Braids are a popular, practical style for natural curlies when they are transitioning, growing out a cut, or simply giving their hair a break from manipulation. Braids (and twists”> look beautiful and you can get creative with lengths, thickness, and color and all without damaging the hair — but only if you are careful!
How to take out your braids
You may be annoyed that your time with them is up; I know I was. However, you must put that energy into taking them out correctly in order to cause less stress to your scalp and hair.
My keywords for this process: time and slip.
You must set aside enough time for this process just as you did for installing the braids in the first place; the worst thing to do is to rush, as you may cause damage in doing so. Add a slippery detangling product to the hair that makes it easy to glide through its surface — this is the best way to remove knots or any tight style from the hair.
Youmustset aside enough time for this process just as you did for installing the braids in the first place; the worst thing to do is to rush, as you may cause damage in doing so.
You can create slip using your favorite leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, oil, or a mix of water and conditioner. When taking down my braids I prefer moisturizing my scalp beforehand with one of these products:
Steps
1. Spritz the braids with some warm water.
Then follow up with your chosen product with slip; carefully making sure you cover all parts of the hair.
2. Begin from the bottom upwards.
If your braids are much longer than your natural hair you can cheat by cutting the bottoms, but still leave enough space to where your natural hair ends, keeping in mind your natural hair is now stretch and has probably grown. Simply trim the ends and use a comb to unravel the first few sections of the braid.
3. Apply more detangler to your fingertipsand slowly unravel the braids/twist.
4. Slowly remove the extensions
Once you have unravelled the braid/twist to the root you will be able to slowly remove the extensions takes breath it will feel amazing!
Do not be alarmed if you see huge knots at the ends or some breakage.We shed hair daily so the weeks (or months”> worth of hair in our braids will equate to a decent amount of hair fall.
5. Deep condition
Once the protective style is removed you want to treat your hair like a newborn baby — give it lots of TLC. Clarify as if your scalp has been working overtime!
Deep condition with heat to get your best conditioning treatment out the cupboard and sit under a cap/hooded dryer for a good 30/40 minutes, your hair will thank you for it. I like Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep ConditionerandSheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Masque.
Once you’ve followed this process, allow your hair to breathe! Do a simple wash and go — no crazy manipulation — you want to let your hair be in its natural state and relax for the next week or so.You should find your natural hair back in great condition after being tucked away for so long!
How do you care for your hair after wearing a protective style?
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FAQs
Step 1: Spray hair with water and leave-in mix
Slip is needed when taking down braids. This makes the takedown process easier and seamless for you. Take out one braid and spritz it with the water and leave-in conditioner mix. After wetting the hair, you can also apply oil to the braid if you like.
What to do when you take braids down? ›
Here are five hair care tips you should use after removing your protective style to keep your hair healthy and on the right track!
- Finger Detangle/Pre-Poo. ...
- Clarify Hair and Scalp. ...
- Deep Condition. ...
- Moisturize. ...
- Trim.
After taking out your braids, it's essential to address any residual buildup. It is advised to start by applying gentle pressure or rinsing your hair lightly with water to hydrate the previously tucked-away ends before shampooing. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle from the ends to the roots.
What product do you use before braids? ›
Products Before Braiding
Your strands and scalp are the two most important aspects of your braided style so invest in a good, clarifying shampoo, deep conditioning masque, and pudding or custard to set your hair.
What products to use for braid out? ›
For the perfect braid out, we recommend you use a detangling brush like a Denman or Felicia Leatherwood brush as well as two product combinations – a moisturizing leave-in conditioner and a curl defining cream or butter.
How long should you let your hair breathe between braids? ›
Stylists often recommend that you let your natural hair and scalp relax and breathe before putting another protective style in. If you can allow at least one week between styles, then you'll have time to see the state of your hair.
What not to do after getting braids? ›
AVOID CONSTANT UP DO'S WITH YOUR BRAIDS
Constantly styling your hair into high ponytails pulls at your hairline. This constant pulling and tightly weakens the hair along your hairline . Be gentle with your hairline. Limit updo styling to 1 or 2 times a week rather than everyday.
What happens if you leave your braids in too long? ›
The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.
Why does so much hair fall out after taking out braids? ›
Any long-term protective hairstyle may lead to your hair shedding after that protective style because of losing moisture. The result is your hair more prone to dryness, and breakage which can appear as excess shedding. They can also cause hair thinning as well as hair loss from keeping them in for so long.
What is the best way to take out braids? ›
Once the conditioner has been applied to the hair, you can use the fine teeth to comb out the braid. Simply rake the comb starting at the ends of the hair and they should easily unravel. If that is not working you can put the metal tip at the end of the braid and slide it down.
In addition to patience, you will need a spray bottle filled with water (and maybe a little essential oil). Misting the hair loosens the tangles. Then apply a little bit of your favorite conditioner. You'll want a thick conditioner that will coat and moisturize the hair so that the knot will just slide out.
Do you take out braids wet or dry? ›
Dampen and Detangle. Yusef suggests moistening your hair prior to taking down the protective style to keep tangles and damage at a minimum. Remember, even if you're wearing extensions, your natural hair that's woven in is still growing and going through its regular phases as you wear your braids.
Should I wash my hair when I take my braids out? ›
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.
Does your hair still grow while in braids? ›
Though braids don't have a direct impact on hair growth, they have an impact on hair health. They can help growing hair stay healthy and strong, keeping it moisturized while it continues to grow. For more information on hair braiding and health, visit a hair Pro in your neighborhood and discuss your style options.
What do you put in braids to make them stay? ›
Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion
If you want to add real structure to your braids, this foaming lotion is loaded with strengthening ingredients like panthenol to add hold and shine. Young says this product is great "to tame the flyaways and make braids smooth again — if needed."
How to prevent hair loss when taking out braids? ›
Use Lubricating Products. Apply a lightweight oil or serum to the base of the braids to help lubricate the hair and scalp, making the removal process easier and less damaging.
Should I grease my hair before braiding? ›
Niani says to skip applying oil to your hair when preparing braids. Not only do you want your scalp to be free of product buildup, but she explains that some hair oils won't play well with braiding products and can impact the hold or appearance of your final style, leaving behind a white, flaky residue.
