Braiding your naturally curly hair is one way to protect it, and it’s widespread among men. It offers protection and a convenient style, whether the braid is short or long. Many people love wearing braids as a form of protection. They give your hair a rest from repeated styling attempts that fail. Braids can last anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on several factors. Although a braid requires little maintenance, this does not reduce the need for you to take care of your scalp. Contrarily, braided hair needs the same level of maintenance as natural hair, particularly when it comes to your scalp. Without the proper care for your braids, dandruff may build up on your scalp, which may cause issues in your braids. This article will give you the knowledge to prevent the build-up of dandruff and keep your hair healthy and protected.
What is Dandruff?
A moderate form of seborrheic dermatitis is dandruff. Dandruff, a common ailment, causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It is neither serious nor contagious. Although, treating it can be tough and embarrassing. Mild dandruff is curable with a gentle daily shampoo. A medicinal shampoo might be helpful if that doesn’t work. Later on, the following symptoms could come back:
- Dandruff
- Dry Scalp
- Itchy Scalp
There are also lots of causes why dandruff may occur, and these are the following:
- Oily skin
- Dryness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Malassezia, for most adults
- Contact dermatitis
- Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
Dandruff is mostly common for mens braided hairstyles rather than women with a different hairstyle, but it is entirely curable and manageable with the proper care.
How Can You Prevent Dandruff in Your Braids?
It is crucial to keep your braid in good condition if you want it to continue serving its protective purpose. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent the accumulation of dandruff:
1. Avoid Keeping Braids for too Long
Too much sweat, product, and natural oils will build up on your scalp if you leave your braids in too long, which can make dandruff symptoms worse. You should remove your braids every 8 to 10 weeks because of this. When you remove your braids, you can condition your hair and scalp and remove excess build-up and flakes from your scalp. Remember to give your hair a gap between braid installations of one to two weeks. When you restyle your braids, exfoliate and deep condition your scalp. By doing this, you’ll be able to prevent dandruff accumulation and maintain your scalp clear of any possible build-up.
2. Cleaning Hair and Scalp is a Must
The fact that you have braided hair does not imply that you no longer need to wash it. Once each week, you must use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to clean your hair and scalp. To help ensure that the treatment is evenly distributed on your braids and scalp and removes any build-up properly, you can also dilute your products. On the areas of your hair where you can see dandruff flakes on your scalp or in your braids, use an anti-dandruff shampoo.
3. Apply Anti-Dandruff Spray and Massage Your Braid
Aside from cleaning your scalp, you should also apply anti-dandruff spray and then gently massage it with the tips of your fingertips to help it do its job. Make sure to concentrate on the areas of the scalp that itch the most as you massage the entire area from the nape to the neck. You can add additional spray if you think you need to.
4. Do Not Forget to Dry Your Hair Completely
After washing your hair, properly drying it will also help lessen the symptoms of dandruff. Keeping your hair damp could aggravate dandruff by irritating your scalp and causing skin inflammation. It is advisable to use a hooded dryer to dry your hair for at least 30 minutes. Leave your braids out for the entire day to air dry if you don’t have access to a hooded dryer. Make sure your hair is dry before putting your braids in a ponytail or hiding them with a scarf or bonnet.
To Sum Up,
Hair brings the confidence of every person, especially men who are more relevant to having dandruff. Even though braids are a minimal maintenance style, attention must be taken to keep them looking good and healthy. Follow these steps to avoid dandruff build-ups, and consult a doctor in your area if your dandruff gets worse after getting your hair braided. They will be able to provide you with more detailed instructions on how to fix it.
