Should I trim my hair before or after braids? This question goes through the mind of anyone looking to get a braided hairstyle. While the question itself is simple, the answer is not.
Normally, it’s a good idea to get your hair trimmed before getting braids as this helps to keep your braids looking neat and prevent split ends. But there are perks of trimming your hair after getting braids as well since doing so makes it easier to see the parts of the hair that need trimming.
So, since there are benefits to trimming your hair before and after braids, what should you do? This is where we’ll help you. We’ve gathered all the information you need to figure out when to trim. Let’s see.
What Should I Do to My Hair Before Getting Braids
There are a few steps that you need to follow before getting braids so that they look perfect and last longer. These steps include:
- Cleaning your hair and scalp with a deep-cleaning shampoo.
- Deep conditioning your hair to moisturize it.
- Detangling your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
- Trim split ends.
- Consult a professional hairstylist to ensure your hair is healthy enough to handle braids.
Can I Trim My Hair in Braids: Is it Safe and Effective
While getting your hair trimmed while you have braids is okay, it’s usually better to get one before installing braids, as that enables you to section your hair properly and trim every part that needs to be trimmed.
However, if you have already gotten your braids installed and notice that you need a trim, use a sharp scissor or a shear to trim where required. This is especially required when you notice split ends on your braids, as split ends may result in more severe hair-related issues.
Preparing Your Hair for Braids: Trimming and Detangling Tips
Preparing your hair for braids might seem daunting, but when you put some effort into it, the result will be worth it all. To prepare your hair for braids, start trimming and then detangling your hair. Here are some tips on how to:
Trimming
To trim your hair, follow the instructions below:
- Use a sharp scissor or shear, so your hair isn’t frayed or uneven after trimming.
- Dry your hair completely before a trim, as wet hair looks shorter, which might lead to more hair being cut than needed.
- Section your hair in parts. Focus more on the parts with split ends.
- It’s better not to trim your hair by yourself. See a hairstylist instead for better results.
Detangling
Detangling your hair is also necessary before getting braids. To detangle your hair correctly:
- Wet your hair with a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray.
- Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair slowly. Start at the end and work your way up to the roots for the best result.
Apart from trimming and detangling your hair, ensure it is dry or just slightly damp before installing your braids. Getting braids on hair that is too wet can lead to mold or mildew formation or braids being too tight.
Braids vs. Haircuts: Which Should Come First
Whether you should get a haircut before braids or after depends on the state of your hair and what look you’re going for. It’s better to get a haircut before getting braids if you want to change your hairstyle or if it looks like a trim is needed.
This will help your hair look and be healthier and clear out split ends, reducing the chances of your hair being damaged.
On the other hand, braiding your hair before a haircut might be what you want to do if you want to grow your hair out or are looking for a specific braiding style, as it will help protect your hair from heating tools and help maintain hair length.
Ultimately, when you should get a haircut depends on your hair’s health and the look you’re going for. Consult with a hairstylist to see which option fits you best.
Does Wearing Braids Really Help Prevent Split Ends
Wearing braids can help protect your hair from extensive damage. Braids protect your hair from everyday wear and tear, like brushing and styling.
Since your hair isn’t manipulated much in braids, it helps prevent split ends, breakage, and hair fall.
What is the Best Time to Get Your Hair Trimmed in Braids
The best time to trim your hair while wearing braids depends on your hair length and braid type.
If you notice excessive frizz or split ends on your braids, you should go for a trim. A general rule of thumb when it comes to trimming hair is to get it done every 6-8 weeks, regardless of whether you have braids or not.
How Often Should You Trim Your Hair in Braids
How often you should trim your hair in braids depends on your hair length, how quickly your hair grows, your hair type, and the type of braids you have.
Keeping all these in mind, it’s best to get a trim on your braids every 6-8 weeks for optimal hair growth and health.
Braids and Split End: Fact or Fiction
Even though braids are protective hairstyles, they can cause damage to your hair if not maintained properly.
If your braids are dry, not properly moisturized, or not taken proper care of, they can lead to you having split ends.
On the other hand, if you maintain your braids properly, they can be great at protecting your hair from damage and split ends.
Twists and Split End: The Truth About This Common Hair Concern
Twists can exacerbate split ends. Why? Because when you twist your hair, the strands are tugged on and pulled tightly. This can lead to the formation of split ends and result in hair breakage.
The Pros and Cons of Cutting Hair Before or After Braiding
The pros of cutting hair before braiding are as follows:
- It helps take care of all split ends.
- You can better control the length and shape of your hair while cutting.
While the cons of cutting hair before braiding includes:
- You might cut your hair too short if you’re not skilled at it.
The pros of cutting hair after braiding consists of:
- You can monitor your hair growth and cut as needed according to your braiding style.
The cons of cutting hair after braiding are:
- You can’t see all the split ends as they might hide underneath the braids.
How Do You Trim Your Hair with Braids
Trimming your hair while you have braids might be challenging. But with the proper equipment, skill, and care, it can be done. This is what you need to do:
- Section your hair into small parts.
- Carefully trim the ends of each section using a sharp scissor.
- Work slowly and be careful not to cut too much.
- Take help from a friend or a hairstylist for the best results.
Synthetic Braids: How to Properly Trim and Maintain Them
When it comes to synthetic braids, do the following to trim and maintain them properly:
Trimming
- Use a sharp pair of scissors designed specifically for synthetic braids.
- Separate the braids from your natural hair before trimming.
- Cut at an angle to prevent fraying.
Maintaining
- Don’t rub your synthetic braids too hard while washing them.
- Keep them moisturized using a leave-in conditioner.
- Use a mild shampoo formulated for synthetic hair.
When Should You Take Your Braids Out
Taking your braids out depends on how well they are maintained. If you can’t take proper care of your braids, it’s better to take them out after 2-4 weeks.
On the other hand, if braids are properly maintained, they can be kept for up to 6-8 weeks.
What Should You do to Your Hair After Taking Out Braids
After getting your braids removed, you need to ensure that you wash your hair with a deep-cleansing shampoo and a deep conditioner to remove any build-ups that might have accumulated and to moisturize your hair and scalp.
Afterward, let your hair remain natural for at least two weeks before braiding it again. This will allow your hair to breathe and help reduce any damage that might have occurred from braiding.
FAQs
The best scissors for cutting hair in braids are texturizing scissors or scissors with a serrated edge. It’s especially easy to cut your hair in braids if your scissors’ blades are between 4-5.5 inches.
Twists can cause split ends, requiring your hair strands to be pulled and tugged on, which damages them.
Split ends occur when the ends of your hair fray or split, as the name suggests. Split ends expose the cortex of your hair and can lead to breakage.
Split ends occur when your hair is dry and damaged and can result in hair shedding.
Yes, when you have split ends, the ends can get tangled with other strands of hair easily.
Split ends, by themselves, don’t contribute to hair fall. But if they are not taken care of in time, they can lead to hair breakage, which can lead to hair fall.
No, split ends don’t hinder hair growth as your hair grows from the roots and not the ends.
Hair may grow better in braids due to reduced manipulation and protection from environmental damage.
It is not recommended to keep hair in braids all the time as it can cause tension, breakage, and scalp issues.
It’s generally not necessary to trim your hair while it’s in braids as it can cause uneven cuts and damage.
It’s best to trim your hair before getting braids to ensure even length and healthy ends.
The recommended duration to leave braids in hair is 6-8 weeks to avoid tension and breakage.
Avoid excessive tension, pulling, or harsh chemicals on your braids to prevent damage.
Hair may appear shorter in braids due to the hair being stretched and secured tightly.
If you don’t take braids out in a timely manner, it can cause matting, breakage, and damage to your natural hair.
It’s recommended to let your hair rest from braids for at least 2-4 weeks to minimize tension and promote hair health.
After getting braids, avoid excessive manipulation, pulling, or using heavy products to maintain the integrity of the style.
Avoid using heavy oils, excessive tension, or harsh chemicals on your hair before getting braids to prevent damage.
Right after getting braids, you can moisturize your scalp with a lightweight oil or apply a soothing scalp spray.
Putting your hair in braids can be helpful for protecting the hair from environmental damage and reducing manipulation.
It’s generally better to take out braids when they are dry to minimize breakage and damage to your natural hair.
The longest you should leave braids in depends on the style and your hair’s health, but generally not more than 2-3 months.
Leaving your braids in for too long can cause matting, breakage, and damage to your natural hair.
You can seal the ends of your braids with a lightweight oil or hair cream to prevent fraying and maintain neatness.
Keeping your hair in braids can be healthy if done properly with regular maintenance, moisturizing, and avoiding excessive tension.
It’s not necessary to cut your hair after taking out box braids unless you have split ends or damaged hair.
To keep braids neat for longer, avoid excessive manipulation, use lightweight products, and moisturize regularly.
The time between braids depends on your hair’s health and condition, but generally 2-4 weeks is recommended to allow the scalp to rest.
Braids can cause tension on the edges, leading to hair pulling and breakage if not done properly or if left in for too long.
Twisting and cutting hair is a method of trimming the ends of the hair to promote healthy growth and maintain shape.
There is no scientific evidence that hair grows better in twists, but twists can be a protective style that minimizes manipulation.
To trim 4c hair in twists, gently unravel each twist and trim the ends evenly with sharp scissors.
It’s generally better to trim afro hair when it’s dry to accurately assess the length and avoid uneven cuts.
The frequency of hair trims for maximum growth depends on your hair’s health and condition, but every 8-12 weeks is a common recommendation.
To trim split ends with twisted hair, gently unravel each twist and trim the split ends with sharp scissors.
Twists may get thicker over time due to the natural shedding and growth of the hair.
Both twists and braids can be protective styles, and the frequency of trims depends on your hair’s health and condition.
It’s generally recommended to trim your hair every 8-12 weeks for optimal hair health and growth.
To trim black hair, use sharp scissors and trim small sections at a time to avoid uneven cuts.
The frequency of trimming 4c hair depends on the individual’s hair needs, but every 8-12 weeks is a common recommendation.
The duration to leave your hair in twists depends on your hair’s health and condition, but generally not more than 6-8 weeks to avoid matting and breakage.
Conclusion
To conclude, it should be said that you need to trim your hair every few weeks, regardless of your hairstyle. But if you have braids, it’s even more important as it’ll help keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends.
So to answer the question, “Should I trim my hair before or after braids?” we’d say that it depends on your hair type, length, and the braiding style you’re looking for.
We hope we could answer all your questions about trimming your hair and that it’ll be easier for you to decide. Thank you!
