Protective hairstyles such as braids or twists are a great way to retain the hair’s natural glow, an easy updo during the summer or even a fashionable method to take your head off from daily styling and combing. This, however, does not mean you do not need to take care of your scalp. Contrary to that, braided or twisted hair requires as much care as natural hair, especially when it comes to your scalp.
You might not have to comb through but you will need to regularly oil to have a healthy scalp. Oiling is just one way to take care of your scalp with braids or twists, but before that let us take a look at some reasons why you need to take care of your scalp, as well as tips on how to keep your braids twists neat.
Why Do You Need to Take Care of Your Scalp?
Look at it this way, the scalp is an extension of your skin. And surprisingly, the scalp is more delicate requiring more care, which we sometimes ignore. The scalp has glands and hair follicles, which in turn may cause a barrier for the scalp from receiving required nutrients to stay healthy.
Hair growth and proper scalp care routines aids in healthy hair growth. Moreover, proper scalp care routine helps to remove the dead skin, keeping the scalp and hair moisturized and balanced which in turn stimulates hair growth.
To prevent dandruff or fungal growth on your scalp, the scalp has a gland that excretes sebum. Huge amounts of sebum make the scalp oily and flaxy as a result one may have dandruff. Also, taking care of your scalp ensures you do not have fungal growth caused by dirt and product build-up.
How to Take Care of the Scalp When Wearing Twists Braids Updo
- Have your braids or twist loosely fixed. The first and most important step in taking care of your scalp while wearing braided twists styles is having your stylist fix them loosely. Tight braid twits cause tension on the scalp which in turn affects the hair follicles. The tension on the follicles causes hair loss or alopecia due to damaged follicles.
- Regularly wash your braided hair; it is advisable to clean your hair once a week. Use clarifying shampoo and regularly deep condition. This routine ensures your hair and scalps stay clean and healthy.
Tip: massage your scalp when washing; this helps to promote blood flow, for maximum benefits from the wash.
Additionally, when washing the braided hair, be gentle on the scalp, you might be tempted to rub inn to remove the dirt build-up but this will be causing more harm to your scalp. Once done cleaning your braided hair, dry the braid properly by squeezing out the hair and not pulling. Pulling also causes more tension on your scalp.
- Moisturize your hair, after the wash ensure your hair and braids are dry before applying a moisturizer. Though natural scalp oils help to keep the hair hydrated you will need to use extra oil. Massage evenly to ensure both the tips and roots of the hair are moisturized.
Additionally, use a styling spray to give your braids luster as well as keep them neat.
Reminder
Installing braid twists, crochet twists, dread braid twists or even Bantu knots are great protective hairstyles. But besides protecting your hair, these hairstyles are also a great way to achieve a new look without altering, coloring, or cutting your hair.
However, for your scalp to stay healthy, do not have your braids or twists for long. On average, one sheds from approximately 50 to 100 strands. Once accumulated, these strands tangle and form knots. The knots as a result may cause hair breakage and strain on the scalp as you try to detangle the hair.
To avoid having your Curly braids Hair or twists for long, learn easy to braid hairstyles. Styles such as crochet twists, also known as the Senegalese twists are easy, quick but most importantly are fashionable. Another easy do it yourself braid style is the kinky twists, kinky twists are chunky twists and can be both long or short and top on the list of some easy hairstyles is the box braids.
Remember, protective hairstyles are intended to keep your scalp and hair revitalized, as you try out different designs, colors, or lengths do not forget to take care of your scalp by following these simple rules.
Ensure that you always wash your hair, use a styling spray every time you style your hair and always cover your braids before retiring to bed. Also, after washing your hair make sure that you moisturize it and apply essential oils. This will ensure that your hair does not lose its natural moisture.
