You may be wondering 'How do I care for my hair after taking out my braids?'. We all love getting braids, but the process of looking after our hair once they’re removed can feel daunting. However, giving your hair the right TLC is essential to keeping it healthy after wearing a protective style.

If you're unsure how to care for your hair after removing braids, here are five essential steps to follow.

5 Steps To Take After Removing Your Braids

1. Finger detangle

The first step is to gently detangle your hair using your fingers. Apply a product with slip, such as a leave-in conditioner or a mix of water and conditioner, and then work through the tangles. Resist the urge to use a comb, as it can be much harsher on your hair.

Finger detangling is preferable to using a comb for several reasons:

• It creates less tension and reduces breakage.
• Less breakage helps retain the length of your hair.
• It allows you to identify knots and tangles more easily.
• The warmth and friction from your fingers help distribute the product effectively down your strands.

2. Shampoo your scalp

After having a protective style in for weeks it is inevitable to have product build-up and excess oil you'll need to clean. Use a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your scalp. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips in circular motions, then work it down the lengths of your hair.

3. Deep condition your hair

A deep conditioner is essential for restoring moisture and hydration. Work your favourite deep conditioner through your hair, starting from the ends and moving up to the scalp. For an extra boost, apply heat by wrapping your hair in a heated towel or sitting under a steamer to help the moisture penetrate more effectively.

If your hair still feels dry, follow up with a hair mask for additional hydration.

4. Trim your hair

It is likely that you may be ready for a trim after keeping your protective style in for several weeks if you didn't do so before getting your hair done. Although it may seem counterproductive, trimming your hair regularly is essential for healthy hair growth.

5. Give your hair some rest

It may be tempting to reinstall another protective style immediately, but it's important to let your hair breathe. Allow your hair to rest for at least one to two weeks and focus on nourishing your natural hair during this time.

If you want a professional to remove your braids check out our protective style removal services here. For more Black hairstyle tips, inspiration, and how to's on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials.