
Astrid Stawiarz
Just because your hair is tucked under a protective style doesn’t mean you should forgo your entire hair care routine. Of course, you won’t be able to wash your hair with your traditional shampoos or conditioners or treat your strands with nourishing leave-in creams as frequently and easily as you do your natural hair, but it’s all about minor adjustments.
After spending eight-plus hours in the salon chair for braids, the last thing you want to do is cut the full length of your protective style short due to negligence. “Depending on your style, the suggested time I tell clients to shampoo and treat their hair if they don’t have protective styles is every two weeks. However, with protective styles like knotless braids, I’d say between three and four weeks, especially if the front of your hair needs a touch-up,” Stasha Harris of Magic Fingers Studio in Brooklyn tells ELLE.com.
Enter: Scalp cleansers that take the place of traditional shampoos, refreshing sprays that keep your hairdo moisturized, and anti-itch oils that’ll soothe your scalp, not disrupt it. All of that and more, ahead.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best for Flyaways
AmPro
Shine ‘N Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse
Best for Nourishment
AmPro
Vitamin E Oil
Best for a Quick Clean
Sea Breeze Actives
Fresh-Clean Astringent
Best Edge Control
Hair by Susy
Edge Control
Best for Daily Moisture
African Pride
Moisture Miracle Leave-In Cream with Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil
Best Braiding Gel
Shine N Jam
Magic Fingers For Braiders Extra Firm Hold
Best Multipurpose
Hair by Susy
Ouee Hair Oil
Best for Frequent Cleansing
African Pride
Black Castor Miracle Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse
Best for a Deep Clean
Girl + Hair
Natural Hair Products, Cleanse Plus
Best for Final Seal
Smooth N’ Shine
Straight Bodifying Mousse for Straight Hair
Best for Rollers
Mizani
Styling Foam Mousse
Best for Strengthening Edges
Mielle Organics
Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel
Best Edge Brush
Baby Tress
Edge Styler
Best for Clean Parts
Soft Sheen- Carson
Let’s Jam
Best Sealant
Keep It Tight
Burnt Sugar All-Veggie Pomade
Best for Locs
Jamaican Mango & Lime
No More Itch Gro Spray
Best for Repairing
Mielle Organics
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Best for Daily Use
Doo Gro
Anti-Itch Growth Oil
Best for Growth
Tropic Isle
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music).
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below