What to Put in Hair Before Braiding
Braiding your hair can be a great way to achieve stylish, protective, and versatile hairstyles. However, to ensure your braids look neat, last longer, and keep your hair healthy, it’s important to prep your hair properly before braiding. Applying the right products can make all the difference, as they provide moisture, protection, and shine while reducing frizz. Here’s a detailed guide on what to put in your hair before braiding.
1. Cleanse and Condition Your Hair Thoroughly
Before applying any products, start with a clean scalp and hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. Follow this up with a deep conditioning treatment to hydrate and strengthen your hair. Healthy, moisturized hair is less prone to breakage during braiding.
A good wash and conditioning routine ensures your hair is free of impurities and ready to absorb the products you’ll use for braiding. SISHAIR’s Hydrating Shampoo and Deep Conditioning Mask are excellent choices, as they deeply cleanse and nourish the hair without stripping away natural oils.
2. Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Detangler
After washing and conditioning your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangler. This step is essential, especially if you have thicker, coarser, or curly hair, as it makes your hair easier to manage and detangle.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to distribute the product evenly through your hair. SISHAIR’s Leave-In Conditioning Spray works wonders, as it offers lightweight hydration, reduces frizz, and preps your hair for seamless braiding.
3. Use a Moisturizing Cream or Butter
Moisture is key to keeping your hair healthy while it’s in braids. Applying a rich moisturizing cream or butter before braiding helps to lock in hydration, making your hair soft and supple. This prevents dryness and brittleness, especially if you plan to keep your braids in for an extended period.
SISHAIR Nourishing Hair Butter, made with natural oils and butters, is a highly effective option. It hydrates the hair deeply and provides long-lasting moisture retention.
4. Seal with a Lightweight Oil
To further lock in the moisture from your leave-in conditioner and moisturizing cream, apply a lightweight oil. Look for oils like argan, jojoba, or almond oil that nourish the hair without making it greasy. This step is especially important if you have dry or high-porosity hair, as it helps to prevent moisture loss over time.
A small amount of SISHAIR Luxe Argan Oil can be applied to each section of your hair before braiding. Its non-greasy formula adds shine and smoothness while protecting your hair from frizz.
5. Use a Styling Gel or Edge Control
For a sleek and polished look, apply a styling gel or edge control product. These products help to smooth down flyaways, reduce frizz, and provide a firm hold to your hair before and during the braiding process. This is especially useful if you have curly or coily hair and want your braids to look neat and defined.
SISHAIR Edge Control Gel is a great option, as it provides a firm yet flexible hold without flaking or leaving residue. Apply it sparingly to the roots and edges of your hair for a smooth finish.
6. Protect Your Scalp
Since braids can sometimes put tension on your scalp, it’s essential to prepare it beforehand. Apply a lightweight scalp treatment or oil to nourish and protect the skin. This also helps to prevent itching and discomfort, especially in the initial days after braiding.
SISHAIR Scalp Care Oil, infused with tea tree and peppermint oils, soothes and refreshes the scalp, ensuring a comfortable and healthy foundation for your braids.
7. Consider a Heat Protectant (If Blow-Drying)
If you plan to blow-dry your hair before braiding, always apply a heat protectant to shield it from heat damage. A heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preserving its health and moisture levels.
SISHAIR Thermal Shield Spray is an ideal choice, as it offers heat protection while leaving your hair smooth and manageable, ready for braiding.
8. Detangle Thoroughly
Once all the products are applied, it’s critical to detangle your hair completely. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove all knots and tangles, starting from the ends and working your way to the roots. Proper detangling ensures that the braiding process is smoother and reduces the risk of breakage.
Product Selection Summary
The table below provides a summary of recommended products to use before braiding:
| Step | Product Type | Example Product (SISHAIR) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanse & Condition | Shampoo & Deep Conditioner | Hydrating Shampoo, Deep Conditioning Mask | Cleanses and hydrates hair |
| Detangle | Leave-In Conditioner | Leave-In Conditioning Spray | Eases detangling and reduces frizz |
| Moisturize | Hair Cream or Butter | Nourishing Hair Butter | Locks in hydration and softens hair |
| Seal | Lightweight Oil | Luxe Argan Oil | Retains moisture and adds shine |
| Hold & Smooth | Styling Gel or Edge Control | Edge Control Gel | Keeps hair sleek and reduces flyaways |
| Scalp Care | Scalp Oil | Scalp Care Oil | Nourishes and soothes the scalp |
| Heat Protection | Heat Protectant Spray | Thermal Shield Spray | Protects hair from heat damage |
Conclusion
Prepping your hair with the right products before braiding is essential for achieving a healthy and beautiful style. From cleansing and moisturizing to sealing and detangling, each step plays a vital role in ensuring your braids are long-lasting and protective. Using high-quality products like those from SISHAIR can make the process easier and more effective. By following these steps, you’ll not only enhance the look of your braids but also maintain the health of your natural hair underneath.
