The Perfect Jumbo Braid Maintenance

Yes, getting braids are hot in fashion currently, but for those who been about this braid life knows that maintaining these lovely things is a whole other challenge. There's the frizz, and drying of the scalp. Bottom line, there's levels to braid maintenance and I have my own tricks that keep braids looking BRAND NEW for up to 45 days!!!

HAIR HYDRATION - Thirsty braids don't last long! I achieved hydration and the perfect sheen with my own mixture: 3 parts Africa's Best braid sheen spray or African Royale Sheen Spray and 1 part Protectiv Scalp Conditioner (or any leave-in). I use it daily, it's lightweight and makes my hair look day-1 refreshed!

BRAID PRESERVATION - If you go to a professional to get your braids slayed, protect your investment. At bed time, I part my braids down the middle, criss-cross them around my head like a turban and stuff into 2 bonnets. I once slept with loose braids under my elbow, propped myself up and it ripped hair right from my scalp, leaving bald spots that took 6 years to grow back. Loose braids while sleeping also frizz way more.

EDGE SLAYING - There are 6 things I use to get my edges hashtag worthy:

1. A hard bristle toothbrush - for precise design styling
2. ORS Extra Hold Edge Control or Creme of Nature Argan Oil Extra Hold
3. TRESemme Extra Hold Hair Spray or Mousse
4. Styling Strips - cotton/satin scarves absorb product and shift, but with styling strips the edges dry perfectly in place.
5. Water - wetting the toothbrush can help spread product without adding more, avoiding cakey edges.
6. A little flick of the wrist - getting the perfect swirl and point is a skill, practice makes perfect.

BRAID CLEANSING - Product buildup can make braids look a hot mess before it's time. Here's my step by step process:

1. Get the braids up into a mid-high ponytail/bun
2. Stuff the braids into an x-large shower cap or trash bag for semi-protection
3. Rinse scalp with warm water on the visible braids (edges) to loosen buildup
4. Gently massage a deep conditioner (I use Silicone Mix treatment) between the braid parts
5. Let conditioner sit (I typically leave it in about 25 mins)
6. Rinse, avoiding the braided parts without conditioner
7. Spray hair and scalp with a braid sheen spray
8. Lay edges, then wrap with styling strips to keep in place
9. Wrap top of braids with a head scarf so wet hair lays without frizzing while drying
10. Blow dry braids through the scarf in 10-15min intervals on medium heat from a distance (a hooded dryer works too)
11. Reapply the scarf/bonnet before bed. The more consistent you are, the longer the braids will last.

Bonus: A temporary fix for hiding new growth is twisting the braids, but undo this at the end of the day, leaving it twisted could cause your hair to loc up over time.