Braid Experts Needed - Scared Of Flaking Scalp!

[natural in ATL]

I’ve never had braids before, but I got sick of seeing so many cute styles so I’m getting mine in July! I’m getting medium size box braids because I want the flexibility to create a lot of styles.

I’m about 7 months postpartum and my scalp is flaky sometimes still. I’m starting to get paranoid about having to take out the braids too soon because my scalp is itchy or flaking. I asked the braider and she said a clay mask or ACV rinse may help.

Any suggestions on how I can keep my scalp clean while wearing braids? Any sprays or oils I should use? If it helps, she’s using Rastafari Silky Freedom hair - 9 bundles, does this sound right?

I work out a couple of times a week and will sweat. I also have a trip planned right after getting them put in where I’ll be swimming in a chlorine pool. Does any of this matter?

 

[Coilystep]

Cantu has a line for braids. I love the root rinse. I get braids a couple times a year however I usually only keep them for 3-4 weeks I always end up missing my hair too much. Also my hair is prone to frizz.

 

[faithVA]

Do you cleanse your scalp after working out? Perhaps that is contributing to your flaking.

If you swim in chlorine you will need to wash your hair. You don't want chlorine and whatever is on the pool just sitting on your hair.

 

[MzSwift]

I actually prefer braids that I don’t mind getting frizzy bc cleansing my scalp is a must. When my braid/twist extensions begin to get frizzy, I just wear them in up styles. I can go 4 or so weeks like that which is a successful PS in my book.

I *have* gone up to 3 weeks without washing. To do that I use no products other than my own braid spray mix of 90-95% water with a squirt of a coneless condish and a few drops of essential oils fo scalp health and smell (usually lavender, peppermint and sometimes sweet orange) in a squirt botle. HTH!

 

[Lissa0821]

I wipe my scalp really good with baby wipes and spray my scalp with braid spray every three or four days. I don't really wash my hair when it is in braid either .

 

[blazingbeauty]

You may also like Taliah Waajid’s Protective Style Line - it has a no rinse shampoo

I think once you go swimming you’ll probably have to wash your hair

 

[natural in ATL]

Cantu has a line for braids. I love the root rinse. I get braids a couple times a year however I usually only keep them for 3-4 weeks I always end up missing my hair too much. Also my hair is prone to frizz.

Thanks! My hair frizzes too so I’ll try it!

 

[natural in ATL]

Do you cleanse your scalp after working out? Perhaps that is contributing to your flaking.

If you swim in chlorine you will need to wash your hair. You don't want chlorine and whatever is on the pool just sitting on your hair.

Thanks and no I usually just wait for my next wash day after working out. Is there something I should do immediately besides a full wash day routine?

 

[natural in ATL]

I actually prefer braids that I don’t mind getting frizzy bc cleansing my scalp is a must. When my braid/twist extensions begin to get frizzy, I just wear them in up styles. I can go 4 or so weeks like that which is a successful PS in my book.

I *have* gone up to 3 weeks without washing. To do that I use no products other than my own braid spray mix of 90-95% water with a squirt of a coneless condish and a few drops of essential oils fo scalp health and smell (usually lavender, peppermint and sometimes sweet orange) in a squirt botle. HTH!

I can’t wait to try and replicate your braid spray! I could smell all of those oils as I read them. Thanks!!

 

[natural in ATL]

I wipe my scalp really good with baby wipes and spray my scalp with braid spray every three or four days. I don't really wash my hair when it is in braid either .

Thanks! Never heard of the baby wipes. Is there a certain brand that works?

 

[natural in ATL]

You may also like Taliah Waajid’s Protective Style Line - it has a no rinse shampoo

I think once you go swimming you’ll probably have to wash your hair

I love their line! I’ll try it. So I’m going on vacay literally the day after I get the braids! Maybe I just won’t get my hair wet.

 

[faithVA]

Thanks and no I usually just wait for my next wash day after working out. Is there something I should do immediately besides a full wash day routine?

I would wipe your scalp down like someone said either with the baby wipes, witch hazel or something else designed to clean the scalp. It could just be that the salt from your sweat is causing an issue with your scalp. I know some other ladies on the board have talked about what sweat does to their hair.

 

[natural in ATL]

I would wipe your scalp down like someone said either with the baby wipes, witch hazel or something else designed to clean the scalp. It could just be that the salt from your sweat is causing an issue with your scalp. I know some other ladies on the board have talked about what sweat does to their hair.

Thanks @faithVA!

 

[Lissa0821]

Thanks! Never heard of the baby wipes. Is there a certain brand that works?

I prefer name brand wipes because they stay moist a little longer than store brands.

 

[natural in ATL]

I prefer name brand wipes because they stay moist a little longer than store brands.

Perfect! I have pampers sensitive for my baby, so maybe I’ll steal some of his. lol