Before embarking on making box braids, make sure you have made a good moisturizing and nourishing care. From the realization to the care while passing by the preservation of the mats, nothing is neglected to preserve pretty box and a natural hair in good health.
> Realize his box braids, the good method
"The braids are like stories (...) that intertwine gently". This quote from Sean Steward 's novel Cathy's ring, says a lot about the box braids: their realization requires delicacy, avoiding to create a strong tension on the most fragile areas for his hair, that is to say at the temples and neck. Aline Tacite warns: "It is necessary to avoid too much tightening at the wick, it can create an alopecia of traction" (a progressive fall of the hair often due to hairstyles which strongly solicit the scalp and that one often observes in the case very thin and very tight mats, note). Well done, the box brands have the advantage of being protective. This hairstyle limits the breakage of the hair, which is then protected and "locked up" in the mat. This avoids excessive handling during a given period. It is also easier to take care of your scalp.
> Washing and maintenance of box braids
During the mating period, Aline Tacite recommends washing her scalp at least every two weeks with a shampoo diluted with water to remove dust and accumulated impurities. "The shampoo must be applied to the scalp massaging to increase blood circulation," complements the blogger Fabulous. The latter adds that "at the time of rinsing, it is necessary to gently press her hair along the braids to eliminate shampoo residue" to ensure optimal spin. When choosing this protective hairstyle, the important thing is to keep your scalp in good condition. On a daily basis, the use of a serum based on essential oils - coconut oil or sweet almond - two to three times a week is recommended. These non-greasy oils can work the box and keep a nice shape while providing shine to the mat. Finally, it is de rigueur to massage her skull to stimulate the scalp and avoid tension. But this, very gently not to exert unnecessary additional traction on the roots. But if you do not know clearly how to do it, you can practice it by using a cosmetology mannequin head.
> Preserve your boxes
To delay the "aging" of box braids, accentuated by weekly washes, a good habit to take is to tie them before going to bed, or better yet to protect her hair at night with a silk scarf or satin. An excellent way to limit the frizz caused by the friction of the hair with the pillow. Always in order to preserve the holding of his box braids, Aline Tacite warns about the use of the spray composed of water and oil: "it is not very effective because the natural hair swells in contact with the water: there is small frizz that will come out of the wick ". According to her, "the care provided before box braids are sufficient to keep hair nourished and hydrated, it is important to take care of her scalp. You will understand, do not venture into the realization of these mats if your hair is weakened. Now, you know all about box braids, you just have to shake your pretty mats like Willow Smith in her clip "Whip my hair", or to split the audience proudly in the image from Keri Hilson.
