LEARN WITH DR. TIKI

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BRAIDS

Braids can make daily styling simpler, but your own hair and scalp still need attention. Keep care gentle, watch for tension and make room for cleansing and nighttime protection.

Comfort Cleanse Care Protect

SEE THE ROUTINE

YOUR ROUTINE REMINDER Care for the hair beneath the style.

PROTECTIVE STYLE CARE

Your braids are the style. Your hair is still the priority.

Build your routine around comfort and care, not just how neat the braids look. Before adding another product or pulling them into an updo, check how your scalp and hairline feel.

YOUR ROUTINE, STEP BY STEP

Six habits to make your own

Use the steps that fit your hair today. Keep care gentle and manageable.

01 TENSION

Check how your braids feel

Braids should not hurt. If they pull at your hairline or cause pain, loosen or remove the style. Do not wait for painful braids to settle.

Speak up about tension during installation too.

02 CLEANSING

Keep scalp cleansing in the routine

Braids do not remove the need to wash. Plan cleansing around buildup, your scalp’s needs and your stylist’s guidance for the installation. Rinse carefully and allow the style to dry thoroughly.

A neat-looking style can still need cleansing.

03 PRODUCT CARE

Be thoughtful about layering

Use products suitable for your hair and style, following their labels. Avoid repeatedly layering products simply to cover buildup or discomfort.

Scalp oil is not a replacement for washing.

04 DAILY STYLING

Keep updos comfortable

Avoid pulling braids into tight ponytails or heavy buns. Let the hairline rest from repeated pulling, especially when styling the same area each day.

Changing the look should not add more tension.

05 NIGHT CARE

Make room for your braids at night

Arrange braids loosely and choose a satin or silk covering that fits comfortably. A smooth pillowcase is another option. Avoid forcing the style into a tight wrap.

Protection should not squeeze your hairline.

06 TAKEDOWN

Plan a gentle finish

Discuss a suitable wear period with your stylist. Do not extend it through pain, matting or heavy buildup. At takedown, work patiently in sections and avoid tugging.

The way you remove a style matters too.

YOUR QUICK ROUTINE CHECK

A moment to check in.

Tick each item once you have considered it. This is a reminder, not a score for your hair.

0 of 5 checked

My routine today My braids are not painful or pulling. I checked my scalp for buildup or irritation. I have a cleansing plan for this style. My daily and nighttime styles feel loose. I have a plan for gentle takedown.

KEEP CARE THOUGHTFUL

Three habits to reconsider

Accepting pain for a neat finish

Loosen or remove a painful style. Appearance is not a reason to keep pulling on your hairline.

Covering buildup with more product

Make cleansing part of your plan instead of adding layer after layer.

Keeping the style at any cost

Discomfort and matting are reasons to reassess the style, even if the braids still look presentable.

A LITTLE MORE GUIDANCE

Questions you may have

Do braids make hair grow faster?

Braids are a styling choice, not a guaranteed growth treatment. The aim is to care for your own hair while wearing them.

What if my scalp stays sore or I notice thinning?

Remove the source of pulling. Persistent soreness, sores or thinning deserve assessment by a dermatologist; adding oil is not a substitute.

MAKE ROOM FOR YOUR ROUTINE

Choose care with a purpose.

Explore TikiEffect hair and scalp care. Read each product’s directions to understand where it fits in your routine.

SHOP TIKIEFFECT BACK TO LEARN WITH DR. TIKI

Further reading: British Association of Dermatologists: Afro-textured hair care . General hair-care education; follow your products’ directions. Persistent scalp irritation or hair loss should be assessed by a dermatologist.