Many people avoid shampooing and submerging their braids in water to keep them fresh for weeks. However, Kimberlee Blakely, senior director of product development and trichologist with The Mane Choice, says that prolonged time without cleansing the hair and scalp can be problematic and encourages those wearing protective styles to refresh their hair.
"Cleansing the hair and scalp while wearing braids is crucial because dirt, oil, and product buildup can accumulate, leading to itching, irritation, and even bacterial or fungal infections," she shares. "Proper cleansing using clarifying shampoos also promotes healthy hair growth by maintaining a clean and balanced scalp environment."
Washing braids is much like washing your hair when it isn't in a protective style—it's just a little more tedious.
Ensuring your braids are dried thoroughly is essential because leaving your scalp damp can create an environment for fungal and bacterial growth, according to Blakely. To avoid this, Sims says to gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel (or cotton t-shirt).
If you want to speed up the drying process, use a handheld blow dryer or sit under a hooded dryer on a low heat setting. Innovative drying tools like the RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer (myrevair.com) are also great for long braided styles.
The Final Takeaway
While braids give us a break from day-to-day styling, it's still essential to maintain a proper cleansing routine. According to our experts, washing your hair while it is in a protective style ensures that your scalp is balanced and free of buildup that can cause itchiness or infections. Using a tailored scalp cleanser, easy-to-rinse conditioner, and lightweight (yet moisturizing) leave-in products will ensure your hair and scalp feel healthy and hydrated while your braids are installed.
Byrdie.com | Bianca Lambert | May 3, 2024
