Are you tired of sacrificing your hair's health for the sake of style? Taking out your braids can be a daunting task, especially when you're worried about causing breakage and damage in the process while preserving their quality for future use. But fear not! With the right techniques and precautions, you can remove your braids with minimal breakage, achieve perfect reusability, and extend the lifespan of your hair. In this blog post with HOTBRAIDS, we will delve into effective methods for taking out your braids without causing unnecessary damage. Let's explore the secrets to removing braids, reviving your braiding hair with longevity, and flawlessly rocking them again!
Do I need to take down the braids if my scalp is itching right after installation?
Image from Pinterest
If your scalp is itching right after installing braids, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take them down immediately. Here are some steps you can take to address the itching:
Regular checks and processes to relieve itchy scalp
1. Check the Tightness of your braids:
Avoid putting extra tension on the scalp: Too tight braids can easily cause discomfort on your scalp by pulling on it. Make sure your braids are not installed too tightly; loosen them a bit to prevent damage and alleviate itching.
2. Cleanse Your Scalp:
Dry Shampoo or Scalp Spray: Use a dry shampoo or a scalp spray to clean your scalp without needing to remove the braids. These products can help remove buildup and soothe irritation.
3. Moisturize Your Scalp:
Oils: Apply lightweight oils like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or jojoba oil to your scalp. These can provide relief from itching and keep your scalp moisturized.
4. Anti-Itch Treatments:
Anti-Itch Scalp Spray:Use an anti-itch scalp spray or treatment. Products containing ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or witch hazel can be very effective.
5. Ensure Proper Maintenance:
- Regular Cleaning: Make sure you’ve regularly clean your scalp before braids installation.
- Avoid Overuse of Products: Avoid using too many conditioning or styling products that can cause buildup and further irritation.
6. Allergy Check:
Ensure you are not allergic to any of the products used during the braiding process, such as synthetic hair or styling products.
7. Give it Time:
Initial Adjustment:Sometimes, your scalp may need a few days to adjust to the new braids. If the itching is mild and not accompanied by pain or bumps, it might subside on its own.
When to Consider Taking Down Braids Due to Itching:
Persistent Itching and Discomfort: If the itching persists or is accompanied by pain, bumps, or swelling, it’s best to take down the braids to prevent further irritation or damage.
Signs of Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as severe redness, pus, or an unpleasant odor, remove the braids and consult a healthcare professional.
What is the maximum time to keep braids in?
Hair used is HOTBRAIDS human braiding hair,Kinky Curly,20 inches
Keeping braids in for 6-8 weeks is recommended for most girls to avoid excessive buildup and potential hair damage. Extending beyond this period may add more tension to your scalp, leading to potential issues such as matting, scalp itching, and increased hair shedding.
If you opt for human braiding hair,for long lasting braids like box braids or faux locs, 9-10 weeks is the maximum time,as long as you properly care for your scalp and strands.
What tools and products help in taking out braids faster and easier?
Tools needed:
- A rat-tail comb
- Hair clips
- Small rubber bands
- Hairpins
- Spray Bottle with Water
- Scissors(optional)
- Wide tooth comb
Products needed
- Detangling Spray or Leave-In Conditioner
Spray generously on your braids and natural hair to soften and detangle, making it easier to undo the braids.
Oils (such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil)
Apply oil to your hair and scalp to lubricate and reduce friction, making it easier to slide the braids out and preventing breakage.
How to minimize hair loss and breakage when taking out braids with human braiding hair?
When removing synthetic braids, some people choose to cut the braids off at the ends of the human hair to make the removal process easier and faster. However, for human braiding hair intended for long-term use, we do not cut the braids. Instead, we will share tips on how to smoothly detangle and remove the braids in the following paragraphs.
Steps for Taking Out Braids with human braiding hair:
Prepare and hydrate the braids :
- Section your hair with clips to make the process more manageable.
- Spray your braids with lukewarm water to hydrate your braids.
- Use a spray bottle filled with warm water to spray and keep your hair damp. This can make the removal process easier and more manageable.
Apply products to help smoothly take down braids
- Apply Detangling Spray, oil or Leave-In Conditioner:
- Spray each section generously to soften the braids.Work the product into each braid to provide slip.
Unravel the Braids:
- Start from the ends and work your way up, using your fingers or a rat-tail comb.
Detangle:
- Finger Detangle First: Use your fingers to gently detangle the hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Wide-Tooth Comb next: Use a wide-tooth comb to further remove any tangles. Be gentle to avoid breakage.
Wash and Treat:
- After all braids are removed, wash your hair thoroughly and treat your scalp with a soothing scalp treatment.
- Deep conditioning your hair with generous conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
How to revive old human braiding hair removed from braids for perfect reuse?
Tie for washing - Step by Step
Section all the removed human braiding hair into equal bundles as desired.
Detangle the braiding hair first with a wide-tooth comb.
- Hold the middle of one bundle of hair and wrap it around your two fingers twice tightly to secure it for detangling.
- Start combing or brushing the hair from the bottom to remove the knots first, then comb it through from the roots to the ends.
- Apply conditioner and dampen the hair a bit to smooth the detangling process if it is hard to comb through.
Tie each bundle for washing.
- Use yarn to tie each bundle of the detangled human braiding hair. Wrap the yarn around the hair and tie with knots, then leave a loop to make a knot at the end for hanging
Washing the human braiding hair one by one
- Sink all the tied hair bundles into lukewarm water mixed with shampoo. Make sure the washing water can cover the entire hair.
- Hold the string of the hair bundle with one hand and use other hand to pull your fingers through the hair from the root to the bottom to wash the hair gently to avoid hair tangling after washing.
Conditioning
- Soak the cleansed hair into water mixed with conditioner for 20-30minutes to deep condition all the hair.
Rinse and Air Dry:
- Hold the yarn string to rinse the hair bundles and wrap them with a towel, then hang them to air dry
Braid or twist for washing
Braiding your removed bulk human hair for washing is more manageable than leaving it in long, loose sections. Instead of tying the hair and directly proceeding with washing and conditioning, you can loosely braid or twist the detangled hair bundles first. Then, follow the same washing steps as the tie-for-washing method shared above.
How Long Do I Need to Wait Before Re-Braiding After Braids Were Removed?
1 to 2 Weeks:
- Minimum Rest Period: This allows your scalp and hair some recovery time from the tension and stress of braiding.
- Necessary Care: During this time, it's essential to properly moisturize and care for your hair to prevent damage and breakage.
2 to 5 Weeks:
- Optimal Recovery: This longer break is often suggested by hair care professionals to ensure your hair regains its strength and health.
- Deep Conditioning: Utilize this period to deep condition and nourish your hair, addressing any issues like dryness or damage.
Additional Tips:
- Scalp Health: Pay attention to the health of your scalp. If you notice any sores or excessive sensitivity, allow more time for healing.
- Protective Styles: Consider using less tension-demanding protective styles during the break period, such as twists or buns, to minimize stress on the hair.
- Hair Assessment: Before re-braiding, assess the condition of your hair. If it feels weak or looks damaged, extend the break period and focus on repair treatments.
Taking adequate breaks between braiding sessions helps maintain healthy hair and prevents long-term damage, ensuring that your hair remains strong and resilient.
By following these steps, you can easily take down your braids without losing hair or causing damage. Plus, you can bring your human braiding hair back to life, making it look as good as new!
If you found this guide helpful, save it to your Pinterest or Instagram, share it with your friends.Reach out to us at [email protected] with any extra tips you've discovered. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!