Self care includes hair (& scalp) care! Now funnily enough, I'm more experimental when it comes to hair care. Meaning, I switch up hair care products way more often than skincare. Even though I get more playful with hair, I still have a few tried and true products that are frequently, if not always in rotation.
That being said, it's time to take a look at the steps & products I'm currently using to help wash and maintain the style of my BRAIDS!
REMINDER: Pay more attention to the steps rather than the actual products. Make your routine your own using products that work for you 🙌🏾
Step 1: Prewash Spray
Before my foot touches the shower, this is the first thing I do. I spray a prewash spray all over the area of my braids where my actual hair is. Personally, when I use a prewash spray I find that my actual hair is softer so I use it even when my hair is in braids.
I use the AQUIS Prime Water Defense Prewash, $29.00
Step 2: Scalp rinse
Once I've entered the shower, it's time to begin the washing process. My first wash is a scalp/hair rinse. I squirt the rinse around each braid and in circles around the top half of my hair. Then I give my scalp a GENTLE massage to get rid of any product build up and pat in the rinse that's on my braids. Once I've given the product a couple minutes to do its work I give my hair a thorough rinse.
I use the DPHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $15.00-$57.00. Yes, I own the jumbo size haha
Step 3 & 4: Shampoo & Conditioner
Next is the formal shampoo. When it comes to this step, I'm less focused on my scalp. So I bring the shampoo to 2/3 of my hair and send any extra bubbles to the top of my hair without trying to cram it into my scalp. After everything has been frothed it's time to condition.
The conditioning process sort of works opposite of the shampoo for me. I work more product in, where I have my real hair sending less product to the rest of my braids (I don't use human hair so it might be a more even distribution of product if you do). Once everything has been conditioned it's time for a rinse and a wrap up into a 100% cotton towel that mimics a t-shirt (if you want to know what I use, let me know in the comments 😏).
I use the Garnier Fructis Active Fruit Protein Sleek & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner Twin Pack, $5.89. Let me tell you. Sometimes, it's easier to keep it simple with this step instead of using $$$ products 😅
Step 5: Leave In Conditioner
After I let my hair out of the towel, it's time to spritz. I use a spray leave-in conditioner mainly for my hair beneath the braids so the top part of my hair gets the most attention. Yes it's tied for the fastest step with step 1!
I use the AQUIS Prime Restorative Leave-In Conditioner, $26.00
Step 6:Scalp Oil
Post spritz, it's time to take care of the scalp. Wearing braids can be a lot for the scalp so it's important to take care of it as you need to. I like to use an oil that has some type of mint in it. I like the mint for a couple reasons. First of all, I love the invigorating feeling. Second, I feel that ingredient helps my hair grow a bit faster than without it.
I use the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $9.99
Note: I know, I know, I'm too lazy to grease my scalp. So if you like to do that make it your step 5 instead.
Step 7: Hair Oil
Once the scalp has gotten some love, the rest of my hair needs some love too. I use a hair oil essentially from one inch away from my scalp to the middle area of my hair. Again, really getting to my hair beneath the braids to give it the same shine as my purchased hair 🙏🏾
I use the Innisfree Essential hair oil serum with camellia, $16. I love how moisturizing this oil is on my hair and there is no greasy feeling 💚
Step 8: Hair Cream
Now, is the moment you've been waiting for! THE FINAL STEP! After everything else has been done, I use a cream styler all over. First I part my hair down the middle so I can put one side over one shoulder and one over the other shoulder. Then I take about a "stack of U.S.A quarters" sized dollop into my hands (1 dollop per side). After patting my hands together a few times I sort of clap, press, and glide the cream down my hair. Then I go to each braid and make sure to work the product in.
I use the ORS Olive Oil No-Grease Crème Styler, $7.29
There you have it! My current list of steps & products helping me out with wash day for braids! One of my favorite things about wear braids is that I don't need to wash my hair as I usually would with my wash & go styles. Meaning my products get to last longer but my hair is always ready for action 🙌🏾
If you have some essential products for you braid edition of wash day feel free to leave it in the comments 💜
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