How To Keep Your Braids Fresh And Fierce - Essence

Skip to content By Jennifer Ford · Updated October 26, 2020 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… 01 Drybar Slumber Party Silk Pillow Case

No matter the hairstyle, a silk pillowcase is always preferred to reduce friction and keep your hair from drying and breaking. $45, nordstrom.com

02 Vernon Francois Braids & Locs Spray

Use this cruelty-free spray to lock in moisture at the root of every braid or twist. $30, net-a-porter.com

03 Girl + Hair Restoring Balm

This entire line was created specifically for under hair care. Use daily to keep your scalp hydrated. $20, girlandhair.com

04 SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and & Grow Loc & Braid Butter

Dry and brittle hair is more susceptible to frizz and breakage. Before installing your protective style, apply a conditioning moisturizer to your hair to keep strands soft and manageable. $11, target.com

05 Let’s JAM Extra Hold Shining and Contioning Gel

Prep your protective style for long wear by applying this styling gel with extra firm hold to your roots. It’ll keep your braids from sliding out. This formula is non greasy, alcohol free, and doesn’t cause flaking. $4, sallybeauty.com

06 Edge Control

No matter the outcome of tonight’s election, edges are likely to be snatched and sweated out. Proceed accordingly.

07 Isoplus Oil Sheen Hairspray

For days when your protective style is lacking luster, revive and add shine with this oil sheen. $5, sallybeauty.com

08 Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Calming Tension Spray

Let’s be honest. We’ve all experienced tension from the installation of our protective styles. Spray your strands with this calming tension spray to soothe your scalp, prevent breakage and keep itchiness at bay. $12, target.com

09 Shu Uemura Art of Hair Touch of Gloss Brilliant Melt-In Hair Wax

Lay down fuzzy hairs after you leave the gym with this non-sticky holding balm. Rub a dime sized portion into your palms and smooth down braids from root to end as needed. $39, barneys.com

10 Salon Pro Anti-Itch Serum

Protective styles leave your scalp more prone to dryness, causing dandruff. Apply this serum to your scalp to instantly relieve dryness and nourish your scalp. $4, sallybeauty.com

11 OGX Quenched Sea Moisture Shimmering

Long braids and twists can become matted at the ends when worn for longer periods of time. Keep your strands from looking mop-like by keeping them nourished with this hydrating sea mineral moisturizer. $8, target.com

12 Cantu Tea Tree and Jojoba Hair and Scalp Oil

To keep your new growth from breaking, moisturize your scalp with this hair oil, that seals in moisture. $6, target.com

13 Biotera Invisible Dry Shampoo

Alleviate stale and offensive odors with a refreshing dry shampoo that won’t leave behind any white residue. $8, sallybeauty.com

14 Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner

Keep your protective style soft to touch with this moisturizing leave-in conditioner that can be used for daily use without weighing your hair down. $9, target.com

15 Titan Loc Cap

Wear this protective bonnet while you sleep to prevent your braids or twists from matting. $6, sallybeauty.com

TOPICS: Conditioners Shampoo Twists