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Home/Hair Care
Expert Tips from the 200 Below Team
HairCare Guide
Caring for your hair after getting a new braid style is essential to keep both your hair and scalp healthy. Follow our professional guide to make your braids last longer and look better.
01
Scalp Clean
02
Moisturize
03
Night Protection
04
Avoid Tension
05
Limit Heat
06
Edge Care
07
Be Gentle
08
Maintenance
09
Stay Hydrated
9 Expert Tips◆
Scalp Health · Moisture · Night Protection · Edge Care◆
Make Your Braids Last Longer◆
From the 200 Below Team◆
Healthy Hair Starts Here◆
9 Expert Tips◆
Scalp Health · Moisture · Night Protection · Edge Care◆
Make Your Braids Last Longer◆
From the 200 Below Team◆
Healthy Hair Starts Here◆
The 9 Essential Tips
Care for Your Braids Like a Pro
These tips come directly from our master braiders — the same advice we give every client who leaves our chair. Follow them and your braids will look fresh for weeks longer.
01
Tip 01
Keep Your Scalp Clean
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp regularly — every 1 to 2 weeks. Apply it using a spray bottle or squeeze bottle to target the scalp without disturbing the braids. Work in sections and rinse thoroughly. A clean scalp prevents product buildup, dandruff, and odour, which are the most common reasons braids get taken down early. Follow up with a lightweight conditioner on your exposed hair ends.
02
Tip 02
Moisturize Daily
Apply a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner to keep your scalp and braids hydrated. Focus on the roots and the ends of the braids. Dry braids are more prone to frizz and breakage. Use jojoba, argan, or tea tree oil for daily scalp maintenance — a few drops go a long way.
03
Tip 03
Protect at Night
Use a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase every night to reduce friction, preserve moisture, and prevent frizz while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and cause breakage over time. This single habit alone can double the lifespan of your braids.
04
Tip 04
Avoid Tension
Be cautious about tight styles and heavy accessories. If you notice discomfort, soreness, or bumps at the roots — especially within the first few days — your braids may be too tight. Apply a warm compress and oil to the scalp, and speak to your stylist. Persistent tension can cause traction alopecia.
05
Tip 05
Limit Heat
Avoid using heat styling tools on braided hair. High heat can melt synthetic extensions, dry out your natural hair underneath, and frizz up the braids. If you need to style or tame flyaways, opt for no-heat methods — a small amount of edge control or a light spritz of water works well.
06
Tip 06
Maintain Your Edges
Apply a light edge control or oil to your edges daily to keep them smooth, moisturised, and protected. Avoid heavy waxes or gels that can clog follicles. Never wrap your edges too tightly — baby hairs are fragile. A soft boar-bristle brush used gently works best.
07
Tip 07
Be Gentle at Takedown
When removing your braids, work slowly and carefully to avoid breakage. Use a detangling spray or conditioner to ease the process. Never rush a takedown — give yourself 2 to 3 hours. Start at the ends and work upward. Deep condition immediately after removal to restore moisture and elasticity.
08
Tip 08
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Depending on your braid style, consider touch-ups or re-braiding every 4 to 8 weeks to keep the style looking fresh. Knotless and small braids typically last 6 to 8 weeks; larger styles may need refreshing sooner. Never keep braids in longer than 8 weeks — the buildup and matting can cause serious damage.
09
Tip 09
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E to support hair health from within. Healthy hair grows from the inside out. Consider a hair supplement if your diet is lacking — but always consult a doctor first.
Week-by-Week
Your Braid Maintenance Timeline
Follow this schedule to keep your braids fresh, your scalp healthy, and your hair in the best condition possible for your next appointment.
Day1–3
Installation Recovery
Your scalp may feel tender or tight — this is normal. Avoid washing or heavy moisturizing for the first 48 hours to let the braids settle. Sleep with a satin bonnet every night from day one. Apply a light scalp oil along your parts if discomfort persists.
Satin BonnetLight Scalp OilNo Washing
Week1
First Wash & Moisture
After 3–5 days, do your first scalp wash using a diluted shampoo in a squeeze bottle. Focus only on the scalp — don't scrub the braids. Rinse thoroughly. Apply a lightweight oil to your scalp and edges. Pat dry gently with a microfibre towel.
Scalp WashOil ScalpEdge OilMicrofibre Dry
Week2–3
Regular Maintenance Routine
Wash your scalp every 7–10 days. Moisturise daily with a light leave-in spray. Sleep in your satin bonnet nightly. If your braids are getting frizzy, lightly spritz with water and smooth down with your palms — no heat needed.
Weekly WashDaily MoistureNightly Bonnet
Week4–6
Midpoint Assessment
Check the condition of your roots and edges — if you notice significant new growth pulling on the braids, consider a touch-up. Continue your washing and moisturising routine. This is a great time to book your next appointment. Your braids are still looking great!
Root CheckBook Touch-UpContinue Routine
Week6–8
Takedown & Restoration
It's time to remove your braids. Take them down slowly and carefully using detangling spray. Deep condition immediately after removal — leave your conditioner on for at least 30 minutes under a shower cap. Allow your hair to rest for at least 1 week before reinstalling. Your scalp will thank you.
Slow TakedownDeep ConditionScalp RestRebook
Quick Reference
Do's & Don'ts
Do These Things
- Sleep in a satin or silk bonnet every single night — this is non-negotiable for braid longevity.
- Moisturize your scalp and edges daily with a lightweight oil. Less is more — a few drops is enough.
- Wash your scalp every 7–10 days with diluted shampoo in a squeeze bottle to avoid buildup.
- Pat hair dry gently with a microfibre towel. Air drying is best — or use the cool setting on a hair dryer.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins to support healthy hair growth.
- Communicate with your stylist if your braids are too tight or causing pain immediately after installation.
- Deep condition after takedown to restore moisture and strengthen your natural hair before the next style.
- Book your next appointment at the 4–6 week mark when braids are still fresh but new growth is beginning.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Never sleep without head protection — cotton pillowcases steal moisture and cause frizz and breakage overnight.
- Don't use heat styling tools on braided hair — they can melt synthetic hair and cause serious damage to your natural hair underneath.
- Avoid heavy butters and thick oils on your scalp — they clog follicles and cause buildup, leading to scalp issues.
- Don't keep braids in longer than 8 weeks — the matting and buildup from prolonged wear causes significant breakage at removal.
- Never rush your takedown — pulling and ripping out braids causes unnecessary breakage. Always use detangler and take your time.
- Don't ignore scalp discomfort — persistent pain, bumps, or irritation at the roots is a sign of too much tension. Address it immediately.
- Avoid over-washing — washing more than once a week disrupts natural scalp oils and can cause your braids to frizz and loosen prematurely.
- Don't reinstall braids on damaged hair — if your hair is breaking, give it a rest period and deep conditioning treatments before your next install.
By Style
Style-Specific Care Tips
Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are gentler on the scalp and have less tension at the roots, making them one of the healthiest protective styles. They require consistent moisture and scalp care to look their best for as long as possible.
Oil your roots daily — with no knot at the base, knotless braids can loosen faster if the scalp becomes dry.
Avoid excessive manipulation — knotless braids are slightly more delicate near the roots due to the feed-in technique.
Duration: 6–8 weeks maximum — the gradual start means new growth may cause some tension. Monitor closely after week 6.
Sleep style matters — loose braids shift more overnight. A snug satin bonnet is essential to prevent frizz and tangling at the ends.
At a Glance
Recommended Duration6–8 weeks
Wash FrequencyEvery 7–10 days
Moisture Level NeededHigh
Scalp TensionLow
Takedown DifficultyEasy
Bohemian Braids
Bohemian braids feature curly, free-hanging extensions woven into the style, giving a natural, romantic look. The curly elements require specific care to maintain their texture without frizzing.
Spray the curly ends lightly with water daily to refresh the curl pattern and prevent frizz.
Use a light curl refresher or mousse on the hanging curls — avoid heavy oils that can weigh them down and create clumping.
Sleep with ends tucked in your bonnet — the curly extensions are prone to tangling overnight if left loose.
Duration: 4–6 weeks — the curly extensions begin to lose their definition more quickly than straight synthetic hair.
At a Glance
Recommended Duration4–6 weeks
Wash FrequencyEvery 10–14 days
Moisture Level NeededMedium-High
Scalp TensionLow-Medium
Takedown DifficultyModerate
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are a culturally rich style featuring a centre cornrow and side braids, often adorned with beads or cuffs. The mix of braided and natural sections requires balanced care.
Pay extra attention to the centre part — this area is most exposed to environmental elements and needs regular oiling.
Tighten or replace beads carefully — beads add beautiful detail but can snag hair or cause breakage if they become loose. Check weekly.
Moisturize the natural hair sections at the front and sides where your own hair is incorporated — these areas can dry out faster.
Duration: 4–6 weeks — Fulani styles feature more exposed natural hair that needs regular attention to stay looking neat.
At a Glance
Recommended Duration4–6 weeks
Wash FrequencyEvery 7–10 days
Moisture Level NeededHigh
Scalp TensionMedium
Takedown DifficultyModerate
Feed-In Cornrows
Cornrows sit flat against the scalp, making them one of the most practical protective styles. However, the close contact with the scalp means scalp care is especially important.
Wash more frequently — every 7 days — since the flat style traps sweat and product more easily than other braid types.
Apply oil directly to the rows using a nozzle-tip applicator bottle for precision application between the cornrows.
Watch for lifting at the ends — if the cornrows start to lift from the scalp, they're ready for a touch-up or removal.
Duration: 2–4 weeks — cornrows show new growth faster and may start to look less polished after 3–4 weeks.
At a Glance
Recommended Duration2–4 weeks
Wash FrequencyEvery 5–7 days
Moisture Level NeededHigh
Scalp TensionMedium-High
Takedown DifficultyEasy
Tribal Braids
Tribal braids combine bold cornrow patterns with accessories, beads, and hanging extensions. The intricate patterns and decorative elements require special care to keep looking sharp.
Oil between the cornrow sections carefully with a nozzle applicator to reach the scalp without disturbing the pattern.
Secure accessories at night — beads and cuffs can catch on your bonnet and pull braids out. Use a larger bonnet or wrap loosely.
Re-lay your edges weekly — the intricate front patterns are most visible and benefit most from regular edge maintenance.
Duration: 4–6 weeks — the detailed pattern begins to lose definition after 6 weeks as new growth makes the parting less clean.
At a Glance
Recommended Duration4–6 weeks
Wash FrequencyEvery 7–10 days
Moisture Level NeededMedium
Scalp TensionMedium
Takedown DifficultyEasy-Moderate
What to Use
Recommended Products
You don't need a large product collection — just the right ones. These are the types of products our stylists recommend for healthy, long-lasting braids.
Scalp Care
Lightweight Scalp Oil
Jojoba, argan, or tea tree oil for daily scalp nourishment. Lightweight enough to absorb quickly without buildup.
Use a nozzle-tip bottle to apply directly to your parts for precision.
Moisture
Leave-In Conditioner Spray
A water-based leave-in spray to hydrate your natural hair and keep braids looking fresh and frizz-free.
Lightly mist braids every 2–3 days and smooth down with your hands.
Night Protection
Satin Bonnet or Scarf
Satin or silk creates zero friction against your braids overnight, preserving moisture and preventing frizz.
A large bonnet is better than a small one — you want all your braids safely tucked in.
Edges
Edge Control (Light Hold)
A lightweight, non-flaking edge control for daily baby hair maintenance without buildup or stiffness.
Apply a tiny amount with a soft toothbrush or edge brush — less is more.
"
Your braids are only as healthy as the hair underneath them. We put our craft into every install — but the longevity of your style is a partnership. Follow these tips and your braids will always look as good leaving your home as they did leaving our chair.