How long can braids be left in?
You should never keep braids for longer than eight weeks. Any longer than that, your new growth will stretch and damage and eventually break, causing significant damage to your hair. Keeping your braids for longer than eight weeks will likely leave you with hair loss.
Braids are a great protective hairstyle, but taking them out can leave you with a massive challenge. If left in for 10 or so weeks, braid extensions can lead to matting at the roots and a lot of yucky buildup. This can leave you with greasy hair and tangles that are hard to wash out.
I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage. Here are some thoughts that can help you take better care of your hair when it's in braids: We recommend rehydrating your hair daily or every other day and not with water only.
Talk to your stylist to determine how long your specific braids should be in to maintain the health of your hair and scalp, but as a general rule try to keep your braids in for no longer than 8 weeks at a time for optimal scalp and hair health.
But three months is the longest you'd want to keep your braids in. "Sometimes after that it can get a little dangerous because it could start to break off, dread, and knot up," says Stephen. Lacy Redway, Nexxus style and trends curator and celebrity stylist, suggests an even shorter timeline.
Sleeping in braids can help prevent tangles and knots, which can cause breakage and split ends. Braids can also help distribute the natural oils produced by the scalp evenly along the length of the hair, which can help keep hair moisturized and less prone to breakage.
It's cool to leave in box braids, or any extension protective style, in for up to one month, but do not leave in longer than two months. That second month is the absolute final expiration date—unless, you maintain the style with touch-ups and daily moisturization.
Don't Leave Your Braids in for Too Long
Protective styling is meant to be short-term. While it's tempting to put your hair in braids and forget about it, this can cause tangling, dryness, and breakage if you don't switch up the style. You should never keep braids for longer than eight weeks.
Although braids can last anywhere between two to eight weeks depending on which kind you go for and how you wear them, you should be prepared to cleanse roughly every two to three weeks.
“Braids can last a maximum of 10 weeks if the hairline and nape are redone at the six-week mark,” Hill explains. “If the hairline and neck are not re-done at the six-week mark, eight weeks is the maximum amount of time you can keep your hair in a braided style.”
Will braids help hair grow?
With all of these things in mind it's safe to say that braids are great for helping protect your growth. But, with our own experience, we can't say that braids can make your hair grow. In short, braid hair styles are a great protective hairstyle for anyone who wants to make their hair grow longer and stronger.
“For example, I normally recommend letting your hair breathe for at least three to seven days post-sew-in or braids before getting extensions reinstalled.” For natural styles, however, she thinks that taking a one- or two-day break is a good idea.
For coarser textures with tighter curls, knotless braids have the potential to last longer, potentially staying intact for two to three months. For silkier and finer textures with looser curl patterns, however, they may not last as long.
Braids don't last forever.
The longer braids are in, the harder it is to detangle hair after. It is recommended to have braids no longer than 8 weeks. PRO-TIP : Recommended length to have box braids in for fine hair is 2 to 3 weeks, for medium Hair is4 to 6 weeks, and for thick hair is 6 to 8 weeks.
Elena Diaz, All Things Hair resident hairstylist reveals, “Box braids can last from 4 to 6 weeks. 6 weeks is the most time I would recommend keeping them in your hair. Two months is the absolute max I would suggest leaving your box braids in.” Box braids can last from 4 to 6 weeks.
Long-lasting Hold: Hair mousse for braid is the perfect finishing touch to all your protective hairstyles because it holds and seals your braids in place and makes them long last hold. It locks in moisture and helps you keep your hairstyle longer.
Here is what you need to know… Zeichner says that it is actually “o*k” to braid your hair when wet but to remember it is in a fragile state. “If you are braiding wet hair, make sure not to pull the hair too much or to braid the hair too tightly as it can lead to breakage,” he says.
Ponytails and braids -- "Ponytails and braids can cause hair to break, especially if your style is pulled tightly," Mirmirani says. "If you wear it that way every day, permanent hair damage can occur." Braiding or putting your hair in a ponytail when it's wet can cause damage sooner because wet hair is more fragile.
How Long Do African Hair Braiding Styles Last? African hair braiding styles are meant to last a while. You can usually get at least four to six weeks of wear out of them, depending on how you prep your hair beforehand and how you maintain your braids after install.
While it is a protective style, it's not a good idea to wear it for too long, especially if you don't want to go bald. For the sake of your scalp's health and hygiene matters, don't have your braids on for more than eight weeks — six weeks is considered the ideal period.
How long do knotless braids take?
"It usually takes about anywhere between five to nine hours depending on the size, the length, and the thickness of your hair also," she said. Though there is a time commitment, a finished knotless style can last anywhere from four to six weeks.
A common question we get is "can I wash my hair while wearing box braids or knotless braids" and the answer is YES!
To keep your hair healthy, Harris says you should wash your braids every two to three weeks. If you're not washing your hair and scalp, that means all of the buildup of products and dry skin just stays on your scalp, which can lead to flakes and itchiness.
Cornrows are the classiest braided style. This hairstyle is one of the best for hair growth based on three main reasons. It prevents tugging, manipulation and best of all, retains length.
To regularly take care of your hair in your braids, you should oil your scalp 2-3 times a week with moisturizing oils. Also, wash your scalp after strenuous activities such as swimming to ensure there is no dirt and product build-up.
Oludele recommends boiling a pot of hot water, then dipping a towel into it. Using tongs, remove the towel from the pot and let it cool enough so that it's still very warm, but not too hot to touch. Then, lay the towel on top of your braided hair. The hot water will tamp down the frizz and freshen your braids.
On average, box braids tend to last between four to six weeks. Most experts say that although it's fine to leave your braids in for one month, you don't want to keep them in any longer than two months.
Back-to-back box braids? Girl, let your hair breathe. "Every two to three months you should break from your protective hairstyle," the stylist shares.
According to Gemma, gradually adding hair to the braid means “knotless braids are an overall safer option, because the method creates less tension and pulling on the roots, so there's less chance of traction alopecia and follicle damage.”
"The pros of knotless braids include hair growth, styling flexibility, and they are weightless and pain-free," says Pearl Ransome, a professional master braider and the CEO of Pearl The Stylist Studio.
What hairstyle grows hair faster?
Protective hairstyles like flat twists, cornrows, and box braids can help promote hair growth and prevent breakage.
Breakaway From Braids
For starters, don't keep your braids in for longer than two months. There is so much build-up and dirt that can do damage to your scalp. A break from braids is also necessary due to the constant pulling on your edges that can lead to breakage and scalp irritation.
Braids. If you need to sleep on wet hair, at least do so with a few braids. Braiding wet hair can help to keep your strands protected and when you wake up, you'll have gorgeous loose waves. Allow your hair to slightly dry before you start brushing and braiding it.
Braid your hair before going to sleep. This old trick works every time and is one of the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping. It not only protects your hair – stopping it from tangling and breaking – but also gives you gorgeous beachy waves the next day and cuts down on frizz.
Don't overdue the style
A protective style install is not meant to be worn for a lifetime – just enough time to give your hair a break. While you can wear some protective styles, including knotless braids, up to 8 weeks, we recommend 4-6 weeks of wear to avoid any long-term damage to your hair underneath.
Knotless braids are more expensive because you pay for a more intricate technique on top of the stylist's time. Knotless braids will take longer to install than knot braids.
The price can average anywhere from $160 to more than $600—longer braids with less thickness are at the higher end of the price range. For example, at Oludele's Brooklyn salon, knotless box braids installation starts at $250. If that number looks steep to you, trust us, it's worth it.
The general rule of thumb when it comes to tipping your hair stylist is 20%, regardless of the service they are providing you with.
You may wonder, “How long can I keep the protective style in?” The answer will change depending on which stylist you ask. Some will say 4 weeks while others will say 12. The standard is typically 6 to 8. Keep in mind that the longer you leave your protective style in for, the more build-up you'll have.
Braids may be fuss free, but without TLC your #neatbraids can start to unravel or loosen very quickly. Although as a rule of thumb, braids should never be kept in for more than 6-8 weeks, right now, we'd understand if you were looking for a way to extend their lifespan.
How often should I put mousse on my braids?
Mousse contain alcohol and other drying agents that may cause your hair to dry out. With that being said, though you can use it everyday, its best to only use when need and take note in any changes in your hair.
As with any wash day routine, conditioning is paramount. Not only does it keep your scalp nice and hydrated, but it also leaves your braids smelling good. Just as you applied your shampoo, you want to massage the conditioner directly onto the braids, from top to bottom and rinse to finish.
Hairsprays keep your braided strands nourished and shiny. The right hairspray keeps your braids free from pollutants and frizz as well.
AllDay Locks️ Braid Foam is the perfect finishing touch to all your protective hairstyles, as it sets and seals your braids. It locks in moisture and helps you keep your styles for longer, all while adding a lustrous sheen.
Mythbusting: Braids & Hair Growth
But unfortunately, braiding hair does not speed up growth rate. Your hair grows at a rate determined by genetics, while lifestyle factors like your diet and stress levels can cause thinning and breakage. But the way you wear your hair is not a factor in your hair growth rate.
“For example, I normally recommend letting your hair breathe for at least three to seven days post-sew-in or braids before getting extensions reinstalled.” For natural styles, however, she thinks that taking a one- or two-day break is a good idea.
"Protective styles should only be worn for a maximum of eight weeks" she told BuzzFeed. "This applies to box braids, crochet braids, cornrows, and any other style where the hair is sewn down or kept in a locked position on your scalp.
Cornrows are the classiest braided style. This hairstyle is one of the best for hair growth based on three main reasons. It prevents tugging, manipulation and best of all, retains length.
Give your hair a break. As much wearing braids is a great protective style, it's really important to have a break between braided styles. Personally, I normally do 6 weeks on and never re-install braids when the next month after to ensure I'm giving my hair time to breathe.
A protective style install is not meant to be worn for a lifetime – just enough time to give your hair a break. While you can wear some protective styles, including knotless braids, up to 8 weeks, we recommend 4-6 weeks of wear to avoid any long-term damage to your hair underneath.
Can you shower with braids?
Simply stand in the shower and let the water run down and rinse out as much shampoo as possible without using your fingers to coax it out. If you want to get rid of any lingering odor then you can add a bit more shampoo, starting at the root of the braid and letting it slide down before rinsing clean.
