Using human hair braiding hair to do braids and twists can give us more natural look and styling options,but when it comes to taking down human hair braids, how can we remove them safely while still ensuring our natural hair healthy with out breakage and get the best length retention?
Taking down your box braids doesn't have to be a stressful process if you follow the right steps. Here are seven key tips to help you remove your braids while maintaining healthy hair growth and retaining length:
1. Don be hurry,leave plenty time for the Takedown Process
We need to leave enough time to do the takedown properly. Just be relax, put on your favorite TV show, podcast, or music—anything that will help you enjoy the process. Rushing through it can lead to being rough on your hair, which increases the risk of breakage. Take your time, and be gentle with each braid!
2. Focus on Removing One Braid at a Time
Instead of removing all the braids and then detangling, take your time and focus on remove every single braid on time. Remove the braiding hair first, and detangle as you go. Trying to detangle all the hair at once after removing the braids can cause matting and unnecessary hair breakage. So, work through each braid slowly and carefully.
3. Use Oil to Loosen Dirt and Buildup on the roots hair
It is very common to find gel, edge control, and other buildup at the roots of your braids when you are removing your braids. Apply some oil to those areas to loose the clumps and reduce surface friction will help make the process smoother. The oil helps break down dirt, gel, and other residue, making it easier to comb through your hair and detangle without causing damage.
For future maintenance, try to clean your scalp regularly during braid installation to minimize buildup.
4. Use Leave-In Conditioner to Help Detangle
When you have been in braids for a while, hair is getting dehydrated and fragile. Use a leave-in conditioner (even if it's one you don't love) to help soften and detangle your hair. Applying conditioner can make it easier to remove knots without causing unnecessary breakage. Just be sure to wash it out thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo once you finished.
5. Don't Worry about Hair Shedding
It's normal to experience a bit of hair shedding during the takedown process. Remember, we shed about 100 hairs a day, and they've just been trapped in the braids for the past few weeks. So, don't freak out—it's completely natural. Just be gentle while detangling, and know that it's not all breakage, just the natural shedding process.
6. Keep Your Braids Stay No Longer than 10 Weeks
A more safe and recommended time for wearing box braids is between 6 to 10 weeks. Keeping them in longer can cause neglect of your hair and scalp, which is bad for your overall hair health. Your hair needs moisture, and keeping braids in for months on end doesn't give your scalp a chance to breathe or for your hair to be properly cleansed.
7. Regularly Maintain a Healthy Hair Care Routine
Protective styles like box braids and kinky twists are great for minimizing manipulation, but they won't automatically give you long hair if you're neglecting your hair care routine. It is essential to maintain proper care both during and after wearing braids. Don't just rely on protective styles for length retention—give your hair good care it deserves with regular moisture, scalp care, and deep conditioning treatments.
8. Stop Relying on Protective Styles for Healthy Hair Growth
I've previously believed that alternating between protective styles would magically promote hair growth. After experiencing multiple instances of hair breakage and scalp itching, I realize that consistent hair growth requires proper care, not merely the avoidance of manipulation.
Think of your hair and scalp like a plant—it needs love and care to grow strong and healthy, not just to be left alone for months expect for healthy hair growth.
By following these steps, you’ll understand how to care for your hair and scalp during the takedown process without causing unnecessary hair damage. Remember to be gentle, take your time, and keep your hair moisturized to retain as much length as possible.Happy takedown!
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!