(Picture by @iamangejose on Instagram)

There’s nothing quite like the fresh feeling of newly done braids. Whether you’re rocking box braids, knotless braids, cornrows or goddess braids, they all slay. But let’s be real, getting your hair braided takes time, patience and coins. So it’s only right that you want them to last as long as possible.

We love to keep our braids neat and fresh for weeks, and I'm sure you do too. That’s why we’ve pulled together some top expert advice to help you get the most out of your braided style. Whether you’ve been getting braids for a long time or trying them for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about how to make braids last longer.

What Braids Last the Longest?

Before we get into maintenance, let’s talk about braid styles. Some types naturally last longer than others, especially when installed and maintained properly.

1. Box Braids
Box braids are a timeless go-to and can last anywhere from four to eight weeks. They’re super versatile and great for keeping your hair protected without needing daily manipulation. However, due to the knot at the start of the braid, they do look less natural as they grow out and cause more tension on the scalp.

2. Knotless Braids
Knotless braids also last around four to eight weeks. They are gentler on your scalp and tend to cause less tension. They also lay flatter so they grow out more seamlessly, which means they often look neater for longer.

3. Cornrows
Cornrows can last around two to four weeks, depending on the style and how well you care for them. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a sleek, low-maintenance look.

In general smaller-sized braids last longer since there's less tension on the scalp, causing less breakage and frizz. However, all braid styles should be taken out in time to avoid excessive breakage and hair loss. You should ideally remove your braids between 4-6 weeks. For more information check out our post on "How long can I keep my braids in for?".

5 Expert Tips to Make Your Braids Last Longer

Regardless of your braid style, maintenance is key to keeping your braids looking fresh and neat. Here are five tried and true tips to make your braids last longer.

1. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep

I know at the end of the day you may have the urge to just jump into bed but one of the biggest tips that help extend the life of your braids is protecting them at night. Nighttime is prime time for frizz and breakage if you’re not protecting your hair properly. The friction from your cotton pillowcase can cause frizz and moisture loss. To prevent this, always wrap your braids with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet. You can also swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk pillowcase for extra precaution in case your scarf or bonnet slips off easily. This quick extra step at bedtime can make a huge difference in how long your braids last.

2. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Moisturised

There is a common misconception that you don't need to wash your hair when in braids, which a absolutely false. Don’t forget about your scalp just because your hair is braided and tucked away. Dirt, sweat and product build-up can cause itching and flakiness which is unhealthy for your natural hair and makes your braids look bad. Dilute shampoo in a spray bottle with water and gently clean your scalp as frequently as necessary. For a detailed step-by-step guide, check out our post on "How to wash braids".

3. Keep Your Scalp and Hair Moisturised

A well-hydrated scalp is just as important for your braids to look good as it is for your natural hair. If your scalp is dry, itchy and flaky it will impact the look of your braids. To prevent this hydrate your scalp with a lightweight oil.

Now, you can't forget about your hair since they are tucked away into your braids. It's just as important to keep your hair moisturised too. Dry hair is one of the worst things you can do for your natural hair. Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturised without causing build-up.

4. Touch Up Your Hairline

You may not believe it but touching up your hairline can make all the difference with how fresh your braids look. If you feel like your braids need a redo don't worry, instead of doing your whole head again, just redo the first 2 rows by your hairline. You'll be surprised how it can automatically freshen up your style.

5. Don't Overuse Edge Control

As your style grows out, the hair by your forehead will get looser so it can be tempting to lay them down with edge control. But remember overusing it can cause buildup and buildup makes your hair look bad and means more frequent washing.

Braids are a beautiful way to express yourself and protect your natural hair. With a little TLC, the right maintenance and a few expert tips, you can keep them looking fresh for longer and truly get your money’s worth.