Braids are a popular protective hairstyle that can last for weeks, but they can also cause dryness and damage to your natural hair.
To keep your braids looking fresh and healthy, it’s important to use the right products. One oil that has gained popularity in recent years is argan oil.
But is argan oil good for braids?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of argan oil for braids and how it can help keep your hair hydrated, soft, and protected.
Whether you’re a braid enthusiast or just looking to try out this trendy hairstyle, read on to learn more about the benefits of argan oil for braids.
Is Argan Oil Good For Braids?
Argan oil is a versatile oil that has been used for centuries for its nourishing and hydrating properties. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve the health of your hair.
When it comes to braids, argan oil can be a great addition to your hair care routine. Braids are often done using synthetic hair, which can cause dryness and damage to your natural hair. Argan oil can help combat this by providing hydration and nourishment to your hair.
One of the key benefits of argan oil for braids is that it helps increase hair elasticity. This is important because braids can put tension on your hair, which can lead to breakage and damage. By using argan oil, you can help keep your hair strong and healthy, even when it’s in a protective style like braids.
Argan oil can also help prevent breakage by neutralizing hair damage from free radicals and other elements. This is important because our hair is exposed to a lot of damage from everyday pollution, chemical treatments, and hot tools. By using argan oil regularly, you can help protect your hair from this damage and prevent splitting and breakage.
Another benefit of argan oil for braids is that it helps promote shine and smoothness. This is important because braids can sometimes look dull or lifeless after a few weeks. By using argan oil, you can help bring back the shine and definition to your braids, making them look fresh and new again.
What Is Argan Oil And How Does It Work?
Argan oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acid, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. These components work together to provide numerous benefits to your hair.
The fatty acids in argan oil help to hydrate and soften your hair, preventing water loss and improving its overall texture. The antioxidants in argan oil neutralize free radicals, protecting your hair follicles and scalp from damage. This helps to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Argan oil also helps to increase hair elasticity, which is important for braids as they can put tension on your hair. By improving elasticity, argan oil helps to prevent breakage and damage to your hair, keeping it strong and healthy.
In addition, argan oil promotes shine, smoothness, and definition. This is important for braids because they can sometimes look dull or lifeless after a few weeks. By using argan oil regularly, you can help bring back the shine and definition to your braids, making them look fresh and new again.
How To Use Argan Oil On Braids
Using argan oil on braids is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Before installing your braids, it’s important to use a good hydrating shampoo and conditioner to prepare your hair. You can also use a burnishing (polishing) hair serum like Moroccan Oil to provide hydration and nourishment to your hair.
After installing your braids, misting your hair with a spray leave-in conditioner is an effective way to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. You can also apply a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil, along the length of your braids (not scalp) following the conditioner.
To use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner, apply it to freshly washed, towel-dried hair by placing a few drops on your palms and rubbing them together. Then finger comb the oil through your hair to distribute it evenly, concentrating on the ends for extra protection. Let it soak in and then style your hair like you normally would.
If you want to use pure argan oil as a hair treatment for your braids, you can apply it directly to the ends of your hair if you have split ends or issues with tangling. Simply add a few drops to the palm of your hands and gently smooth through your hair.
For a more intensive treatment, you can use argan oil as a mask. There are several different masks available, but most require leaving the mask in your hair for a few hours. You can also make your own mask by applying pure argan oil to your hair before showering (ideally at least an hour) and wrapping it up in a towel. Then shampoo and wash as normal.
Other Tips For Maintaining Healthy Braids
In addition to using argan oil, there are other tips you can follow to maintain healthy braids. One of the most important things is to make sure your braids are not too tight. Tight braids can cause excessive breakage and damage to your hair follicles. You should not feel any pulling or tugging once the braids are in.
Another tip is to wrap your braids up every night using a silk scarf or bonnet. This will help keep frizz at bay and prevent your braids from getting tangled while you sleep. You can also use a light oil a few times per week to keep your hair hydrated, but be careful not to use heavy oils that can clog your hair follicles.
Using a hydrating spray or leave-in conditioner can also help lock in moisture and keep your hair feeling supple. Avoid tight braids around the hairline, as this can cause excessive breakage and pull of the hair from the hair follicle. If you notice tiny white bulbs at the base of the hair strand and/or bumps on the scalp, this may be a sign of excessive breakage.
Before getting box braids, it’s important to use a good hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This is especially important if synthetic hair will be used, as it can dry out your natural hair while braided. You can also use a burnishing (polishing) hair serum such as Moroccan Oil to provide hydration and nourishment for your hair prior to braiding.
After installing box braids, misting your hair with a spray leave-in conditioner is an easy way to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. You can also use a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil, to run along your braids (not scalp) following the conditioner. Finally, spritzing your scalp with a mixture of witch hazel, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and distilled water can help reduce flakes and soothe your scalp without risking frizz.
