Can You Wash Braids? Everything You Need to Know if You Have Cornrows

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Easy ways to keep your braids extra clean and healthy
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Cornrows are formed by braiding the hair closely to the scalp. Cornrows not only look beautiful, but they are also a great choice for natural hair because they promote healthy hair growth. This style requires consistent care. Wash your hair every 7 to 10 days, moisturize your braids, and maintain the look to keep your style looking awesome for as long as possible. Remember to cleanse your scalp to remove dirt and buildup, and apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to keep your hair hydrated.

Caring for Your Cornrows

Wash your hair every 7-10 days with a gentle shampoo to remove dirt and buildup. Pat and squeeze your braids with a towel to dry them without adding frizz, and wrap your hair in a scarf or bonnet while you sleep. Since cornrows can be drying, moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or shea butter.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Washing Your Hair

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    Washing your hair every day or even a few times a week can be too much for braids. Not washing your braids at all, however, can lead to even more damage and breakage. Washing your hair every 7 to 10 days is best for most hair types, but you can ask your stylist for advice if you’re not sure if that is right for your hair.
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    Get an applicator bottler with a pointed tip. Fill this applicator bottle with 90% water. Top of the bottle with the shampoo of your choice. Do the same with the conditioner of choice in another applicator bottle. [1]
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    Use the applicator bottle to apply shampoo to your scalp and braids. Once everything is covered, give your scalp a gentle massage to lather up the shampoo. Massaging your scalp will help reduce flakiness and oils. [2]
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    Do not stand under a shower head to rinse off. Instead, use a cup or removable shower head. Make sure every bit of shampoo gets rinsed out. [3]
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    Take the applicator bottle filled with conditioner. Apply it to your scalp and braids. Again, massage your scalp. Then, rinse out the conditioner completely. [4]
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    Your braids will likely feel heavy with water at this point. Use a towel to get some of the excess water out of your hair. Pat and squeeze your braids. Do not rub your braids, as rubbing will cause frizz. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Moisturizing the Braids

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    You can use the shea butter of your choice. Rub shea butter into and all the way through your dry braids. Repeat this every few days. Or, you can repeat this any time your braids start to feel dry.
    • You can use raw shea butter or shea butter hair moisturizer.
    • You can also apply shea butter on damp hair after a shower.
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    Fill up a spray bottle with water. You can also use a water-based moisturizing product if you’d like. Spritz your scalp and braids whenever your hair starts to feel dry.
    • Using a water-based product is better if your hair is very dry.
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    Keeping your scalp moisturized will reduce the possibility of your braids looking dry and dull. Use essential oils or the moisturizing product of your choice. Oils such as lavender, rosemary, and tea tree are all good options. Because these essential oils are potent, mix a few drops with a carrier like coconut or jojoba oil. Rub the oil into your scalp every few days.
    • You can also dilute essential oils with floral water, vinegar, or alcohol.
    • You can moisturize your scalp less often if it is naturally oily.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining the Look

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    Covering your braids while you sleep will reduce flyaway hairs and frizz. You can use a hair wrap, bandana, or scarf. A non-absorbent fabric, like satin or silk, is ideal because it won’t take moisture out of your hair while you sleep. Cover your hair every night right before you go to sleep.
    • You can put your cornrows up in a bun if your hair is very long.
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    Cornrows are braided very tightly against the scalp, which can cause pulling. Pulling can be uncomfortable and lead to uprooted roots. Apply oil around the edges whenever you feel uncomfortable.
    • If you feel too uncomfortable, go to your stylist to have your braids loosened or removed.
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    Cornrows will require professional upkeep after a few weeks. Your braids are only as good as the person who handles your hair. Go to someone with experience to make sure the job is getting done right. If you aren’t sure about the stylist’s experience, you can ask them upfront or search for reviews online.
    • You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations.
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    A trim is necessary to keep your braids looking neat. A trim every six weeks is recommended, but you should ask your stylist what they think is right for you. Go to your stylist sooner if you experience significant damage or loosened braids.
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Common Questions: Tips to Take Care of Cornrows

How long do cornrows generally last?

On natural hair or extensions, cornrows can last between 2 to 8 weeks. However, it depends on your hair type, braid size, and maintenance routine. Synthetic hair tends to last longer than natural and chemically-treated hair, and smaller braids are less likely to unravel. [10]

How can I make my cornrows last longer?

Choose smaller braids and use synthetic hair to make your braids last longer. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized, and sleep with a satin bonnet to prevent frizzing. Avoid activities that may cause your braids to unravel, such as wearing tight hair accessories or shampooing every day. [11]

How can I keep my cornrows from frizzing?

Make sure your hair is well-moisturized and detangled before braiding. Apply a leave-in conditioner, smoothing serum, or styling cream to seal in moisture and reduce frizz. While you sleep, use a satin scarf or pillowcase to minimize friction on your braids. [12]

Tips

  • Ask the professional who did your hair for advice if you’re having issues with split ends or breakage. [7]
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  • Cornrows work best if your hair is at least 3 inches (10 cm) long when straight and 2 inches long (5 cm) when curly.
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Warnings

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Things You’ll Need

  • 2 applicator bottles
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Towel
  • Shea butter
  • Spray bottle
  • Moisturizer of choice
  • Headwrap or bandana

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References

  1. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  2. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  3. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  4. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  5. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  6. ↑ Amber Rose. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
  7. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  8. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  9. ↑ http://ragingrootsstudio.com/dreadlock-education/braiding-aftercare/
  1. ↑ https://wowhairbraiding.com/how-long-do-braids-last/
  2. ↑ https://wowhairbraiding.com/how-long-do-braids-last/
  3. ↑ https://wowhairbraiding.com/how-long-do-braids-last/

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