As for the to the age-old question of whether you should straighten your hair to get it braided, both experts agree that it does make the process easier and quicker, which is important since
You need to stretch your hair by straightening it (you don't need to flat iron, just blow dry is fine) before you get it braided.
Detangle and stretch
Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush and work from the ends to the roots to avoid breakage. Detangling will make the braiding process smoother and prevent unnecessary stress on your hair. Stretching your hair before braiding can help prevent breakage and make it easier to manage.
You shouldn't get braids right after you've shampooed out your silk press since you want to give your hair a break from manipulation and tight styles. Instead, you can use the first couple of weeks after you shampoo out your silk press to focus on cleansing and conditioning your hair and scalp.
After permanent hair straightening, it's generally recommended to wait at least a few days before styling your hair with braids or curls. This waiting period allows the hair to fully settle into its new texture and ensures that the straightening treatment is effective.
Post-Treatment Hair Care
Avoid Shampooing Right Away: Avoid washing your hair for three days following professional hair straightening. When it is time to wash your hair, avoid any shampoos that contain sulfates as they could damage your hair.
How long should i wait to braid or fix my hair after relaxing it? Not anytime soon bestie.. Do not fix or braid your hair for at least 2 weeks after chemical application. As your hair is still too fragile and cannot withstand tension caused by fixing or braids.
The Good: One of the main reasons why the silk press has gained popularity in the black hair care community is because of its temporary nature. Unlike chemical relaxers, a silk press will revert back to its natural state after a wash or exposure to moisture.
Wet your hair with water by using either a spray bottle or your hands. With the help of your fingers, gently split the strands and loosen the knots. As you detangle the bottom section of the hair, move up the strands and continue removing knots until you've reached the peak of your hair.
Use hairspray before and after.
Simply apply a few spritzes of hairspray like Redken Triple Pure 32 Neutral Fragrance Hairspray throughout your hair before and after you complete your style. This will give your strands more grip as you create your braid while also keeping your look in place throughout the day.
If hair health is your priority, braiding dry hair is the way to go. Braiding dry hair can actually give you more volume once you undo the braid, which is great if you're aiming for a fuller, more textured look. This is especially true if you're using braids to create loose waves or curls.
Braiding hair can make your natural hair dry. Therefore, use the LCO or LOC method to moisturize your hair before installing your braids to ensure your hair benefits from the protective style.
If you wash your hair after a silk press and experience a lot of shedding or notice straight strands in contrast to your normal curl pattern, it's a sign you have heat damage.
Compared to traditional relaxers or chemical straightening methods, a silk press is actually considered a safer and less damaging alternative for straightening your hair. However, like any thermal heat styling, it can lead to damage if you are not taking the right measures during the process.
Avoid Moisture
For the first 48 hours after your silk press, avoid exposing your hair to moisture or humidity.
As for the to the age-old question of whether you should straighten your hair to get it braided, both experts agree that it does make the process easier and quicker, which is important since box braids take several hours to install. Hair doesn't have to be bone straight and sleek.
To deep condition your hair before braiding, apply a generous amount of conditioner to clean, wet hair (from root to tip). Cover your hair with a plastic conditioning bag and sit under a hooded hair dryer for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse hair with lukewarm water for 2-3 minutes.
Castor oil considered the best scalp oil for braids is the most suitable pick for the deep conditioning treatment. Before going to bed at night, apply a generous amount of organic castor oil to your scalp, let your scalp absorb, then cover it using a plastic cap or towel. And the next day wash it off with cool water.
Be patient and gentle when removing your braids to avoid damaging your natural hair. After removing your braids, give your hair a deep treatment to revitalize and moisturize it. Let your hair breathe: wait at least 15 days before braiding again.
If you're not a naturalista, it's normal for you to want to relax your hair before you braid it because you want your edges to be well laid. I'll advise you not to! Relaxed hair is stretched and also quite weaker as relaxers put a lot of stress on your hair.
Since chemical processing is known to have long-term effects, you're probably wondering if hair relaxers are permanent. The simple answer is no. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, curly hair relaxers should be repeated every two to three months to keep strands straight, and only to new growth.
“A keratin treatment is considered to be the safest way to permanently straighten hair because it does not rely on harsh chemicals as relaxers and permanent waves do.” How Does It Work? A stylist applies a keratin-based product that includes a formaldehyde derivative to your washed hair.
A good rule of thumb is to consider what your hair has been through—if it's been colored, or chemically straightened recently, it's advisable not to heat style it for a couple of weeks at least. If, on the other hand, you're good about keeping your hair protected, you can work out a flat iron schedule for you.
Start by choosing a high-quality flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates, which distribute the heat more evenly. Once your hair is styled, apply a small amount of hairspray to your hands and run it through the lengths of your hair for extra hold. And finally, avoid touching your hair.