Can You Get Box Braids Wet?

wet braids
Box Braids Wet

If you have natural hair, box braids are a great way to keep it secure while you go about your day. Box braids can keep your hair hydrated and detangled for weeks, but can you wash your box braids?

Can You Get Box Braids Wet?

The water won’t ruin your box braids. But you need to take some precautions to protect the style. However, you need to have a firm grasp on the genre’s foundational principles before proceeding.

The box braid is a practical hairstyle because it provides a secure barrier for your hair. As long as you keep up with their maintenance, they will resist frizzing when wet. When you wear your hair in box braids, you don’t have to worry about damaging your style when you go swimming, working out, or washing your hair.

Box braids reduce the frequency with which wet hair must be combed or brushed, another measure that can help protect it from damage.

There are a few things to remember to keep your box braids in good shape. Find out what happens to your box braids when you get them wet and how to keep them in good condition with this helpful guide.

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What Happens When You Get Your Box Braids Wet?

Box braids can become frizzy if the hair gets wet. When kept damp for extended periods of time, they may begin to loosen.

Hair that is prone to getting wet should be kept up in a bun or clipped back. Maintaining your hairstyle and shielding it from water damage in the shower or pool is made easier with this. When that happens, follow these instructions.

Squeeze Out the Excess Water

Your box braids should never be allowed to dry out. It may take more than 24 hours for your braids to dry, depending on their length. To hasten the process, you can use your hands to squeeze out the excess water. A dry cotton towel will also do the trick for absorbing the dampness. To top it all off, it will keep your hair safe until the next wash.

Wash Your Hair Gently

As soon as possible after entering a pool or other body of water known to contain chlorine, you should wash your hair. Hair can become dry and brittle when exposed to chlorine. Use a sulfate-free, gentle shampoo to keep that from happening.

A clarifying shampoo can also be used to get rid of product and mineral buildup.

Be very careful not to undo your braids. shampoo should be diluted with water before applying it to the hair, not the other way around.

Read Next: Does Chlorine Damage Your Hair?

Apply a Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner

Put a leave-in conditioner in your hair after you wash it to keep it soft and supple. Your hair will stay hydrated and smoother as a result. You can make your leave-in conditioner even more hydrating by adding a few drops of a hydrating oil to it. Your scalp will remain nourished and hydrated with its help.

Let Your Hair Air Dry

Once you’ve squeezed out all the excess water from your hair, do the following:

  • Wait for it to dry naturally. When possible, let your hair dry naturally before securing it in a bun or clip.
  • The process can be sped up by using a diffuser with a low heat setting if time is of the essence.
  • In order to keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle, you should avoid using heat tools too frequently.

How to Maintain Your Box Braids

Once you’ve seen the results of submerging your box braids in water, you can move on to learning how to care for them. If you take good care of your braids, they will last longer and continue to look good for longer.

Sleep With a Silk Scarf or Bonnet

Wearing a silk scarf or bonnet to bed can keep your box braids from frizzing up while you sleep. Your hair will stay sleek and tangle-free with its help. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase is the primary cause of lint and hair accumulation. Silk prevents hair from slipping and sliding due to reduced friction.

Wear Your Hair Up

Hair should be pulled back in a bun or clipped up out of the way when not being worn down. Not only will this keep your hair cleaner and less prone to frizz, but it will also reduce the amount of time you spend fiddling with it. Some people’s normal routine includes frequently touching their hair, which can lead to hair thinning.

Do Not Overwash Your Hair

If cared for properly, box braids can last for over two months. But they can go without being washed every other day. Using these methods once every few weeks will not dry out your hair. In fact, washing your braids too often can cause them to dry out and break.

Keep Your Scalp Healthy

For more than one reason, maintaining a healthy scalp is crucial. To start, it keeps dandruff from accumulating in your braids and making them unmanageable. Second, if your scalp is healthy, your hair follicles will be, too, and you’ll have a better chance of maintaining a full head of healthy hair.

A healthy diet and plenty of water are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp. A scalp massager is an effective tool for increasing circulation to the head.

Read Next: How to Fix Braids That Became Frizzy

Use the Right Products

Your box braids can still look great without a ton of extra products. Excessive product use is counterproductive. If you really want to keep your hair hydrated, just use a leave-in conditioner and maybe a light oil. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil are the best oils for a healthy scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nat Thanapohn/Shutterstock

Keep reading for answers to some common questions about how to keep your box braids looking good after getting them wet.

How do you shower with box braids?

It is possible to keep water out of your box braids while you take a shower by using a shower cap. You can use this method to avoid having your braids become frizzy due to moisture. Another option is to pin them down and keep your head above water as much as possible.

Can box braids turn into dreads?

The hair in box braids will not naturally twist into dreads. But if you don’t give them the attention they need or keep them in for too long, they can get matted and tangled. It can cause your hair to look like dreadlocks.

Do bigger or smaller box braids last longer?

The durability of box braid is independent of braid diameter. Maintenance and care will extend their useful life.

Do box braids help your hair grow?

Box braids have been credited by some with promoting hair growth, while others have said they made no difference. Truth be told, box braids won’t make your hair grow overnight. Their only purpose is to shield the hair from the elements and excess styling products.

Why do my braids itch so much?

When you first get box braids, you might experience some itching. The new hair growth presses against the scalp and causes the hair to pull tight, causing this condition. After a few days of wearing the new cut, most people report that the itching has subsided.

So, Can You Get Box Braids Wet?

Yes, box braids can get wet, but it’s best to avoid doing so if at all possible. Squeeze out any excess water and let them dry naturally if they get wet.

In addition, you should stay away from damaging heat styling tools and harsh chemicals. With the right care, your box braids can last for weeks. Scuba diving is fun!

SOURCES:

Nia Soule Salon

https://www.niasoulesalon.com/price-list

Byrdie. The Fascinating History of Braids You Never Knew About. 

https://www.byrdie.com/history-of-braids

Amplify Africa. The Rich History of Braids. 

https://www.amplifyafrica.org/post/the-rich-history-of-braids

Paforfashion: Knotless Braids 2023: 18 New Looks:

https://paforfashion.com/knotless-braids-18-new-looks-for-2023

Fulani Braids. https://ebena.net/style/tribal-fulani-braids/6685

Ghana Braids. https://ebena.net/style/ghana-braids/914

Box Braids. https://ebena.net/style/box-braids/43

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