How to Wear Braids Safely This Summer

Look into knotless braids

While not a new concept, knotless braids have recently made a resurgence because they offer more versatility minus the tension often experienced with traditional braids. “You start the braid with [your] natural hair, then you add extensions as you go — small pieces at a time,” explains Harris. This feed-in technique allows you to style your hair freely on day one of installation, because each braid is formed without the knot at the base of the scalp. The result? A sleeker, safer style.

Consider crochet

Harris recommends the crochet method for thinning, aging strands. Another low-tension option, this technique involves attaching the braiding hair to natural, cornrowed hair using a latch hook. For extra protection, “you can put a net over [the hair] and crochet the extensions onto the net versus through the hair,” says Harris. Doing so can take some stress off your hair follicles, which is especially important as they begin to shrink with age. Crocheting can also reduce styling time, thanks to those pre-braided packs of hair you can find at the beauty supply store.

Good to know: Some synthetic braiding hair may be coated with an alkaline base, which can trigger an allergic reaction. To prevent this, soak the hair in a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes, and let it air-dry before installing.

Avoid ultra-long braids

If you want to give trendy waist-length braids a try, Harris warns that the longer the extensions, the heavier they will be. For this reason, she doesn’t recommend them for thinning or naturally fine strands. “Even if the braids are small, because of the length, it adds weight to it,” she says. Keep in mind that as your mane matures, it may not be able to withstand the weight of heavy extensions the way it once did in your 20s and 30s. So, err on the side of caution by opting for braids above the waist.

Let your scalp breathe

The ease of braided dos makes it tempting to rock them all the time. But neglecting your own hair won’t give you the benefits you’re looking for. Harris suggests removing your braids at the six-week mark; keeping them in longer can cause matting at the roots. Leave a considerable amount of time between installations to give your tresses the rest they need. You can use this time to pamper your hair and examine its overall condition. And since the scalp produces less oil later in life, replenishing with regular deep-conditioning treatments can ensure your strands are in great shape before your next installation.

Anissa Gabbara writes about beauty, health, lifestyle and pop culture. Her work has appeared in Sisters From AARP, Sesi magazine and Maple City Our Town magazine.