Braids aren’t a hairstyle you can redo every day. Most people do braids as a protective hairstyle that can last up to eight weeks. Now the question arises, how can I restore my braids – because braids need proper care to be revived.
You can try hot water and gel treatment, edge control, covering edges, or switching styles to restore the braids. Moisturize regularly, use silk or satin covers, and prioritize your scalp for the best results!
As a hairstyle, braids are delicate that require proper care and maintenance. Many ways of restoring braids at home will be discussed further!
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Old Braids Look New
You don’t need to rush to hairstylists to retreat your old braids; you can do it right at home! Here are some easy tips to make your old braids seem fresh and healthy.
1. Prioritizing the Scalp
You should take thorough care of your scalp if you want healthy hair growth. Washing and conditioning your braids once every 3 weeks is a must. Make sure to dry your braids with a microfiber towel when you’re done!
2. Hot Water Treatment
It’s one of the easiest ways of restoring your braids. Dip a towel into hot water and wait to cool down a little. Cover your braids with a warm and damp towel before leaving them for a while. This will freshen your braids and reduce the frizz.
3. Use Silk or Satin as Cover
Covering your protective braids with silk or satin will ensure that the edges don’t get matted.
If you don’t have a silk or satin scarf, you can also use a pillowcase made out of the same material. Satin and silk fabric help to keep the moisture in your hair intact.
4. Moisturize Regularly
You can apply oil spray to moisturize your braids. Moisturizing is essential to keep your hair healthy and fresh. Castor oil, coconut oil, and almond oil are some of the best picks.
Simple Ways to Revive Braids at Home
Although braids shouldn’t be kept for more than 6 to 8 weeks, there are ways to revive them. Follow these ideas to restore your braids at home easily –
A. Hot Water and Gel Treatment
Braid extensions tend to tear and become harsh with time. Get a scissor, some styling gel, and some boiling water to fix this problem. Cut out the stray hairs that are already growing.
After that, soak every extension in hot water. While the hair dries, work some styling gel through the braids to retreat them to almost brand-new condition!
B. Mousse and Holding Spray
Use your favorite styling mousse to remove the frizz from your braids and apply holding spray to retain the smoothness. Cover the braids with a silk or satin scarf and wait for them to dry.
This method works great for box braids, lemonade braids, faux locs and will give you a sleek hairstyle in no time!
C. Restore the Edges
The edges of your braids are the first to wear out as they become older. You’ll start noticing more loose hair and the edges won’t be as firm.
To fix this issue, you can treat your braids with hot water and gel to bring back their original condition.
D. Use Edge Control
If your edges start to become frizzy, apply some edge control to fix them. You can also apply it to the braids as a styling gel. Allow it to dry and there you have it – new braids!
E. Change Styles
You can switch your braiding style to extend its lifetime. Chop your braids in half, and curl them – just be sure to give them hot water and gel treatment after you’re done.
F. Cover the Edges
If your edges become unmanageable, you can always cover them up to make them appear brand new!
Take good care of your braids and scalp to maintain a flawless hairstyle. Always remember to moisturize for healthier hair growth!
What Should You Use to Moisturize Braids
Mineral oils are popular for the scalp but you should avoid any braid moisturizer that contains mineral oils. They might cause your hair to break or ruin the braids.
Go for natural oils to moisturize your braids. Castor oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are some of the best picks. For a non-greasy option, you can use natural leave-in conditioners.
How Often Should I Refresh My Braids
Even though braids are a low-maintenance hairstyle, they still need to be taken care of properly. You should refresh your braids every few weeks when they start wearing out. This time can range from two to four weeks.
Always style your braids with care as they’re very delicate. Never forget to dry your hair completely before going to bed.
How Much Does the Refresh from Stylist Cost
Instead of getting the restoration done at home, you can hire a hairstylist for the job.
Depending on the stylist and parlor, restoring your braids can cost from 50$ to 200$. If you want to save money and complete the process at home, you can find many helpful ways of reviving braids online!
Why Should You Refresh Your Braids
Now that you know how to revive your braids, you may be wondering about the benefits of doing it –
a. Eliminates Product Buildup and Frizz
If you keep the braids on for too long, grease and product may build up. Retreating will get rid of this buildup and frizzy edges.
b. New Look
Reviving braids can give you a brand-new look without having to cut hair or make any changes.
c. Reduce Scalp Itchiness
While refreshing your braids, you can treat your scalp too which will help to reduce any issues.
d. Maintain Moisture and Hydration
Moisture is the key to healthy hair growth and retreating your braids will ensure that.
e. New and Extended Life
Refreshing your braids can give them an extended lifetime of a few weeks.
f. Reduce Stress on Hair
If you wear the braids for a long time, your hair may face breakage. Reviving braids helps to reduce stress and frizz.
g. Lessen Tangling
Braids can sometimes cause your hair to tangle and tear but reviving will help to reduce that.
h. Improve Hair Accessibility
Your hair is much more manageable when the braids are revived and maintained.
i. Fewer Chances of Knotting
If the braids become too frizzy, they can form knots. Restoring the braids can help to prevent this from happening.
j. Stylish Upgrade
Finally, you can give your hair an upgrade by switching up the style of braiding. Exploring new styles is always fun when you have healthy braids!
The advantages of restoring your braids are endless if you do it the right way!
FAQs
Is it necessary to go to the salon to refresh your braids?
No, you can refresh your braids at home as long as you have the right products and follow the steps correctly!
How to hide fallen edges of braids?
You can wear a satin or silk scarf to cover up the fallen edges of braids. Using hair fiber, colored gel, or makeup is also a great option too.
Wrapping it Up
You don’t always have to wash your braids to make them look sleek and shiny. If you use the right methods, you can revive them right at home.
You may be wondering – how can I restore my braids; hot water gel treatment, mousse and holding spray, and edge control work the best. Whatever process you use, always be gentle on your hair because braids need to be handled with care!
Maintaining your scalp and moisturizing the braids is also essential.
