Q&A for How to Wash Box Braids

Yes, you can wash synthetic hair—just use cool water and don't use any heat styling tools. Depending on the type of synthetic hair, you may need a special shampoo.

You can leave box braids in for up to 6 weeks. If you start to notice flyaways or if they start to pull on your scalp, you should take them out.

You can wash braided hair, but you'll want to use a diluted shampoo and avoid rough scrubbing. Make sure to massage the scalp with shampoo as well as washing the braids.

You can absolutely get them wet—just be careful not to pull or scrub them harshly. Water makes hair more fragile.

Your box braids may loosen a bit, and you may see some pieces of hair coming out of them if you wash them. Spraying dry shampoo on your scalp while you have box braids in will keep your hair looking clean and fresh.

You can keep box braids in for a long time, but it is best to take them out once they start falling out themselves or start looking tatty. Most people keep them for 2-4 weeks. Personally, I had box braids for 3 weeks.