The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that wet hair is more fragile and breaks easily. For a silky and smooth style, it’s best to towel-dry your hair before braiding. Proper drying methods are crucial to maintaining hair health.
Today’s blog guide reveals the secret to achieving stunning waves with minimal effort. This technique is invaluable for revamping your hairstyle without the risk of heat damage. It’s especially advantageous during the summer months for minimizing exposure to stress.
Why You Should Not Braid Your Hair When Wet
Here’s why you should avoid braiding your hair while it’s still wet:
Hair is weak when wet
Hair is more prone to damage when wet. Research shows wet hair absorbs water, making it 45% heavier. This elevates its weight by 12%–18%, causing swelling and making the shaft weaker. It becomes sticky, stretchy, sticking to skin, and visible, becoming more susceptible to damage.
Combing and braiding wet hair lead to breakage
Researchers found wet hair is weak due to hydrogen bond changes. Water alters keratin protein in hair, leading to breakage. Long segments of wet hair are more prone to damage.
Researchers found wet hair is weak due to hydrogen bond changes. Water alters keratin protein in hair, leading to breakage. Long segments of wet hair are more prone to damage.
Pulling and stretching wet hair cause damage
When you comb wet hair, it becomes stretched and leads to 80% of hair breakage. I once tried braiding my wet hair and noticed significant damage. Avoid this mistake by ensuring your hair is dry before styling.
The inner layer of wet hair is exposed to water and other substances
When you comb or braid wet hair, you expose its inner layer to water and substances, breaking, cracking, or removal of cuticle scales, making hair vulnerable and weak. This affects the look and shape of hair fibers.
Wet hair braiding leads to bad odor
Braiding wet hair is one of the main contributors to a musky smell. Sweat gets trapped in the scalp and has no place to escape. Dry hair is advisable as it prevents mildew scent and lingering smell. Wet braids can be compared to damp clothes, creating an unpleasant odor.
Why You Should Braid Your Hair Only When Dry
Dry hair is easy to manipulate without gathering or wrapping breakable wet strands. It provides an overall pleasant feeling and a stronger hold. Researchers advise using a wide-toothed comb on dry hair to avoid damage.
What Is the Correct Way to Braid Hair?
To correctly braid hair, spray dry shampoo on the roots and lengths before braiding. Use a comb with fine teeth to gently comb your hair. Twist two sections and join them with a clear rubber band at the end.
Some Points to Keep in Mind to Maintain Hair Braiding
Leave out edges when braiding hair. Avoid up-dos and gently loosen the ends to reduce tension. Moisturize hairline, change hairstyles every 2–4 weeks. Protect hair with velvet wig band or satin wig cap to prevent damage. Historically, where did braids originate? Viking cultures are known for their intricate braiding styles.
Benefits Of Braiding Wet Hair For Waves
Braiding wet hair can be a game-changer for your tresses, enhancing the beauty of naturally-textured hair. This method works on clip-in hair extensions or natural hair with permanent extensions, adding volume and dimension with low-effort. Avoid using wavers, straighteners, curling irons. Wondering, how long does knotless braids last? Typically, they can last up to 6 weeks with proper care.
How To Braid Wet Hair: Step-By-Step Tutorial
Plait wet hair by following a specific procedure similar to shampooing. Creating a simple braid requires the right order for the best results. Here’s the business of braiding!
Step 1: Wash Your Hair
After your washing day, it’s crucial to use the right products. I always go for the Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture shampoo. This sulfate-free and paraben-free formula helps gently cleanse the scalp and restore moisture to your tresses. A perfect tool for this is the 100% sulfate-free Deep Moisture shampoo. It’s designed to nourish and improve the elasticity of your hair extensions, making your hairstyle look amazing and feel soft. I’ve found that using the right products like the Deep Moisture shampoo on washing day keeps my tresses healthy and full of moisture. The sulfate-free formula is a game-changer for anyone looking to maintain their hairstyle.
Step 2: Condition Your Hair
Now, it’s time to condition your tresses. To ensure they stay nourished and revitalized, use the Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture conditioner. This powerful conditioner replenishes hydration in your hair fibers. Focus on the ends and mid-lengths of your hair extensions while you gently detangle. Choosing the right haircut for my face shape also helps maintain healthy tresses.
Step 3: Towel-Dry Your Hair
Braiding wet hair can cause damage, so gently pat your hair with a microfibre towel until it feels damp, not soaking wet, to minimize breakage and keep your hair healthy.
Step 4: Brush
Using a detangling brush, gently remove knots and tangles from your hair and extensions, creating a sleek canvas for plaiting.
Step 5: Section
Use a pintail comb to divide your hair into two neat sections. If thick, double to four for looser waves.
Step 6: Start Braiding
Begin plaiting each section and secure with a scrunchie or hair band at the end.
Can You Braid Wet Hair Extensions
Yes, you can braid wet hair extensions, but avoid overnight to prevent tangling, matting, and damaging cuticles. This helps maintain the quality and shine of Remy hair. Use a hanger for clip extensions to have wavy hair ready by morning.
Maintaining And Enhancing Wet Hair Waves
Use styling products for air-drying and spritz your tresses with Moisturising Silky Hair Spray. This spray with blackcurrant extracts, Argan oil, and olive oil enhances sheen and keeps hair and extensions soft, manageable, sleek, and moisturized.
Styling Tips For Different Occasions
For different waves and curls, try various plaiting styles. Smaller braids give a crimped finish like beach waves. A French plait curls mid-lengths and ends. Larger sections create tousled, looser waves for a low-key look. Experiment with heatless hairstyles like a rope braid or curling accessories such as a headband or socks for defined ringlets.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when braiding wet hair: not drying enough, using wrong products, or accidentally pulling too tight. Make sure to be gentle.
Braiding Too Tightly
Avoid super-tight plaits to prevent dryness and frizzy hair. Find a balance when braiding. For professional hair extensions, braiding tightly can damage bonds.
Brushing
Always use a specific brush designed for wet hair. For permanent hair extensions, choose a brush crafted with extensions in mind to prevent damage.
Using Heated Tools On Wet Hair
Never use a flat iron on a wet plait. It may speed up crimping and drying but causes irreparable damage to your hair.
Braiding With Soggy Hair
Soaking-wet hair is very fragile. Styling without towel-drying leads to breakage and snapping. Plaiting should be done on damp hair only.
Sleeping With Wet Hair Extensions
Avoid sleeping with wet hair extensions. It is damaging and causes matting, tangling, and even fungal infections or mold in your weave.
Conclusion
In conclusion, braiding wet hair is generally not recommended due to its increased fragility and susceptibility to damage. Drying hair before braiding helps maintain hair health, prevents breakage, and enhances natural waves without the risk of heat damage. For those who prefer styling wet hair, ensure it is only damp, not soaking wet, and use appropriate products to protect and nourish the hair. This method not only preserves the strength and quality of your hair and extensions but also helps achieve beautiful, effortless waves without compromising hair integrity.
FAQ’s
Is it better to braid hair wet or dry?
Dry hair is the strongest. Wet braids can develop a mildew scent like damp clothes. Braiding is advisable when hair is dry, not wet, as it is weakest when wet.
Does braiding wet hair make it curly?
Braid damp hair, not soaking wet, for curls. Spraying a spray bottle helps dampen dry hair. Braid when 80% dry to set the curl.
Is it better to take out braids Dry or wet?
Slip is key for takedown. Spritz each braid with water and leave-in conditioner. Apply oil for a seamless process.
Should you braid hair before bed?
Braid hair before sleep. This trick is one of the best ways to keep hair from tangling, breaking, and reducing frizz. It gives beachy waves too.
