Q&A for How to Wash Braids

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  • Question
    How long should I keep my braids in for my hair to grow?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should redo the braids every four to six weeks, but you can keep wearing braids for as long as you like.
  • Question
    How soon can your hair be washed after braiding?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    There is no specific waiting time because braiding is not a chemical treatment. However, your braids will last longer if you wash them less frequently. Washing 1-2 times a week is usually best.
  • Question
    Can I use dry shampoo and leave in conditioner?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can use these products on your braids. However, they should only be used to supplement your regular washings with standard shampoo and conditioner.
  • Question
    Can you wash synthetic braids?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can wash synthetic fibers, but you should use a specially formulated shampoo or mix a teaspoon of your regular shampoo into a spray bottle full of water.
  • Question
    Can I get my braids wet?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely. If you are going to wear the braids longer than a week you should shampoo them, just be gentle.
  • Question
    Do you need to use a blow dryer, or air-dry the braids?
    Community Answer
    Either will work, though blow drying will of course be much faster.
  • Question
    Can I swim if I have braids?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Just make sure to wash all of the chlorine out of the braids when you are done swimming.
  • Question
    I have dried gel in my hair, how do I get it out?
    Community Answer
    Wash your hair thoroughly and it should all come out pretty easily. Repeat if necessary.
  • Question
    Should I worry about mildew if my hair doesn't dry properly when washing my hair while it's braided?
    Community Answer
    After shampooing, use a mild astringent in the braided hair, perhaps in a spray bottle. Then air dry, or use blowdryer.
  • Question
    Do I need to wash my braid every day if I'm going on holiday and expect to be swimming a lot?
    Community Answer
    It would be best not to get chlorine in your hair/on your scalp every day. You may want to consider a swimming cap, otherwise do be sure to thoroughly rinse the hair and to moisturize your scalp at the end of the day. Chlorine is extremely drying.
  • Question
    How do I get curls on natural hair?
    Community Answer
    When your hair is damp, braid your hair (pigtails are normally easiest and most effective) and go to bed. When you wake up, Take your hair out and run your fingers through it rather than a hairbrush so your hair doesn't go straight again. finish with some hairspray and you're ready to go!
  • Question
    Would rinsing my hair count as washing it and how often can I just run my hair through water to rinse it?
    Community Answer
    You pretty much always get your hair wet when you shower without a cap. Rinsing hair with water is okay to do, except shampoo and conditioner were invented for a reason. Your hair may get unhealthy without using shampoo and conditioner. I use those two products once a week, and to stop messing up your braids, I apply the shampoo on my hands till it lathers up, before massaging it into my scalp.
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