How to prepare your hair for braids

Natural hair of any length looks great when braided. Braids come in handy when you want to give your hair a break from a style or even colour.

What’s more, you can have them on for weeks with minimal maintenance. To ensure you get the maximum and enjoy the duration of your braids; you should do the following before braiding:

Pre-existing issues: If your hair is not in its best state, you are better off sorting it out before you braid it. If you have an itchy scalp or a fungal infection on the scalp, have it treated; if you have dandruff or your hair is weak then you should treat it first.

Braiding your hair when it has a problem will only make it worse and you may have to undo your braids within a very short time. Two weeks before you braid, ensure your hair and scalp are intact. Try to settle any issues at least two weeks before you braid.

Wash and condition: Once your hair is braided, it will be very difficult to wash each strand properly. Considering that you may stay with the braids for weeks, it would be nice to ensure you do a thorough washing and conditioning before braiding.

Thoroughly scrub your scalp ensuring all residues have been removed. Use a clarifying shampoo and once you have rinsed it, condition it to add moisture too the hair.

Deep condition: Your hair will be in braids for a while and as such, the pre-braiding period is the last chance you have to add extra strength and moisture to your hair. Make sure your hair and scalp are strong enough to handle the extra weight and tension that come with braids. The conditioner you use now will spend the most time in your hair. This is the opportunity to add any extra ingredients that will benefit your hair.

Detangle: It is important that you thoroughly detangle your hair. This will ensure that your hair does not break as it is being braided and also lessen the pain.

Detangling ensures you avoid the pain and save time the hairdresser will spend detangling your hair. Hair that is thoroughly detangled before being braided is much easier to detangle and comb through when you undo the braids, making for a shorter, less frustrating/painful detangling session.

Stretch the hair: Hair will be easier to braid and come out neater if it is straight/stretched. Heat is likely to damage your hair thus you can plait your hair into big ‘matutas’ or cornrows.

If you properly prepare for your braids, they can last for up to two months or even more before you remove them.