Hair Care Tips After Removing Braids

Protective styling is a great way to retain length by putting less stress on your hair strands and to allow your Frolicious curls to rest. However, do you know what to do after removing braids? Here are 4 easy tips you should try to care for your natural hair after taking down your braids.

Before you install the braids make sure to develop a healthy hair routine, where you regularly condition your hair with natural oils or products that increase hair retention and moisture. Once your hair is in a healthy state you can go ahead and braid your hair.

How To Take Care For Your Hair After Removing Braids

Taking down box braids after wearing them for 4-6 weeks can take a while to complete. I usually ask my boyfriend to help me. Here is what my aftercare routine looks like to help you out.

1. Finger Detangle – Don’t brush

Take your time and make sure you gently finger detangle your hair while removing each braid. Don’t use a brush to get rid of the knots and shed hair. Finger combing means to separate your hair carefully in groups. Start detangling your hair from the ends and work your way up to the roots.

2. Wash Your Hair

Use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to clean your scalp after removing braids. As your hair can be super oily or greasy. A clarifying shampoo will wash out any scalp buildup from the styling products you have used during the time. Here are some of my favorite clarifying shampoos:

3. Deep Condition Your Hair

After taking down braids and clarifying your hair you need to apply a great deep conditioner. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Here are some deep conditioners I would recommend you to try:

4. Trim Your Hair

Get rid of damaged hair and give yourself a proper trim after removing braids. You can do it by yourself or let a professional hairdresser do it. Trimming is an important part of healthy natural hair growth. Don’t worry your hair will grow back. I would recommend to leave your hair alone for at least two weeks before reinstalling a new protective style like box braids, cornrows or something else.