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How to Protect Your Braids at Night

Box braids, cornrows, and other braids are a beautiful, fun, and expressive way to wear your hair. While these styles are pretty low-maintenance, you may be worried about your hair feeling dry, uncomfortable, or frizzy throughout the...

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Method 1 of 2:

Choosing Beneficial Hair Products

  1. Blot nourishing oils along your braid line before bed. Mix 2-3 drops of grapeseed oil, Jamaican black castor oil, and tea tree oil in a small cup. Mix the oils together, then dip your finger into the mixture. Dab it along your hairline where your scalp is exposed, as well as between your braids. As a finishing touch, apply the oil on any visible sections of your scalp beneath your braids. Try to do this on a nightly basis to keep your scalp extra nourished and protected![1]
    • This mixture helps nourish your skin and hair, which helps keep your braids healthy and strong throughout the night.
    • You can find these oils at most beauty stores.
    • Ask your hairstylist if they have any product recommendations.
  2. Clean your scalp with a cleanser on a cotton ball. Pour a grape-sized amount of cleanser onto a cotton ball, then blot the shampoo onto your scalp. Let the cleanser sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cotton ball soaked in warm water. Try to do this every 3 days to keep your braids as strong and healthy as possible.[2]
    • Taking good care of your braids before bed can prevent build-up in the long run.
  3. Dab anti-itch oil on your scalp so you aren't tempted to scratch. Soak the surface of a clean cotton ball with anti-itch oil. Dab the mixture onto any exposed areas of your scalp, especially any areas that are irritating or itchy. Try to do this every 2 days to keep your scalp feeling soothed before bed.[3]
    • This also prevents you from scratching or picking at your braids, which can damage them.
    • You can find anti-itch oil online, or at most beauty supply stores.
    • Don't overdo it with this oil—ideally, you want to coat your scalp without soaking your braids.
  4. Spritz your scalp with anti-itch spray and conditioner. Spray the surface of your braids with a soothing, anti-itch conditioner. For extra protection, spritz this product over your scalp, as well. Feel free to use this spray whenever your braids feel a bit dry.[4]
    • This spray helps reduce the temptation for you to scratch your braids, which may hurt them.
    • You can find this product online, or at a beauty supply store.
Method 2 of 2:

Using Special Fabric to Protect Your Braids

  1. Wrap a scarf around your braids before going to bed. Use a large, 40 by 40 in (100 by 100 cm) to completely cover your braids, which can prevent unwanted friction and frizziness in your hair overnight.[5] You can also use a 'sock-style' scarf, which goes over your braids like a sock or pillowcase. For this type of scarf, it's easier to tie your braids over your head before sliding the scarf into place.[6]
    • You can find these types of scarves online, or at certain clothing retailers.
  2. Use a special bandana wrap and scarf if your braids are especially thick and long. If you have 5-6 long, coiled braids, it may hurt and put strain on your scalp to tie them up in a traditional silk scarf. Instead, use a large, square silk scarf with 2 long ties. Place the large square of silk along the back of your neck, then secure the 2 ties on top of your head.[7]
    • You can purchase this type of scarf online.
    • If you aren't sure about the best way to cover your hair, ask your hairstylist for recommendations!
  3. Sleep on a satin pillowcase each night. Visit your local home goods store and look for a satin pillowcase to use instead of a material like cotton. When your braids rub against a cotton pillowcase overnight, they may look frizzy in the morning. Making the switch to satin helps keep your braids looking fresh and beautiful each morning.[8]

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Isabella Humphrey

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Isabella Humphrey
Update 04 April 2020

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