Are you wondering how long you should keep your braids in? Learn from our expert advice and real-life stories to find the ideal balance between looking fabulous and keeping your hair in top condition. Uncover the perfect duration for your braids and the importance of not overdoing it, ensuring you make the most of your hairstyle while preserving the health of your hair.
The Importance of Not Overdoing It
Once upon a sunny day in Houston, two friends, Keisha and Tasha, walked into WOW African Hair Braiding Salon, looking to get their hair braided. Keisha, a first-timer, was excited and a little nervous. She asked, “How long should I keep my braids in?”
Ah, that’s the million-dollar question! The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but as we have experience in tis matter, we want to share with you the wisdom we’ve gathered over the years, helping you make the most of your braids.
Our Expert Recommendation
First and foremost, let’s talk about the importance of not overdoing it. As the old saying goes, “too much of a good thing can be bad.” Although braids are an incredibly stylish and protective hairstyle, leaving them in for too long can lead to hair breakage or even hair loss.
Our salon’s expert braiders suggest that the ideal time frame for keeping in your braids is between 6 to 8 weeks. This duration ensures that your hair gets the protection it needs without causing any unnecessary stress.
A Cautionary Tale
Now, let me tell you a story about a client named Jessica. She was a busy mom who came to us with a head full of braids she’d had in for four months. Her hair was severely damaged, and she had to cut it short. Don’t be like Jessica! Regular maintenance and timely removal of your braids are essential for healthy hair.
Factors to Consider
Here at WOW African Hair Braiding Salon, we understand that everyone’s hair is different. Factors such as hair type, lifestyle, and personal preference play a role in determining the best duration for your braids. For example, if you work out frequently, you may want to consider removing your braids sooner than later to avoid excess sweat and dirt buildup.
Listen to Your Hair and Aftercare
Moreover, it’s essential to listen to your hair. If you notice increased itchiness, discomfort, or signs of hair damage, it’s time to take your braids out. And remember, proper aftercare is just as important. Give your hair a break between braiding sessions and treat it with love.
Join Us on This Hair Journey
Now, we invite you to experience the WOW factor at our salon. Book an appointment with one of our talented stylists, and let us guide you in finding the perfect duration for your braids. We’re here to help you look and feel your best while protecting your hair’s health. Don’t wait – call us today at (713) 995-5676 or visit our website to book your appointment.
FAQs
The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.
How long should you keep braids in for? ›
How long should you keep your braids on? According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. "Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage," she says.
What is the recommended length for braids? ›
Box Braids: For box braids, your hair should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) long to provide enough hair to grip during the process. Cornrows: Cornrows can be done with short hair with a minimum length of about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) to secure the braiding.
How long can you keep goddess braids in? ›
"Goddess braids are a great protective style because they are super cute, versatile, and they last for about four to eight weeks, so they're a great low-maintenance option," says hairstylist Geneva Fowler.
How long should I keep knotless braids in? ›
While you can wear some protective styles, including knotless braids, up to 8 weeks, we recommend 4-6 weeks of wear to avoid any long-term damage to your hair underneath. Make sure you have a firm understanding of your hair's porosity prior to getting your knotless braids.
When to take braids out? ›
She says eight weeks tops, especially if you have bigger braids, which won't last as long as smaller ones. "When your braids start growing out and displaying a lot of new growth, it's usually an indication you need to take them out," she says.
How long should I leave my braids in for curls? ›
Remove the braid in the morning.
Once the braid has been in your hair overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, take off the hair tie and carefully undo the braid. You should have loose waves on the ends of your hair, giving you a relaxed, curled hairstyle.
What is the longest time to keep box braids in? ›
“Box braids can last from 4 to 6 weeks. 6 weeks is the most time I would recommend keeping them in your hair and two months is the absolute max I would suggest leaving your box braids in,” she advises.
Can I wear my braids for 3 months? ›
The ideal duration to keep your hair in braids is between 2 to 3 months. What will happen if I keep it for longer than 3 months? I would not recommended more than two months.
What size braids last longer? ›
Micro Box Braids
Thin braids can last the longest of the box braid styles, which can be helpful if you want to space out your salon appointments. Why do they last so long? The smaller parting sections allow you to reach more of your scalp for washing and moisturizing better than some of the other braid styles.
Box braids, characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, box braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
Can braids expire? ›
The Lifespan of Braid Extensions
Generally speaking, braid extensions can last anywhere from four weeks to three months. However, the exact duration depends on several factors including the type of braids you have installed, the quality of the extensions used, your maintenance routine and your natural hair growth rate.
How long to let hair breathe after braids? ›
Leave at least a week between installations so that your scalp has the opportunity to breathe. Before your next installation, be sure to prep your hair for braiding with intensive deep conditioning treatments that improve the strength and moisture of your hair.
How long should braids stay? ›
The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.
How long is too long for box braids? ›
On average, box braids tend to last between four to six weeks. Most experts say that although it's fine to leave your braids in for one month, you don't want to keep them in any longer than two months.
Which braids last longer knotless or regular? ›
Knotless braids tend to get frizzier a lot faster than regular braids as they expose more natural hair at the root. So, if you're looking for a protective style that can last longer than two months, regular box braids are a better option. How do you know when the braids are coming to the end of their style-span?
Is it okay to wear braids all the time? ›
Regardless of the style you choose and how well you maintain your natural hair underneath, no set of braids should be kept in for more than eight weeks at a time, advises Dr. Mbilishaka—and it's important to give your hair and scalp a break between appointments.
Should I leave braids in overnight? ›
Braid your hair before going to sleep. This old trick works every time and is one of the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping. It not only protects your hair – stopping it from tangling and breaking – but also gives you gorgeous beachy waves the next day and cuts down on frizz.
How long do human hair braids last? ›
Generally speaking, braid extensions can last anywhere from four weeks to three months. However, the exact duration depends on several factors including the type of braids you have installed, the quality of the extensions used, your maintenance routine and your natural hair growth rate. 1.
Do braids thicken hair? ›
Through extensive research, we understood that while hair braiding does have its perks, it does not directly trigger hair growth. These culturally significant hairstyles may damage your hair if the tightness or frequency is too high.
