How to Prepare Hair Before Installation
Before your appointment, Brittney Ogike, the founder and CEO of Beautybeez, recommends entering the installation with conditioned and moisturized hair. To do this, you can double shampoo with a clarifying shampoo and then a deep hydrating masque. Dunning also encourages clients to shampoo out the masque and follow with a regular conditioner before rinsing out the hair thoroughly. "Rinsing the hair properly will ensure the hair is hydrated without being too slippery," Dunning said.
How to Maintain Micro Braids
With proper care, micro braids can last up to eight weeks. Luckily, caring for the protective style is very similar to your regular hair-care routine. Gently shampoo hair once a week (on the scalp only) and follow up with a hydrating conditioner to keep braids moisturized. Once your hair is clean, allow ample amount of time for the braids to completely dry (air-dry or blow-dry) before styling. Styling while braids are damp can cause fungus, dandruff, or even mildew.
In between wash days, you'll want to have a handy product to help remove any dirt or buildup to keep your scalp healthy. Daily, the experts also recommend a light oil (like coconut oil) to restore moisture. Dunning recommends avoiding heavy oils that can clog pores on the scalp and leave an impenetrable coating on strands.
