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sho Madjozi and Shekinah have been rocking braids in all styles and colours. Summer 2019 is definitely for braids and plaits, but what do you need to know before rocking some of your own? Here are six hair tips to make sure your braids are summer fresh.

1. Prepare Your Hair 

Boost the strength of your hair with a deep conditioning protein treatment. Leave it on for a minimum of 20 minutes, and then cover it with a shower cap or towel to create heat. Don’t skip your normal conditioner afterwards. Opt for an intensely hydrating product like a hydrating mask and leave it on 10-15 minutes.

READ MORE: How to teach your child to love her own hair

2. Night Protection

Sleeping on a station pillowcase or with a silk headscarf will help keep your braids from drying out. Your edges will also remain fresher. Cotton pillowcases can cause your braids to frizz and fray and they also absorb all the moisture from your hair. So in order to keep your hair nourished and your braids frizz-free, invest in a satin hair bonnet, silk pillowcase or silk scarf. 

3. Keep Your Scalp Hydrated 

Spray your roots constantly with water and use moisturising braid sprays with natural oils like castor, almond or olive oil to deeply nourish and keep your braids looking healthy. Spritz your hair daily along the length of your braids and scalp to keep them moist.

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READ MORE: 10 reasons why Rooibos is good for you

4. Wash Your Braids Correctly

The daily buildup of dirt or sweat can cause pores to clog and create product buildup. Use a hydrating shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils but will ensure that your braids are hydrated and have a healthy shine. Try not to rub your braids when you wash them. Use a hot oil treatment after washing to hydrate your stressed scalp.

5. Avoid Styles That Pull Your Natural Hair

Constantly styling your braids in high ponytails or up-dos pulls on your hairline which can weaken your roots. Simply limit these kinds of styles to one to two times a week instead of daily. While wearing your braids be sure to apply hair food with essential oilsto your hairline to keep it from thinning.

6. Don’t Wear Your Braids For Too Long 

New growth can cause the hair to be pulled if your braids are heavy or from constantly tugging on them. Sleep patterns and daily movement can weaken or damage the new growth from consistent stretching. To avoid hair breakage, braids should only be left in for 4-6 weeks, with a retouch on your hairline after 3 weeks, so that your hairline isn’t hanging on by a thread and stays nice and strong. 


Braid Products To Try:

  • SofnFree Black Castor Oil Braid Spray R29,99
  • Shea Moisture Braid Up Conditioning Gel R349
  • Sta- Sof-Fro Hi Sheen Polish Spray MistR36,99
  • MPL Hair Oil R29
  • Jabu Stone Braiding Spray R32,99
  • Dark And Lovely Braid Refresher R57
  • Stylin Braidz Spray Shampoo R47
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