How I Wash My Braids Without Creating Frizz | Protective Style Wash Day Routine with RevAir
When you’re rocking a protective style, it’s easy to assume your hair doesn’t need much attention. But maintaining a clean, healthy scalp while your natural hair is tucked away is key to maximizing growth, moisture retention, and long-lasting results. In this post, longtime RevFam member Tia walks us through her personal braid wash day routine, sharing how she keeps her style fresh, her scalp nourished, and her curls thriving with help from the RevAir Extreme Hydration Collection and Reverse-Air Dryer.
How I Care for my Braids from Start to Finish
I’ve had these braids in for just over two weeks, and as much as I’ve been loving the break from daily styling, my scalp was practically begging for a wash day. I know some people like to install their protective style and just leave it be. If that works for you, amazing. But personally? I need to give my scalp some TLC if I want my braids to last and my hair to thrive underneath.
As a longtime member of the RevFam, I’ve learned how important it is to care for your scalp and natural hair while it’s in a protective style, not just before and after. So here’s exactly how I do my wash day for braids, using the RevAir Extreme Hydration Collection and my Reverse-Air Dryer to keep everything clean, hydrated, and frizz-free.
I Start with a Detox for My Scalp
First things first, I go in with the Extreme Hydration Detox Pre-Wash Rinse. This stuff is a game-changer. It’s made with apple cider vinegar and coconut water, and it instantly makes my scalp feel refreshed. I focus on my edges and the nape of my neck, massaging gently with my fingertips. Honestly, it’s like I can hear my scalp sigh in relief.
Some people use a washcloth to remove buildup if they don’t want to get their braids wet. But my style is pretty simple, so I just hop in the shower and rinse it all out.
Then I Shampoo - But I Always Dilute It
Next up is the Cleansing Oil Shampoo, and this is where I get a little creative. I dilute the shampoo in a spray bottle - about 80% water and 20% shampoo - so it’s easier to control and apply directly to my scalp. I spray it on, massage it in gently, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. I do a few passes to make sure everything is out.
After this step? Clean scalp. Happy scalp. New woman.
Conditioning, Even with Braids
Yes, I still use conditioner when I’m wearing a protective style. I mix the Deep Conditioning Treatment with water (about 75% water, 25% conditioner) and apply it the same way I do the shampoo - spraying and gently massaging it into my scalp and the length of my braids.
You could skip this step and go straight to leave-in, but I love the hydration boost this gives my hair. Plus, the smell is everything.
Leave-In + Scalp Oil = Non-Negotiable
After rinsing out the conditioner, I grab my Hydrating Leave-In Conditioning Spray, which is already in a spray bottle and super convenient, and mist it over my braids. It helps bring my curls (I use human hair, Spanish curl extensions) back to life and makes detangling easier, too. The coconut oil and hyaluronic acid leave everything soft and hydrated.
Then I apply just a touch of the Moisture Rich Scalp & Hair Oil. It’s lightweight but makes my scalp feel so nourished. This step is the cherry on top.
And Finally... I Dry with My RevAir
I could let my braids air dry, but I don’t. I reach for my RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer. Since I’m not trying to stretch my hair - just dry it - I use a low tension setting (1 or 2) and low heat. I work in small sections, “reving” each one for about 30 to 60 seconds.
If you didn’t know, RevAir works on all protective styles. Braids, locs, wigs, extensions—it dries them all quickly and gently without frizz or breakage. That’s why I love it.
My Final Result? Braids That Feel Brand New
Once I’m done, my braids feel clean, hydrated, and fresh, like I just got them done. My scalp is soothed, my curls are soft, and everything smells amazing. It’s wild what a difference a little scalp care can make.
So if you're wearing a protective style and wondering how to keep it looking great without messing it up, this is it. Wash day doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional.
My Go-To Products:
If this routine helped you, check out more tips on the Healthy Hair Blog, or watch my full routine over on the RevAir YouTube Channel. Happy wash day, RevFam.
