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So you got your braids done.
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The parts are crisp, youredges are polished, and you’re looking and feeling fierce AF.
However, the best moisture for your scalp and hair comes straight from Mother Nature: water.
Scalp health is the root (literally) of healthy, happy, hair.
However, New Jersey-based cosmetic chemistGinger Kingexplains that a stressed scalp will lead to the exact opposite.
“When there is buildup on the scalp, it leads to itchiness and people tend to scratch.
With the force, the hair is more likely to fall out,” she says.
That’s why proper cleansing is an absolute must.
Washing Box Braids and Twists
before you dive in, think about the needs of your hair.
If scalp dryness is a particular concern for you, King suggests moisturizing products to target those areas.
Her personal favorite is theTRESemme Deep Cleanse Shampoo.
We like theMoroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo.
You should wash your hair every two weeks.
If you don’t have as much buildup, you’re able to skip straight to cleansing.
Mack recommends using “a moisturizing shampoo as step two.”
(If you don’t need a clarifier, you’ll be using this kind of shampoo first.)
When you’re done with cleansing, it’s time to move on to conditioning.
“Usually, you want some quaternium compounds in the conditioner.”
When perusing an ingredient list, you will find them listed as cetrimonium chloride or quaternim.
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Remember, a lot of frizz comes from too much friction during the wash or drying process.
Use a microfiber towel for this like the Best of Beauty-winningVolo Hero Towel.
Braids that stay too damp could lead to mold.
“Moldy box braids are definitely a thing.
I found out the hard way,” Cooper shares.
Mold grows when braids don’t have ample time to dry.
It’s not just box braids that can experience mold all kinds of hairstyles and textures are susceptible.
Washing Cornrows
Cornrows need to be washed, too.
“I use a shampoo foaming cleanse,” explains Sims.
The friction that comes from washing cornrows with regular shampoo can cause frizzing because of friction.
Mack recommendsEva NYC’s Just Glisten Hair + Body Shine Mist.
“It always gets the job done.”
Our current favorite edge control is the Best of Beauty-winningAfrican Pride Moisture Miracle Edge Styling Wax.
Because cornrow braid styles can look old faster, a lot of people choose not to wash them.
But this is a no-no.
Sims begs, “Instead of washing, have a go at get it re-done if possible.”
“This can also induce inflammation, leading to an uncomfortable condition called folliculitis.
This presents with small, often tender, red bumps that may be pus-filled.
In severe cases, uncontrolled folliculitis can cause scarring and permanent hair loss.”
Just because your hair is braided doesn’t give you the green light to skip wash day.
It might look a little different than usual, but it’s still a necessity.
Trust us it’s better for your gorgeous head of hair in the long run.
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