Leave-in conditioner is considered an extra step after you’ve washed and conditioned your hair. It’s just as important as the previous ones, especially if you have braids.
But the question is, “is leave-in conditioner good for braids?” To answer the question, yes, it is. It provides your hair with much-needed moisture and keeps your braids frizz-free.
Keep reading to learn how to use a leave-in conditioner on your braids and the pros and cons of conditioning your braids.
What Products to Use to Maintain Braids
The maintenance of a braid starts before getting the braids in. It’s important to clean your scalp using a shampoo and then a conditioner to moisturize your hair.
There are certain products that you should use to maintain your braids:
- Keep your braids and scalp hydrated with a moisturizer. For this, you can use a leave-in conditioner or any natural oil or shea butter.
- Clean your hair even when it is braided. Use a damp washcloth and gently dab it on your scalp or use a dry shampoo.
- Redo your edges using an edge control gel to control the frizziness.
- Wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf before sleeping.
- Use a rinse-free hair cleanser specifically formulated with salicylic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera powder to maintain and cleanse your braids thoroughly without disturbing them.
What Should I Moisturize My Braids With
There are two fundamental ways to moisturize your braids. The first way is to use any oil in your braids.
You can use coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil but do not overdo it as it creates build-up. The second way is to apply a leave-in conditioner which will make it easier to control your hair.
Water can also moisturize your hair; spray some water evenly on it to give it the moisture it needs.
The Difference Between Regular Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner
One evident difference is that you don’t have to wash out the leave-in conditioner like you have to with the regular one.
Regular conditioners are supposed to be used on damp hair, which helps us to detangle the hair, whereas leave-in conditioners can be applied on dry hair.
Unlike regular conditioners, leave-in conditioners work with more intensity. They provide hydration to your hair and stabilize your hair pH and work on its protein structure. Hence, improving the overall quality of hair permanently.
Is it OK to Put Leave-In Conditioner on Braids
Conditioning your braids is very important, whether it’s regular conditioner or leave-in conditioner. However, leave-in conditioners can benefit you more than you might believe. They are rich in protein and provide much hydration, thus making your protective hairstyles even more serviceable.
Leave-in conditioners also protect your hair from heat which ultimately benefits your scalp too; leave-in conditioners can be of use if your braids are too tight. Just apply some of it evenly on your scalp and let it sit.
Should I Put A Leave-In Conditioner on My Hair Before Braids
Taking proper care of your hair before getting your braids in it includes shampoo, conditioner, and sometimes a leave-in conditioner, which helps enhance the natural state of your hair. This will, therefore, enhance the quality of your curls too.
However, some stylists recommend going in with zero products in your hair if you want braids. This is because the products that you use might affect the style you want to get. So, discuss this with your hairstylist before getting your braids in.
Does Leave-In Conditioner Help to Make Braids Last Longer
Leave-in conditioners can deliver long-term nourishment as well as protection. The moisture from the leave-in conditioner keeps your braids soft and shiny and prevents them from drying out and breaking out.
Drying out or breaking makes your braid all dull and frizzy, so you need to get them out. So remember to condition your braids regularly to make them last longer.
Reasons Why You Should Be Using a Leave-in Conditioner for Braids
- It provides your hair with intense moisture and hydration.
- It’s straightforward to detangle your hair with leave-in conditioners as they make your hair soft and less prone to breakage.
- It provides UV protection to your scalp.
- It acts as a heat protectant, allowing you to style your hair with heat with minimum damage.
- It strengthens your hair and makes it flexible as it has an abundance of protein and vitamins.
- It helps reduce frizz and helps hair retain its shine.
- It provides your hair with the required proteins which boost hair growth.
- It doesn’t harm your hair if you use other products alongside it.
- It can be used in conjunction with other hair care treatments.
Braids and leave-in conditioner: troubleshooting common problems
Leave-in conditioners can be a hassle for people with oily hair, making their hair more oily than usual, which causes products to build up on their scalp. Due to build-up people to get their braids out earlier than needed.
Over conditioning is also a major problem as people often fail to understand how much they actually need. Some leave-in conditioners have silicone and paraben which ruins people’s braids and natural hair too.
Choosing the Best Leave-In Conditioner For Braids
Look for a high-quality leave-in conditioner depending on your hair type and its needs. For thick curly hair or extremely dry and damaged hair, you can go with the Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner.
For wavy hair, opt for a light one or one that gives your extra volume, such as the DevaCurl B’Leave-In Miracle Curl Plumper.
How to Apply Leave-In Conditioner for Braids: Step-by-Step
When conditioning your braids, it’s favorable to use a spray bottle to evenly spritz out the conditioner. You can just fill a spray bottle with the leave-in conditioner you usually use.
- Evenly spray the conditioner only on your braids, not your scalp.
- Let your braids air dry or wrap them in a scarf till they’re dry.
- Follow up with an oil or any other hair treatment if you need it.
The Benefits of Using a Leave-in Conditioner for Braids
The benefits of using a leave-in conditioner on braids are limitless. These include but are not limited to:
- Leave-in conditioners moisturize your hair.
- They help soothe the scalp, and prevent itching, and dryness.
- Using a leave-in conditioner helps nourish your hair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Leave-In Conditioner on Braids
- Don’t use leave-in conditioners on your scalp. If you do, products build up in your scalp which damages your hair health.
- Don’t use more products than needed. Excess of anything is always bad.
- Don’t use the wrong type of leave-in conditioner. Figure out what works for you depending on the needs of your hair.
- Don’t use a very thick or low-quality leave-in conditioner that you can’t absorb.
How Often Should I Put a Leave-In Conditioner on my Braid
Your braids need as much hydration and moisture as they can get, but remember to not go overboard with them. How much leave-in conditioner to put varies depending on the type of your hair.
However, conditioning 2-3 times a week should be fine in general. Feel free to change it depending on how your hair feels.
FAQs
Leave-in conditioners provide moisture to your hair which helps to prevent breakage and frizz
Use a tension relief spray or an oil concoction depending on your hair type for instant relief.
It’s recommended by most hairstylists to not go any longer than eight weeks.
Wash your braids every 2-3 weeks to keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Leave-in conditioners can loosen up your braids and can calm down the inflammation caused by tight braids.
Yes, you can because the conditioner moisturizes your hair strands, allowing your braids to stay intact for a long time.
To prevent frizzing in braids, use a lightweight oil or anti-frizz serum.
Yes, you can use leave-in conditioner on braids to keep them moisturized.
To keep braids looking new, avoid excessive pulling or tugging, and use a satin or silk scarf at night.
Use a lightweight and oil-free conditioner specifically formulated for braids.
Avoid using heavy oils, excessive tension, or harsh chemicals on your braids.
Wash your hair and braids once every two weeks with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
You can apply a light leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to your braids to keep them hydrated.
It’s better to take out braids when they are dry to minimize breakage.
To keep braids fresh for 3 months, avoid excessive manipulation and use a satin or silk scarf at night.
Leave-in conditioner can be used all day, but avoid applying too much to prevent buildup.
Oil your scalp with a lightweight oil or scalp oil every 1-2 weeks with braids.
Wet your braids only when necessary and be gentle to prevent frizz and breakage.
Let your hair rest from braids for at least 2-4 weeks to minimize tension and breakage.
Protect your braids at night by using a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase.
Leave-in conditioner can be left in your hair for the entire day, but avoid using too much.
To prevent drying out, use a lightweight moisturizing spray or oil on your braids regularly.
Natural moisturizers for braids include aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.
Oil your braids every 1-2 weeks with a lightweight oil to keep them moisturized.
Keep your hair moisturized in knotless braids by using a lightweight oil or moisturizing spray.
Braids can loosen up due to tension, friction, or excessive manipulation.
To relieve hair pain from braids, try massaging your scalp with a lightweight oil or applying aloe vera gel.
Tight braids can itch due to the tension on the scalp and dryness.
To loosen tight braids quickly, spray them with water or a moisturizing spray and gently massage your scalp.
To prevent breakage from tight braids, avoid excessive tension and use a lightweight oil or moisturizer.
Braids may itch after a week due to scalp dryness, product buildup, or allergic reactions.
Making tight braids does not necessarily increase hair growth and can cause tension and breakage.
Verdict
Leave-in conditioner greatly benefits your braids and your hair in general. It keeps your braids intact by hydrating and moisturizing them while protecting your scalp and natural hair from environmental factors. So, “is leave-in conditioner good for braids?”
Yes, Leave-in conditioners can significantly improve your hair as long as you don’t overdo it, so know your limits!
We hope this was helpful in increasing your understanding of braids and leave-in conditioners.
