How To Prevent Breakage When Wearing Braids: 3 Simple Tips

Braids are beloved by many as a way to keep natural hair out of the way while also protecting it. They offer a chance to take a break from daily styling, which can lead to over-manipulation and damage. With your ends tucked away safely, braids are meant to shield your hair from the elements and reduce the need for constant combing and detangling. However, for some, the joy of taking down braids is often met with dismay when they notice breakage. While you’re bound to lose some hair after taking down your braids (we shed hair everyday, even when it’s in a protective style), broken hair sticks out as opposed to shed hair, as it causes loss of the new length you achieved during the course of your protective style.

In some extreme cases, entire braids may come out with chunks of hair. This usually happens when braids are pulled back into tight styles over and over again, leading to thinning and breakage at the roots. Sounds crazy, right? But it doesn’t have to be this way! To ensure you can enjoy your braids without sacrificing your length and hair health, here are some simple yet effective tips to prevent breakage.

Prep Your Hair Before Braiding

Prepping your hair before braiding is key to avoiding breakage. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t build a house on a shaky foundation, so why braid your hair if it’s not in its best condition? Before your appointment, lavish your hair with some much-needed TLC. Start with a thorough wash to cleanse your scalp and hair of any buildup. Follow up with a moisturizing and nourishing conditioning treatment that caters to your specific curl pattern. This will strengthen and hydrate your hair, making it more resilient to the tension that braids can bring. The better condition your hair is in before being tucked away, the less likely it is to suffer from breakage.

While the duration you can keep your braids in varies, aim for 6-8 weeks to avoid overstaying the protective benefits and potentially causing harm. Keeping in protective styles for too long can result in excessive breakage and damage.

Care for Your Hair While It’s in Braids

Once your hair is braided, the work doesn’t stop there. Caring for your hair while it’s in a protective style is crucial. Neglecting your hair can lead to dryness, which is a fast track to breakage. To keep your hair healthy, moisturize it daily using a water-based moisturizer. This hydrates your strands and keeps your scalp from drying out. After moisturizing, seal in that hydration with a natural oil or butter. This step helps lock in moisture and prevents your hair from becoming brittle.

Build-up is inevitable, especially if you keep your braids in for longer than three weeks. That’s why you should schedule a wash or two while your braids are still in. Use a moisturizing shampoo if you have minimal build-up or a clarifying shampoo if you have significant product build-up. When cleansing your scalp, focus on massaging the shampoo into your scalp to lift dirt and oils without disrupting the braids too much. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a leave-in conditioner to restore moisture.

Be Mindful of How You Style Your Braids

Styling your braids is where many people run into trouble. The allure of sleek updos or tightly pulled-back styles can sometimes lead to damage. Pulling your braids too tight can weaken your hair strands, particularly around your hairline and nape, where hair tends to be more fragile. This tension can result in breakage and even traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by pulling.

To prevent this, try to avoid styles that place too much stress on your hair. Instead of always pulling your braids into a high ponytail or bun, let them hang freely more often. If you do need to style them, make sure the braids aren’t pulling on your natural hair too tightly. You can use hairbands, scarves, or hairpins to keep braids out of your face without exerting too much tension on your roots. Embrace looser styles that allow your hair to relax.

Take Down Your Braids Gently

When it’s time to take down your braids, be patient and gentle. Rushing through this process can undo all the good your protective style has done. Start by wetting your hair with a water spray and applying a generous amount of conditioner or oil to add slip. This will make it easier to detangle as you unbraid each section. Work in small sections, and be sure to comb gently from the ends up to minimize breakage.

After removing all the braids, it’s time for a thorough wash. Start by twisting your hair into big sections to prevent it from shrinking or tangling during the washing process. Wash each section one by one, allowing the twists to unravel for a more effective cleanse. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and strengthen your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap to allow the heat from your scalp to enhance the conditioning treatment. After 20-30 minutes, rinse out the conditioner and apply a leave-in treatment.

For a convenient option, you can use a product like Livara’s Sapphire Deep Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment, which doubles as a deep conditioner and a leave-in, saving you time and effort. Once your hair is fully treated, style it in a way that minimizes further manipulation. Whether you choose natural twists, braids, cornrows, or even African threading, always seal in moisture with a nourishing oil or butter like Livara’s Emerald Hair Food.

Conclusion

By taking the right steps to prep your hair, care for it during the braid style, and remove your braids gently, you can enjoy the beauty and convenience of braids without the heartbreak of breakage. Your hair will thank you for the extra attention and care, and you’ll be able to rock your braids with confidence, knowing that your length and health are preserved. And remember, you are a GEM.