The way you care for braids after your appointment can make a major difference in how long the style continues to look polished.

A few simple habits can help reduce frizz, protect the hairline, and keep your braids looking cleaner between appointments.

Protect Your Hair at Night

Nighttime protection is one of the most important steps.

Use a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep.

Cotton pillowcases can rub against the hair and encourage frizz, especially around the roots and hairline.

Keep Your Scalp Clean

A clean scalp can make the entire style feel fresher.

Depending on your hair and scalp needs, use an appropriate scalp cleanser or carefully wash the scalp without aggressively rubbing the braids.

Allow the hair and scalp to dry properly afterward.

Be Careful With Styling Products

Edge control, mousse, oils, and sprays can improve the appearance of your braids, but too much product can create buildup.

Use products strategically rather than coating the entire style every day.

A small amount of mousse can often help smooth light frizz.

Do Not Constantly Restyle Your Braids

High ponytails, buns, and other styles can look great, but repeatedly pulling braids into tight positions can create unnecessary tension.

Give your hairline a break.

Refresh the Front When Necessary

Sometimes the majority of the style still looks great while the first few rows become frizzy.

Rather than immediately removing everything, some people have the perimeter or front sections professionally refreshed.

Know When It Is Time to Remove Them

Braids are protective only when the underlying hair and scalp are being treated properly.

Do not keep a style installed simply because the braids themselves still look acceptable.

Listen to your hair, protect your scalp, and remove the style when it is no longer serving its purpose.