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How to Wash African Rope Braids

November 19, 2023 by admin Category: How To

You are viewing the article How to Wash African Rope Braids  at Tnhelearning.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.

African rope braids, also known as Senegalese twists or box braids, are a popular protective style that not only looks beautiful but also promotes hair growth and minimizes hair manipulation. While these braids can last for several weeks, it’s essential to keep them clean and maintain a healthy scalp to avoid any potential issues like dandruff or product buildup. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of washing African rope braids, along with tips on the best products to use and how to maintain the hairstyle’s longevity. Whether you are a beginner or experienced with these braids, this guide will serve as a comprehensive resource to ensure that your hair remains healthy, refreshed, and stylish.

X

This article was co-written by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a cosmetologist, author, owner, and founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of experience, she is very dedicated and specializes in providing high-class cosmetic services for all hair and skin types. Her work includes hair treatments, haircuts, hair coloring, styling, hair extensions and makeup. Shun has experience working, coaching and consulting with estheticians from many companies such as L’Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair and Toni & Guy. She is also a presenter for national and local media, her work has been featured on The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network and WJLA Beauty & Fashion column Good Morning Washington. Shun is the author of “50 Things Hairdressers Want YOU to Know (And What We Don’t…)”.

There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 6,775 times.

The African rope braid is a hairstyle that has existed since ancient times, which is very popular in Africa and the Caribbean. To make this hairstyle, people divide the hair into sections and tie them into braids like long ropes. The rope hairstyle is often wrongly known as dirty and sloppy, but it is actually quite easy to clean, as long as you take the time to wash and care for it regularly. You can wash it with a conditioner specially formulated for braided hair, homemade mild blends, or regular shampoo.

Table of Contents

  • Steps
    • Wash with shampoo
    • Wash with water, baking soda, vinegar
    • Keep your hair and scalp healthy
  • Advice
  • Warning

Steps

Wash with shampoo

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 1

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 1

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Wet the braids. Start by sprinkling light water on the braids under the shower. You don’t have to saturate your hair, because the more water the braids soak up, the harder it will be for the shampoo to penetrate. For best results, use warm (not too hot) water.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 2

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 2

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Rub the shampoo little by little. Squeeze a small amount of shampoo into the palm of your hand. It’s easier to shampoo little by little, as you can control how much shampoo gets into the braids – you can add more if needed. If using a cake shampoo, rub it into your hands first to lather up. [1] X Research Source

  • Always use a shampoo that leaves no residue of any kind. You shouldn’t condition your braided hair with gels, waxes, and other additives, and shampoos with residue will only cause more residue to build up instead of washing it off.
  • Look for natural, organic shampoos that are free of softening and styling chemicals.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 3

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 3

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Rub shampoo into scalp to lather up. Apply both hands to the scalp and massage the shampoo into the gaps between the braids. Scrub your scalp thoroughly with your fingertips to remove dead skin and remove sebum. [2] X Research Source

  • Don’t forget to clean and take care of the roots. The roots are where the braids attach to the scalp, so they need to be strong and strong.
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Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 4

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 4

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Let the shampoo run through the braids. Leave the shampoo on your head for 1-2 minutes, then lower your head to let the soapy lather run through the braids. Gently massage the shampoo into the hair. Make sure there’s no leftover shampoo when you’re done washing. [3] X Research Sources

  • If you want, you can dab a little more shampoo into each braid. Do not use too much shampoo, or you will have to spend more time rinsing and making your hair frizzy.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 5

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 5

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Dry your hair thoroughly. After getting out of the shower, you need to let the braids dry completely. Use a towel to squeeze each braid to let the water out. Air dry your hair, or use a hair dryer on low heat to dry your hair quickly and make sure it is no longer damp. The braids can be messy, smelly, and even moldy if they’re too wet. [4] X Research Sources

  • Moisture trapped in braids for too long will cause mold.
  • During the rope braiding time, you may need to use a hair dryer more often after washing to make sure the hair inside is completely dry. [5] X Research Sources

Wash with water, baking soda, vinegar

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 6

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 6

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DO NOT mix baking soda with vinegar. Baking soda is an alkali, and vinegar is an acid, so when these two ingredients are mixed together, they will create a chemical reaction that will significantly invalidate both of them.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 7

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 7

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Dissolve ¾ cup of baking soda with about 10 cm of warm water in a basin or sink. This solution is completely harmless to the hair and scalp.

  • If you prefer to use essential oils, you can add essential oils to the solution at this step. A spoonful of lemon juice will help deodorize and prevent fungus.
  • You should only use this method to wash your braids every 2 weeks, as baking soda can make your hair gradually dry and brittle. To wash more often, you should use a shampoo that leaves no residue.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 8

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 8

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Soak the braids for 5-10 minutes. Dip your hair in the baking soda solution all the way to the roots. Soak the braids for 10 minutes or so if you need a deep clean. Once the hair is soaked with the solution, the baking soda in it will clean away dirt, oil and other residues that have accumulated in the hair. [6] X Research Sources

  • If you don’t have time or space to soak your braids, you can make a solution and pour it straight over your head for a quick clean. [7] X Research Sources
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 9

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 9

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Rinse off with cool water. Remove the hair from the baking soda solution and squeeze out the excess water. Turn on the faucet or shower to flush out any residue in the baking soda solution or impurities. Rinse the braids until the water is clear. Remember to let the water run directly onto the scalp. [8] X Research Sources

  • Sand, oil or dead skin and other debris can be seen through the watercolor. You might be surprised at how clean your braids are!
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 10

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 10

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Have a bottle of a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar ready, enough to splash all over the scalp and down the braids. Pour this solution over the braids after rinsing out the baking soda solution. This step will help neutralize the residual baking soda, balance the pH of the scalp and smooth out the loose hairs. You can leave the vinegar solution on your hair (the vinegar smell will go away after the hair dries) or rinse it with water.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 11

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 11

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Use a towel or air-dry your hair. If you are in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer to dry the ends and ends of the braids, leaving the roots to dry naturally. If you want to wear a hat or scarf, you have to wait for the braids to dry completely; otherwise, moisture in the braids will be trapped without escaping.

  • Squeeze out as much water in the braids as possible before blowing or using other methods of drying.
  • Wrapping your hair in a dry towel can help draw out the water faster. [9] X Research Source
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Keep your hair and scalp healthy

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 12

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 12

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Wash your braids regularly. Contrary to popular belief, rope braids need to be washed as often as other hairstyles. You should try to wash with shampoo every 3-4 days when you first braid your hair. Once the braids are in place, you can wash them once a week or more often, depending on your hair type and the amount of oil secreted from your scalp. [10] X Research Source

  • People with rope braids usually wash their hair at least once a week. You may need to wash your hair more often if you have particularly oily hair, exercise often, work outdoors, or get dirty or sweat a lot. [11] X Research Source
  • You can still shower regularly without washing your hair, but make sure you don’t get soap on the braids.
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 13

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 13

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Scalp care. The scalp bears the weight of the braids as they get heavier and stretched. In addition to taking care of the braids, it is also important to keep the scalp clean and moisturized. Every time you clean your braids, spend a few minutes massaging your scalp vigorously with your fingertips. This step will help stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the hair follicles, so you won’t have to worry about brittle or falling hair. [12] X Research Source

  • Itching and discomfort can be a sign that the scalp or hair roots are not healthy.
  • When the hair grows out, apply wax and twist the growing hair close to the scalp. [13] X Research Source
Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 14

Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 14

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Use essential oils to help keep the braids fresh. Use a few drops of tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary essential oils with your shampoo, or use the oils alone. Essential oils help moisturize, reduce itching on the scalp and bring a pleasant fragrance to the hair. Essential oils are more beneficial than perfumes, lotions, and other scented products because it doesn’t harm braids or leave residue. [14] X Research Source

  • With just a little essential oil, you can repel the “dirty hair” smell that naturally accumulates in thick braids.
  • Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 15

    Image titled Clean Dreadlocks Step 15

    {“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4d/Clean-Dreadlocks-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-Dreadlocks-Step-15.jpg”,” bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4d/Clean-Dreadlocks-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-Dreadlocks-Step-15.jpg”,”smallWidth” :460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
    Avoid using conditioners and similar products. Conditioner has a softening and detangling effect that you probably wouldn’t want with rope braids. In general, there is no reason to use conditioner for braids. You should also be careful with any products that contain oils, waxes, or anti-tangle agents. These products, if used regularly, can damage the structure of the braid and make it more difficult to maintain. [15] X Research Source

    • A non-residue shampoo, aloe vera gel, and a styling sea salt spray (if desired) are all you need to keep your braids clean and beautiful. With very dry scalp or braids, a very thin layer of coconut oil will help moisturize the hair without the need for conditioner.
  • Advice

    • Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair is actually good for braids. Not only cleaning the hair, washing with shampoo also removes oil from the hair, making the braids even tighter.
    • Look for cleaning and styling products specifically made for rope braids.
    • Protect the braids by sleeping with a hat or switching to silk or satin pillowcases.
    • If you find it takes a long time to wash your braids, you can buy a shampoo cap. This type of cap is designed to apply shampoo to the braids for an even and easier absorption.
    • You can wash your braids a few times a week, but don’t wash them too often. The chemicals in the shampoo along with the rubbing action will cause the braid to loosen.
    • Roll the braids between your palms (use a little wax if desired) for smoother, tighter hair. Twist the braids clockwise at the roots to tighten near the scalp.
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    Warning

    • If not dried, braids can develop mold and stink.
    • Too much residue that accumulates on the outside and inside of the braids will be difficult to remove. You should always test hair products to make sure they leave no residue before using them.
    • In the past, it was thought that washing hair was bad for braids. This is very wrong. There are many reasons to wash your braids. Messy and stinky braids are inherently unattractive, moreover they are harmful to the scalp. If you don’t wash your braids regularly, you can experience itchy, burning scalp and lead to hair loss.
    • Mild chemical reactions can occur when vinegar is mixed with baking soda. Dilute the vinegar with water before adding the baking soda. If a reaction occurs, wait for it to settle down before using the braid shampoo.
    X

    This article was co-written by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a cosmetologist, author, owner, and founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of experience, she is very dedicated and specializes in providing high-class cosmetic services for all hair and skin types. Her work includes hair treatments, haircuts, hair coloring, styling, hair extensions and makeup. Shun has experience working, coaching and consulting with estheticians from many companies such as L’Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair and Toni & Guy. She is also a presenter for national and local media, her work has been featured on The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network and WJLA Beauty & Fashion column Good Morning Washington. Shun is the author of “50 Things Hairdressers Want YOU to Know (And What We Don’t…)”.

    There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

    This article has been viewed 6,775 times.

    The African rope braid is a hairstyle that has existed since ancient times, which is very popular in Africa and the Caribbean. To make this hairstyle, people divide the hair into sections and tie them into braids like long ropes. The rope hairstyle is often wrongly known as dirty and sloppy, but it is actually quite easy to clean, as long as you take the time to wash and care for it regularly. You can wash it with a conditioner specially formulated for braided hair, homemade mild blends, or regular shampoo.

    In conclusion, washing African rope braids requires a gentle and careful approach. It is important to keep the braids moisturized, cleanse them regularly, and avoid excessive manipulation that can lead to frizzing or breakage. Using a sulfate-free shampoo and a light conditioner will help maintain the health and shine of the braids. The process of washing African rope braids also involves drying them thoroughly to prevent mildew and odor. Following the proper steps outlined in this guide will ensure that your African rope braids stay clean, fresh, and beautiful for an extended period of time.

    Thank you for reading this post How to Wash African Rope Braids at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.

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