How to Wash Box Braids

Box braids are often confused with cornrows or micro-braids, but they are actually individual three-strand braids made from small single sections (or sectioned-off “boxes”) of hair. They aren’t French-braided close to the scalp like cornrows--instead, they hang more like loose, natural hair would. To maintain your box braids and keep them healthy, gently wash them once a month with diluted shampoo and conditioner.[1] Make sure to hydrate after washing and restore some moisture to the hair with a natural oil and leave-in conditioner.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Applying Shampoo

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    Choose a clarifying shampoo. Look for natural ingredients, such as chamomile and tea tree oil, as well as a sulfate-free formula.[2] A clarifying formula will help wash away dirt and product buildup on your scalp.[3]
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    Mix equal parts shampoo and water in an applicator or spray bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients and create a foamy, diluted solution.[4] Diluting the shampoo makes the consistency much thinner and more manageable, which will make the rinsing process much easier.[5]
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    Apply the shampoo mixture directly to the scalp. Work section by section, flipping over sections of hair to expose parts of your scalp.[6] Generously coat the whole scalp with shampoo.[7] Make sure to coat your hairline as well, covering the baby hairs along the sides.[8]
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    Massage the shampoo mixture into the scalp with your fingertips. Use small, slow circular motions to work in the shampoo. The shampoo should create a light, foamy lather. Make sure to be very gentle. Frequent wetting, handling, and rubbing can create frizz and will damage the braids or make them look old.[9]
    • Using the pads of your finger, not your nails, is important for protecting the scalp and the base of the braids.[10]
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    Rinse out your hair in the shower. Let the water rinse away the shampoo from the roots. Massage the roots very gently and flip over sections of hair for easier access to the water. If you can, ask someone to help you by holding the ends of the braids to the side. This will prevent the full lengths from getting wet, which will keep your braids from feeling heavy and drying slowly.[11]
    • If you don't pull the ends to the side, the rinsing process will wash the shampoo down through the ends of your hair, naturally cleaning them. This could cause the braids to become heavy, though. They will also take a long time to dry.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Conditioning

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    Select a hydrating conditioner. Tightly braided styles can dry up the moisture in your hair and make the scalp itchy, so it’s important to use a conditioner that will replenish that moisture.[12] When choosing your conditioner, look for naturally hydrating ingredients such as aloe and shea butter.[13]
    • You should also make sure to avoid products with harsh ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, which can damage your hair.
    • If you want a faster and easier application, you can always choose to use a leave-in conditioner.
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    Mix equal parts conditioner and water in an applicator or spray bottle. After pouring the conditioner and water into the bottle, close it and shake the ingredients together. Keep shaking until they combine into a milky liquid.
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    Pour or spray the mixture over the scalp and braids in the shower. Thoroughly and evenly cover all of your hair with the diluted conditioner.[14] This is best done in the shower, where you don’t have to worry about making a mess.
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    Let the conditioner sit for 5-10 minutes. Stay in the shower while the conditioner sets. This will restore the moisture to your hair and leave it hydrated.
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    Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly in the shower. Go section by section and let the water wash through your hair. Massage your roots with your fingertips to remove any excess conditioner from the scalp.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Drying

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    Wring out as much of the water as you can by hand. Take handfuls of braids and squeeze gently to remove as much excess water as possible. Be very gentle and don’t rub back and forth or pull on the braids.
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    Wrap your hair up in a towel and let it sit for 10 minutes. Gently wrap a towel around your head and the braids, then twist it once and let it rest on top of your head. This will help drain some of the excess moisture and set the braids.
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    Dry your hair with a hooded dryer if possible. You will want to stay under the hooded dryer until your braids are about 75-80% dry.[15] These can be found at salons or you could invest in purchasing one yourself.
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    Let your hair air-dry if you don’t have a hooded dryer. Leave your braids down and don’t style them until they’re completely dry. Air-drying usually takes a full day.[16]
    • Leaving your braids down until they’re completely dry will help prevent dandruff, fungus, and mildew.[17]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Hydrating

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    Choose an oil to rehydrate your hair. Look for a gentle natural oil such as jojoba or almond oil. This will help bring moisture back to your scalp, smooth your hair, and keep your scalp from getting itchy.
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    Apply the oil when your hair is almost fully dry. Your scalp and roots should be mostly dry, but it’s okay if the tips are still a bit wet.[18]
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    Pour on small amounts oil to lightly coat the scalp. Work section by section through your hair, pouring a little oil onto the scalp between the braids. You can either apply straight from the product’s bottle or pour some oil into an applicator bottle and use the smaller tip for a more controlled application.[19]
    • If you accidentally pour on too much oil, gently spread it out by massaging it into the surrounding area.
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    4
    Spray on a leave-in conditioner for additional hydration. If your hair tends to dry out quickly, use some leave-in conditioner in addition to the oil. Spray it directly onto the scalp and the tops of the braids.[20] Let the leave-in conditioner sit and absorb before putting your hair up.[21]
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    Can you wash synthetic braids?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Yes, you can wash synthetic hair—just use cool water and don't use any heat styling tools. Depending on the type of synthetic hair, you may need a special shampoo.
  • Question
    How long do you keep box braids in?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You can leave box braids in for up to 6 weeks. If you start to notice flyaways or if they start to pull on your scalp, you should take them out.
  • Question
    Can you wash your hair with braids in it?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You can wash braided hair, but you'll want to use a diluted shampoo and avoid rough scrubbing. Make sure to massage the scalp with shampoo as well as washing the braids.
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Things You’ll Need

  • 2 applicator or spray bottles
  • Clarifying shampoo
  • Moisturizing conditioner
  • Hair sheen or oil for hydration
  • Leave-in conditioner (spray)
  • Towel
  • Hooded dryer (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  2. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  3. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-wash-braids-locs-and-twists
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/7zjWTENmSh0?t=18
  5. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/7zjWTENmSh0?t=69
  7. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/7zjWTENmSh0?t=97
  9. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/7zjWTENmSh0?t=38
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/7zjWTENmSh0?t=150
  3. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
  4. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids#1144375
  5. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  6. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/braids/how-to-wash-braids
  7. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-wash-braids-locs-and-twists
  8. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-wash-braids-locs-and-twists
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/tcOx2WHNQmo?t=185
  10. ↑ https://youtu.be/HgU09ZGDlDU?t=16
  11. ↑ https://youtu.be/tcOx2WHNQmo?t=231
  12. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.

About This Article

Ndeye Anta Niang
Co-authored by:
Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. This article has been viewed 99,502 times.
7 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 99,502
Categories: Braids
Article SummaryX

To wash box braids, start by mixing equal parts clarifying shampoo and water in a bottle. Then, gently massage the mixture into your scalp using your fingertips. When you're finished, rinse the shampoo out of your hair in the shower, and then repeat the process with a hydrating conditioner. After you apply the conditioner, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out. Finally, wring out your hair with a towel and let it air dry. For more tips from our Cosmetology co-author, like how to hydrate box braids, scroll down!

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