Things to Do Before Braiding Natural Hair
Natural hair is a symbol of beauty and versatility, especially when styled into intricate and protective braids. However, preparing your hair for braiding is essential to maintain its health and ensure a long-lasting style. Proper preparation reduces the risk of hair breakage, dryness, and scalp irritation. Below is a comprehensive guide on the steps you should take before braiding your natural hair.
1. Cleanse Your Hair Thoroughly
Before braiding, it’s crucial to start with a clean slate. Washing your hair removes dirt, product buildup, and excess oils that can interfere with the braiding process. Use a sulfate-free shampoo, as harsh sulfates can strip your hair of its natural moisture. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish hydration.
For example, SISHAIR’s sulfate-free shampoo and hydrating conditioner are excellent for cleansing without compromising the health of natural hair. Thoroughly rinse to ensure no residue remains, as this can cause itching and flaking later.
2. Deep Condition Your Hair
Deep conditioning is vital for strengthening your hair and providing it with the moisture it needs to withstand the tension of braiding. Use a high-quality deep conditioner and leave it in for the recommended time, typically 20-30 minutes.
If your hair is dry, opt for a product with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil. For extra penetration, consider using heat with a hooded dryer or a steam cap. This step ensures that your hair is as moisturized and elastic as possible before styling.
3. Detangle Your Hair
Tangled hair can lead to unnecessary tension during the braiding process, which may result in breakage. After rinsing out your deep conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. Divide your hair into sections and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle from the ends to the roots.
Be patient during this step, as rushing through it can cause split ends and unnecessary shedding. Properly detangled hair not only makes the braiding process smoother but also ensures neater and longer-lasting braids.
4. Trim Split Ends if Necessary
If you notice split ends or damaged tips during detangling, it’s a good idea to trim them before braiding. Leaving split ends untouched can lead to further damage, as the ends are more likely to snag or break under the tension of braids.
Use sharp hair shears specifically designed for trimming hair, as dull scissors can cause more harm than good. A clean trim ensures your hair remains healthy throughout the duration of your braided style.
5. Moisturize and Seal the Hair
Moisture is the foundation of healthy natural hair, especially when preparing for a protective style like braids. After detangling, apply a water-based moisturizer to each section of your hair. Follow this up by sealing in the moisture with a natural oil, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, or SISHAIR’s natural hair butter.
Here’s a simple table to guide you through the layering process:
| Step | Product Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Moisturize | Water-based moisturizer | Aloe vera gel, leave-in conditioner |
| Step 2: Seal | Oil or butter | Argan oil, shea butter, SISHAIR hair butter |
This method ensures your hair stays hydrated and pliable, reducing the risk of dryness or brittle strands while in braids.
6. Stretch Your Hair
Stretching your hair prior to braiding is highly recommended, as it reduces tangles and makes the process easier. Stretching also minimizes shrinkage, resulting in smoother and more uniform braids. You can stretch your hair using heat-free methods such as banding or African threading. If you prefer to use heat, blow-dry your hair on a low heat setting with a heat protectant to prevent damage.
Avoid excessive or unnecessary heat, as natural hair is more susceptible to thermal damage. Whichever method you choose, ensure your hair is fully dry before moving to the next step.
7. Protect Your Scalp
A healthy scalp is the foundation for good braids. Before braiding, apply a lightweight scalp oil or serum to nourish and protect your scalp. Look for products with tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or jojoba oil, as these have soothing and antibacterial properties.
Massage the oil gently into your scalp to improve blood circulation and ensure your scalp is prepped for the tension that braids may cause. Avoid heavy oils that can clog your pores or make your braids feel greasy.
8. Consider the Health of Your Hair
If your hair is already weak or damaged, you may want to avoid braiding altogether or opt for loose, tension-free styles. Braiding on unhealthy hair can exacerbate issues like breakage and thinning. Take time to assess your hair’s condition and consult a hairstylist if you’re unsure whether your hair is ready for braiding.
Additionally, avoid braiding immediately after removing another protective style. Give your hair at least a week to rest, breathe, and recover.
9. Choose the Right Braiding Hair
If you plan to use synthetic braiding hair, choose a high-quality brand like SISHAIR, known for its lightweight and itch-free extensions. Some synthetic hair can cause irritation, so consider soaking the hair in an apple cider vinegar rinse to remove any alkaline coating that may cause scalp sensitivity. Rinse thoroughly, let the hair air dry, and it’s ready to use.
Here’s how to prepare synthetic hair:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Soak in Apple Cider Vinegar | Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Soak hair for 15-30 minutes. |
| Rinse | Rinse thoroughly with cold water. |
| Dry | Allow to air dry completely before use. |
10. Plan Your Style in Advance
Finally, decide on the braiding style you want and ensure it’s suitable for your hair type and lifestyle. Consider factors like braid size, length, and the amount of tension required. Larger braids may be less time-consuming but may not last as long as smaller ones. Discuss your preferences with your stylist, and ensure they understand the importance of gentle handling and minimizing tension.
Conclusion
Preparing your natural hair before braiding is a critical step that should never be overlooked. By cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing, and protecting both your hair and scalp, you can set the stage for a healthy and long-lasting braided style. Taking the time to stretch and detangle your hair ensures a smoother process, while careful consideration of the braiding hair and style helps achieve your desired look without compromising your hair’s health. Remember, the better prepared your hair is, the more enjoyable and beneficial your protective style will be.
