Aftercare · 6 min read
Aftercare 101: Making Your Braids Last 8 Weeks
A simple weekly rhythm — silk, scalp tonic, edge care — that protects your investment and your hair underneath it.
Beautiful braids are an investment. The way you care for them in the first two weeks determines how the next six will look — and how your natural hair emerges when you take them down.
Every night
Wrap in a silk or satin scarf, or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Cotton wicks moisture from your strands and creates friction that leads to frizz at the roots. This single habit doubles the lifespan of any braided style.
Twice a week
Mist the length lightly with a mix of water and a little leave-in conditioner. Apply a few drops of a lightweight oil — jojoba, grapeseed, or almond — to the scalp using a precision applicator bottle. Avoid heavy butters; they build up at the roots and attract lint.
“Cotton is the quiet enemy. One scarf changes everything.”
Every two to three weeks
Wash gently with a diluted clarifying shampoo applied to the scalp only. Use a precision bottle and let the suds run down through the braids. Rinse thoroughly, blot with a microfiber towel, and air-dry completely before wrapping for bed. A wet scalp under braids is the fastest way to mildew.
Edges
A light edge mousse or gel — applied with a soft brush, never your fingertips — keeps the hairline laid without weighing it down. Less is always more.
When it's time
Six to eight weeks is the sweet spot. Past that, your natural growth creates tension at the root and makes takedown harder. Book your refresh before you need it — your hair will thank you.
The Ritual
The Weekly Rhythm
Every night
Silk scarf or satin pillowcase — no exceptions
Mon & Thu
Mist · light oil · precision bottle on scalp
Every other Sunday
Diluted scalp wash · microfiber blot · full air-dry
Week 4
Edge refresh · check tension at the nape
Week 6–8
Book your takedown before you need it
From the Chair
“The guests whose hair thrives between visits are the ones with the smallest, most consistent habits. Silk scarf. Light oil. A glass of water. That's the whole secret.”
— Luna · Co-Founder
Common Questions
While we're on the subject…
Can I work out with braids?+
Yes — just rinse the scalp with cool water afterward and air-dry fully. Sweat left to sit is what causes itch and odor.
What about swimming?+
Wet the braids in fresh water before getting in (so they absorb less chlorine), wear a silicone cap if possible, and rinse thoroughly after.
Is mousse really necessary on edges?+
Necessary, no. But a soft-brushed edge — not a sticky one — is what separates a polished look from a rushed one.
In Other Words
A small glossary
- Precision bottle
- A narrow-tip applicator that delivers product directly to the scalp without coating the braids.
- Microfiber blot
- Pressing — never rubbing — with a soft towel to remove water without creating frizz.
- Edge mousse
- A light, flexible foam designed to lay baby hairs without flake or crunch.
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