How to Refresh and Maintain Your Braids
Would you guys believe this is only my second time having a protective style professionally installed in my life? Lol. I’ve always shied away from these types of styles since I have such a sensitive scalp.
Having such sensitive skin overall has always kept me from getting styles installed that will keep me from throughly washing my hair and scalp every two weeks at minimum. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned a lot more about how to nourish and protect my scalp. With time, I’ve also learned less is more, when it comes to a lot, including the amount of products that I use in my hair. I also try to find and use products that won’t weigh my hair down.
Rice water is one of the last things I would have ever thought to be helpful in maintaining a balanced scalp and healthy hair while having a protective style in. But ya’ll, let me tell you, it really HELPED your girl a TON. I heard about Mielle Organics Rice Water Collection when it first came out, and saw others using it, but I had my doubts.
I ended up researching more information about both rice water and aloe (the two key ingredients in this collection), and found some great information that definitely made me excited to try these products out for myself. Rice water aids in repairing damage to the hair cuticle, and has anti inflammatory effects on the scalp. Aloe is excellent for soothing an itchy scalp and contains ingredients and minerals that help strengthen the hair. Braids and other weave styles can cause a lot of tension on your scalp and natural hair, so it is extremely important to protect your hair and scalp as much as you can when you have these types of styles in, and also give your hair a break for a while in between installs.
The perfect time was here for me to put these products to the test as I decided to have tribal stitch braids installed, and try out mini plaits for the summer to give myself a MUCH NEEDED break from styling. I decided to do a full wash day using these products after having my tribal braids in for 2 weeks. I started by adding some of the Rice Water Hydrating Shampoo to a spray bottle with water, and sprayed the mixture all over my braids and scalp. I made sure to be gentle in between my parts so I didn’t cause too much frizz. I then transferred some of the shampoo and water into a bottle with a small nozzle to help me reach underneath the braids to throughly cleanse my scalp before rinsing. I then washed ALL of the shampoo out of my hair and braids in the shower (DO NOT leave any shampoo in your hair).
Next I went in with the Braid and Scalp Moisturizer, and sprayed a good amount of this product all over my hair and scalp to add moisture back in. I then followed up with my favorite from the collection, the Scalp Relief. I applied this product (it felt sooo soothing) between each braid to add even more protection and nutrients back into my scalp.
This fourth and fifth step are two of the most important steps in this process and will really have your style looking like new! I added a generous amount of the Braid Set Foam all over my hair, and tied everything down firmly with a silk scarf. This product + the silk scarf will help you achieve that fresh, frizz free look. You can let this dry overnight or use a handheld dryer if you’re in a hurry, and dry on medium heat. After you remove your scarf, your hair should be flake free and look brand new! Add some of the Rice Water Shine Mist to add a little extra moisture and to help prevent flyaways, and you’re DONE! My hair lasted another week before I needed to re-rinse. I used the Braid and Scalp Moisturizer daily, and the Braid Set Foam every few days before bed to keep my style looking fresh.
Products from Mielle’s Rice Water Collection will definitely be in rotation anytime I have a protective style installed. A little really goes a long way with all of these products! Check out the full tutorial over on my Instagram, and let me know in the comments if you’ve already tested out these products for yourself!
