I have always been a fan of box braids – they’re stylish, low-maintenance, and perfect for any occasion. However, one thing that has always been a challenge for me is keeping them from frizzing. No matter how carefully I take care of them, they always seem to lose their sleekness and end up looking messy. But recently, I stumbled upon a game-changing product that has completely transformed my box braid game. This revolutionary solution not only keeps my braids from frizzing but also adds a healthy shine and leaves them looking flawless. Say goodbye to unruly braids and hello to salon-worthy perfection with this must-have product.This is an amazing article On How To Stop Box Braids From Itching: The what and the how Check it out for all of the details.
How to keep box braids from frizzing?
- Moisturize regularly: Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to your braids to keep them hydrated and prevent dryness, which can lead to frizz.
- Seal the ends: Apply a lightweight oil or serum to the ends of your braids to seal in moisture and prevent frizz.
- Protect while sleeping: Sleep with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to minimize friction and prevent frizzing and tangling.
- Avoid excessive manipulation: Refrain from constantly touching or pulling on your braids, as this can disrupt the style and cause frizz.
- Use frizz-fighting products: Apply a small amount of anti-frizz serum or mousse to your braids to help control frizz and keep them looking sleek.
- Refresh with curl creme: If your braids become frizzy over time, apply a curl creme specifically designed for braided styles to refresh and detangle them.
By following these tips, you can help keep your box braids looking smooth and frizz-free for longer periods.
Box braids are a stylish and versatile protective hairstyle that can last for weeks or even months. However, one common challenge with box braids is frizz. Frizz can not only make your braids look untidy but can also lead to breakage and damage to your hair. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your box braids looking sleek and frizz-free. In this article, I will guide you through the entire process, from preparation to maintenance, daily care routine, washing, retouching, and finally, removing your box braids.
1. Preparation
1.1 Cleanse your hair
Before getting box braids, it is essential to start with clean hair. This will remove any product buildup, dirt, or oil that could affect the longevity and appearance of your braids. Use a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and hair. Concentrate the shampoo on your scalp, ensuring that your braiding hair gets adequately cleansed as well.
1.2 Deep condition
After cleansing your hair, deep conditioning is crucial to moisturize and strengthen your strands. Choose a deep conditioner that is specifically formulated for dry or damaged hair, as this will provide the intense hydration and nourishment that your hair needs. Apply the deep conditioner from roots to ends, combing it through with a wide-toothed comb. Leave it on for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly.
1.3 Use a leave-in conditioner
To keep your hair moisturized throughout the duration of your box braids, it is essential to use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners help to seal in moisture and protect your hair from dryness and frizz. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to your damp hair, focusing on the ends and any areas prone to dryness. Comb through your hair to ensure even distribution.
1.4 Apply an anti-frizz serum
An anti-frizz serum will be your best friend when it comes to keeping your box braids looking smooth and sleek. Look for a lightweight serum that won’t weigh down your hair or leave it greasy. Apply a small amount of serum to your palms, rub them together, and then gently run your hands over your braids, focusing on the frizz-prone areas. This will help to tame any flyaways and keep your braids looking polished.
2. Braiding technique
2.1 Section your hair properly
Proper sectioning of your hair is crucial for achieving neat and long-lasting box braids. Use a comb to create clean and even sections, starting from the nape of your neck and working your way up to the crown. Secure each section with a hair tie or clip to keep them organized and prevent them from tangling when you start braiding.
2.2 Stretch your hair before braiding
Stretching your hair before braiding can help to reduce tension and minimize frizz. There are various methods you can use to stretch your hair, such as blow-drying on a low-heat setting or using African threading. Choose the method that works best for you and gently stretch your hair before proceeding with the braiding process.
2.3 Use smaller sections for braiding
When braiding your hair, using smaller sections will not only result in neater braids but also help to minimize frizz. Smaller sections allow for tighter braids that are less likely to unravel or become frizzy over time. Take your time and work with smaller portions of hair, ensuring that each section is braided tightly and evenly.
2.4 Avoid braiding too tightly
Braiding your hair too tightly can lead to tension and scalp discomfort. It can also increase the risk of breakage and damage to your hair. Remember to be gentle when braiding, maintaining a firm grip without pulling too tightly. Pay close attention to how your scalp feels during the process, and if you experience any pain or discomfort, loosen the braid slightly.
3. Maintenance
3.1 Avoid excessive touching or scratching
To prevent frizz and maintain the integrity of your box braids, it is important to avoid excessive touching or scratching of your scalp. Constantly running your fingers through your braids or scratching your scalp can disrupt the braids, causing them to become frizzy or unravel. Instead, resist the urge to touch your braids too often and handle them with care.
3.2 Sleep with a satin or silk scarf
While you sleep, your movements can cause friction between your hair and the pillowcase, leading to frizz and even breakage. To protect your box braids, it is recommended to sleep with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials are gentle on your hair and help to prevent the excessive rubbing and snagging that can occur with regular cotton pillowcases.
3.3 Cover your braids while showering
When showering, it is important to protect your box braids from getting soaked and potentially unraveling. To do this, consider covering your braids with a shower cap or using a plastic bag secured with a hair tie. This will help to shield your braids from water, allowing you to focus on cleansing your scalp without compromising the longevity of your hairstyle.
3.4 Refresh braids with a spritz
As time goes on, your box braids may start to lose their initial luster and appear dull or frizzy. To refresh your braids and bring back their shine, you can create a spritz using water and a leave-in conditioner. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and lightly spritz your braids, focusing on areas that need an extra boost of moisture. Gently finger-comb your braids to distribute the product evenly.
4. Daily care routine
4.1 Moisturize your scalp
To keep your scalp moisturized and prevent dryness from reaching your braided hair, it is important to incorporate a daily moisturizing routine. Use a lightweight moisturizer or scalp oil and apply it directly to your scalp, massaging it in gently. This will help to nourish your scalp and prevent itchiness or flakiness.
4.2 Use a dry shampoo
If you find that your scalp becomes oily between washes, using a dry shampoo can be a lifesaver. Dry shampoo helps to absorb excess oil and refresh your scalp, without the need for water. Apply the dry shampoo directly to your scalp, focusing on the roots of your braids, and use your fingers to massage it in. Brush through your braids to remove any residue.
4.3 Tame frizz with oil
When dealing with frizz, using a lightweight oil can help to tame flyaways and smooth your braids. Opt for a natural oil such as argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. Warm a small amount of oil between your palms and then gently run your hands over your braids, focusing on the areas that are frizzy or unruly. This will help to add shine and reduce frizz, leaving your braids looking sleek.
4.4 Avoid excessive heat styling
Excessive heat can cause damage to your hair and lead to frizz in your box braids. Avoid using heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers on a high heat setting. If you do need to use heat, always use a heat protectant spray or serum to minimize damage. Opt for alternative hairstyles that don’t require heat styling to maintain the health and longevity of your box braids.
5. Washing box braids
5.1 Dilute shampoo with water
When washing your box braids, it is important to do so without causing unnecessary frizz or unraveling. To achieve this, dilute your shampoo with water in a spray bottle. This will create a gentle lather that can be easily applied to your scalp without disturbing the braids. Shake the bottle to mix the shampoo and water well before applying it to your scalp.
5.2 Gently cleanse your scalp
With the diluted shampoo mixture, gently cleanse your scalp by spraying the mixture directly onto your scalp between the braids. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp, focusing on areas that tend to get oily or itchy. Be careful not to rub or agitate the braids themselves, as this can cause frizz and disruption of the style.
5.3 Use a lightweight conditioner
After rinsing out the shampoo, it is important to condition your hair to restore moisture and keep your braids looking healthy. Choose a lightweight conditioner that won’t weigh down your braids or leave any residue. Apply the conditioner to the length of your braids, avoiding the roots and your scalp. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
5.4 Pat dry and air dry
To remove excess water from your box braids, gently pat them dry with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt. Avoid rubbing your braids, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the style. After patting dry, allow your braids to air dry naturally. Avoid using a blow dryer, as the heat can cause frizz and damage your hair. Allow your braids sufficient time to dry completely before styling or going to bed.
6. Retouching and re-braiding
6.1 Apply a protein treatment before re-braiding
When it’s time to re-braid your box braids, it is important to strengthen and fortify your hair to minimize breakage. Before re-braiding, apply a protein treatment to your hair to help repair any damage and increase the resilience of your strands. Follow the instructions on the protein treatment and focus on applying it to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
6.2 Be mindful of tension while re-braiding
During the re-braiding process, it is crucial to be mindful of the tension you apply to your hair. Braiding too tightly can lead to breakage and damage, while braiding too loosely can cause frizz and unraveling. Find a balance that feels secure without causing discomfort. Take breaks if needed and give your hair and scalp time to rest in between re-braiding sessions.
6.3 Trim any split ends
Over time, your box braids may develop split ends, which can lead to frizz and make your braids look less neat. To prevent this, periodically check for split ends and trim them when necessary. Use sharp hair scissors and carefully snip off any split ends, taking care not to cut into the braids themselves. This will help to maintain the overall health and appearance of your box braids.
6.4 Limit the frequency of re-braiding
While it can be tempting to re-braid your hair as soon as your braids start to show signs of frizz, it is important to resist the urge to do it too frequently. Re-braiding your hair too often can cause tension and damage, leading to breakage and frizz. Instead, try to extend the life of your box braids by incorporating maintenance techniques and styling options to refresh your hairstyle.
7. Styles to reduce frizz
7.1 Wear a protective style
To reduce frizz and protect your box braids, consider wearing a protective style such as a bun or an updo. Gather your braids into a high or low bun, or experiment with different updo styles that suit your personal taste. This will help to keep your braids in place and minimize friction and frizz caused by daily activities.
7.2 Tie braids into updos or buns
Another way to reduce frizz and keep your box braids looking polished is to tie them into updos or buns. This can be a simple and quick way to refresh your hairstyle and eliminate any flyaways or frizz. Experiment with different styles and accessories to add a touch of sophistication or creativity to your look.
7.3 Try banding or threading
Banding or threading your box braids can help to reduce frizz by keeping your braids stretched and secured. Separate your braids into small sections and use small elastic bands or thread to tie them off, creating a more defined and sleek appearance. This technique can also make it easier to style your braids into different updos or protective styles.
7.4 Opt for satin-lined accessories
To further protect your box braids from frizz, opting for satin-lined accessories can make a significant difference. Satin-lined headbands, scarves, or bonnets help to reduce friction and moisture loss from your hair, keeping your braids looking sleek and frizz-free. Invest in these accessories to maintain the longevity and appearance of your box braids.
8. Avoiding moisture
8.1 Use an umbrella or hat in humid weather
In humid weather, moisture in the air can cause your box braids to frizz. To protect your hairstyle, carry an umbrella or wear a hat to shield your braids from excessive humidity. This will help to maintain the sleekness of your braids and minimize the effects of frizz caused by moisture in the environment.
8.2 Minimize exposure to rain
Rain can be a significant source of moisture that can lead to frizz and unraveled braids. If rain is in the forecast, consider wearing a hooded jacket or carrying an umbrella to protect your box braids. Minimizing exposure to rain will help to preserve your hairstyle and prevent excessive frizzing.
8.3 Control sweat with a headband
When engaging in physical activities or spending time outdoors in hot weather, sweat can accumulate on your scalp, leading to frizz and discomfort. To control sweat and prevent it from affecting your box braids, wear a headband made of moisture-wicking material. This will help to absorb sweat and protect your braids from moisture-related frizz.
8.4 Protect braids while swimming
Chlorine and saltwater can be damaging to your box braids and cause them to become frizzy. Before swimming in a pool or the ocean, wet your braids with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner or a braiding spray. This will create a barrier between your braids and the potentially damaging elements, minimizing the frizz and preserving the integrity of your hairstyle.
9. Touch-up techniques
9.1 Use a crochet needle
If you notice any loose or unraveling braids, a crochet needle can be a handy tool for touch-ups. Insert the crochet needle through the base of the loose braid, hook the loose ends of the braid, and gently pull them back through. This will secure the braid and prevent further unraveling or frizzing.
9.2 Employ the hot water method
The hot water method can be used to seal the ends of your braids and prevent them from frizzing or unraveling. Boil water and let it cool slightly to a warm but not scalding temperature. Dip the ends of your braids into the warm water for a few seconds, and then pat them dry. This will help to seal the ends and keep them intact.
9.3 Seal with gel or mousse
To further secure your box braids and minimize frizz, you can use a small amount of gel or mousse to seal the braids. Apply a pea-sized amount of gel or mousse to your fingertips and gently smooth it over the braids, focusing on the ends and any frizzy or unruly areas. This will help to provide hold and control without leaving your braids stiff or sticky.
9.4 Be gentle with touch-ups
When performing touch-ups on your box braids, it is important to be gentle and avoid excessive pulling or tugging. Rough handling can lead to breakage and damage to your hair. Use a light touch and take your time to ensure that each braid is secured properly without causing unnecessary tension or frizz.
10. Removing box braids
10.1 Use a detangling spray
Before removing your box braids, it is essential to prepare your hair to minimize breakage and make the process easier. Apply a detangling spray or a mixture of conditioner and water to your braids, focusing on the roots and any areas prone to tangles. This will help to loosen any knots or snags and make it easier to unravel the braids.
10.2 Start from the bottom
When removing your box braids, it is important to start from the bottom and work your way up. Undo one braid at a time, starting from the end and carefully unraveling it. This method prevents excessive pulling or tugging on your hair, minimizing breakage and damage. Be patient and take breaks if needed.
10.3 Gently unravel the braids
As you undo each braid, it is crucial to be gentle and avoid forcefully pulling or yanking on your hair. Take your time and carefully unravel the braid strand by strand, using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to separate the hair. Be mindful of any knots or tangles and gently work through them to avoid breakage.
10.4 Condition and moisturize your hair afterward
Once all of your box braids are removed, it is important to give your hair some extra TLC to nourish and hydrate it. Apply a deep conditioner or a hair mask to replenish moisture and restore any lost nutrients. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner to help seal in moisture and keep your hair healthy.
In conclusion, with proper preparation, maintenance, and care, you can keep your box braids from frizzing and maintain a sleek and stylish hairstyle for an extended period. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the beauty and versatility of box braids while preventing frizz and promoting the overall health of your hair. Remember to be gentle, moisturize regularly, and protect your braids from moisture and excessive tension. With these tips, you can confidently rock your box braids with minimal frizz and maximum style.We wrote this article on How To Put Box Braids In A Ponytail: Check it out for all of the details.