How To Wash Box Braids

Box braids are arguably one of my favorite protective styles. My natural hair is woven in with synthetic hair where I will not be required to manipulate it for at least a month. When it comes to protective styling, I’ve already touched on how to prepare your hair for a protective style, and one of my fellow BHI writers touched on how to properly wash and care for your hair after box braids, so it’s only right that we also discuss care and maintenance, including washing, during.

When selecting a protective style one of the most important things to me is if I will have access to cleanse my scalp. I tried getting a sew in once and I almost pulled the tracks out after 3 weeks because I couldn’t clarify my scalp the way I wanted to.

After getting box braids installed, I will typically wash my hair about every 1.5 to 2 weeks. My wash days are pretty simple and short.

I start with an Apple Cider Vinegar* rinse for my scalp. With free flowing natural hair, I would mix one part water and one part ACV in a bowl and simply pour it onto my hair and scalp. With braids, I have to take an alternate approach by putting the mixture into a spray bottle.

On dry hair, I spritz the ACV mix in between each and every part of my scalp and gently massage with my fingertips. This step is essential because of the amount of product build up on your scalp as well as the ability to get in, cleanse, and clarify under the actual braid.

Next, it’s time to shampoo. With my natural hair, I typically avoid washing my hair in the shower due to the harshness of warm to hot water has on the hair strands. However, with braids, I find it easiest to hop in the shower.

As for shampoo and conditioner use, I like to select a non-expensive choice because of the large amount I will need to use. My personal choice for shampoo is the Creme of Nature Argan Oil shampoo that is sulfate free. For conditioner, I use Suave with Morrocan Oil. It’s cheap and I can use enough to coat my scalp, hair and the length of the braids without guilt.

I ensure that I use shampoo and wash the braids down the length completely in order to keep the freshness and remove any oil or product I may have used previously.

I typically will do one round of shampooing and then apply the conditioner and leave on for ~3-4 minutes as I wash my body and then rinse out.

After washing, you’ll want to tilt your head over so that gravity allow all the braids to fall over your head. Then in a twisting motion wring out all of the water you possibly can. Because this style tends to hold a lot of moisture, it’s inevitable that your hair will still be dripping, which is why it’s best to wrap a towel around before you get out of the shower.

I then allow the towel to sit on my hair for about 20 minutes and then take it off and allow the braids to air dry until I’m ready for bed. I’m typically doing this wash routine in the evening so I find it best to lay a towel down on the back of the couch while I watch a movie.

When you’re ready for bed, you can now oil and put your braids in a bun. I like to use three types of oils* when it comes to my braids. I first use coconut oil* to coat my scalp. I’ll go in between each part applying a dab of coconut oil* ensuring that it is nice and sealed.

I’ll then take a few drops of Jamaican Black Castor Oil* and apply it along my edges. Because of the typical tightness of box braids, you’ll want to make sure your edges are given the most optimal chance to avoid loss. JBCO* has growth properties that will help you retain them.

Lastly, I’ll go in with my Creme of Nature Argan Oil*, which is lightly scented, to apply through the length of the braids. This will ensure that my braids look shiny and lustrous as well as have a pleasant smell.

I will then put my hair up in a top bun, tie a satin scarf around my edges, and head to bed.

The next morning it should be expected that your braids will still be a little damp due to the fact that they were loose during the night but this is okay. All you need to do is make sure you wear your braids in a loose style, either down or in a free falling ponytail, to ensure that it’s given adequate time to “breathe” and dry properly. I wouldn’t recommend wearing a bun or a style where the hair isn’t free due to the fact that you don’t want to develop a “mildewy” odor to your braids.

And that’s it! I know everyone attacks their protective style wash days differently but this is what works best for me. How do you approach washing your box braids?