How to wash hair with braids and cornrows
Wondering how to wash knotless braids or how to wash box braids or cornrows? With these styles, it’s important to focus on the scalp. Cleaning your hair parts and hairline should keep things fresh until you take the braids out. A scalp tonic or pre-rinse – homemade or store-bought – which contains witch hazel or apple cider vinegar will help to break down build-up as well as calm any itching.
If you’re making apple cider vinegar yourself, add one part to three parts water to a spray bottle. For witch hazel, several drops in a full bottle of water will be enough. Then, spray your scalp as close to the root as possible, allowing the pre-rise/ tonic to help remove any flakes, build-up or residue.
For times when you need a quick scalp refresh, Dove Care Between Washes Go Active Dry Shampoo Wipes help to remove build-up to keep your scalp looking and feeling fresh.
When to wash your braids
It is important to keep your braids and scalp looking clean and moisturized – we recommend washing every 2-3 weeks. To start, rinse your braids with lukewarm water, making sure the flow of water is gentle and you thoroughly saturate all the strands. Start with Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo at the roots and lather down to the ends, rinse well and then moisturize with Dove Amplified Textures Super Slip Detangling Conditioner. Use a microfiber towel or T-shirt to pulse the excess water out of your hair. Spritz on a conditioning mist for hydration, like Dove Hair 7-in-1 Miracle Mist, before allowing your braids to dry.
If you’re able to let hair air dry with a headscarf over the hairline and scalp this will set your hair in a neater shape and stop your natural hair from frizzing up. If you find that your braids or cornrows are taking longer to dry than expected, use a diffuser blow-dryer on the lowest heat to help the drying process along.
