As someone who loves to rock a variety of braided hairstyles, I know firsthand how much effort it takes to maintain beautiful braids. Getting your hair braided in intricate styles like goddess faux locs or small knotless braids requires hours in the stylist’s chair and a hefty price tag. That’s why braided wigs have become my new obsession! Braided wigs allow me to switch up my look with ease while giving my natural hair a break.

But just like natural braids, braided wigs require some TLC to keep them looking fresh. After testing out various care techniques, I’ve discovered some crucial maintenance tips to keep your braided wig slayed. Follow my advice on washing, storing, and styling your beloved braided wig to maximize its lifespan and beauty!

 The Basics: Handling Your Braided Wig with Care

A braided wig is a big investment, so you’ll want to care for it properly to get your money’s worth. Here are some essential handling tips:

– Avoid excessive pulling or brushing. Braided hair is delicate! Handle your wig gently to prevent frizz and shedding.

– Don’t sleep in your wig! Always remove it before bed to avoid matting. Tie your wig in a loose braid or bun before storing to minimize tangling.

– Watch out for snags and tangles. Carefully detangle any knots using a wide-tooth comb, working from the ens up to avoid breakage. Never rip knots out!

– Limit sun and heat exposure. Direct sunlight and heat tools can dry out and damage delicate braided strands.

By babying your braided wig, you’ll keep it looking fab for as long as possible! Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of wig maintenance.

Washing Basics for Braided Wigs

To keep your braided wig fresh, you’ll need to wash it regularly. How often you wash depends on how frequently you wear it and your activity levels. For casual everyday wear, aim to shampoo once every 2-3 weeks. Those who perform physical activity or wear their wig daily may need to cleanse as often as every 7-10 days.

 Here are my top tips for successfully washing braided wigs:

– Detangle first! Gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb before washing to prevent more knots from forming.

– Fill a sink or basin with cool water and mix in a teaspoon of mild shampoo. Swish gently to create suds.

– Submerge your wig and let it soak for 2-3 minutes so the shampoo penetrates the fibers.

– Rinse until the water runs clear. No shampoo remnants should remain.

– Apply a quarter-size amount of conditioner halfway down the length of the hair, avoiding the roots.

– Rinse thoroughly until all conditioner is gone. Remaining product will cause buildup.

– Pat dry with an old t-shirt or microfiber towel. Air dry the wig on a stand overnight.

Repeat this process whenever your braided wig needs freshening up!

 Conditioning Your Braids

Regular conditioning is also essential for keeping braided wigs soft, shiny, and tangle-free. Here are some of my favorite conditioning methods:

– Apply a quarter-size amount of silicone-free conditioner to the length of your dry wig and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

– Mist hair with a leave-in conditioner spray made for synthetic fibers. This helps refresh wigs between washes.

– Massage a few drops of argan or jojoba oil into the hair overnight. The oils hydrate hair and reduce friction.

– For extra conditioning, create a hot oil treatment by microwaving coconut or olive oil for 15 seconds and applying to hair.

– Always rinse out oils and conditioners thoroughly to prevent product buildup over time.

Proper conditioning leaves your braids silky smooth and celestial! Now let’s talk about key products for braided wig maintenance.

Must-Have Products for Braid Care

Having the right products on hand makes caring for your braided wig much easier! Here are some of my haircare holy grails:

– A sulfate-free shampoo designed for synthetic fibers gently cleanses without drying.

– A moisturizing conditioner or leave-in treatment specially formulated for braided styles nourishes hair.

– A detangling spray with slip helps comb through knots and tangles without ripping or tugging.

– A boar bristle brush smoothly glides over braids, distributing oils from roots to ends.

– Styling products like mousse, gel, or pomade neaten hairlines and control flyaways.

– Edge control tames baby hairs along the forehead and nape for a sleek finish.

– A bonnet or silk scarf prevents friction that can frizz braids while sleeping.

Stock up on these braid care MVPs for the easiest maintenance regimen!

Protective Styling & Low Manipulation

To keep your high-maintenance braids pristine, it’s smart to avoid over-handling and excessive restyling. Here are some protective styling techniques:

– Tuck hair into a loose bun or braid when sleeping or working out to avoid friction.

– Switch up your part or pull back braids into a ponytail to give areas a rest.

– Use spin pins or bobby pins to gently secure braids off your neck and face. No need to redo whole style.

– Set your wig on a mannequin stand when not in use to maintain the shape and pattern.

– Wait as long as possible between taking down and reinstalling your wig, at least 4-6 weeks.

Giving your braids a break from manipulation will maximize their longevity. Now let’s go over how to revamp your style.

Taking Down Braids with Care

After weeks or months of wear, it will eventually be time to take down your braided wig and give your natural hair some TLC. Here’s how to remove braids properly:

– Start by detangling the ends of your braids with a brush or comb.

– Dampen hair slightly with a mix of leave-in conditioner and water to reduce friction.

– apply hair oil to the braid strands. This lubricates the hair, minimizing snapping.

– Patiently unravel each braid slowly and gently from tip to root. Avoid yanking!

– Use seamless combs or your fingers to detangle and separate your natural hair.

– Deep condition and trim split ends if needed after braid removal.

Taking your time to gently unwind each braid prevents traumatic breakage. Your patience will pay off in healthier natural hair!

Now, let’s talk about the different braided styles you can rock with your wig. One of my personal favorites is the versatility of small knotless braids. These braids offer a natural and lightweight look, perfect for everyday wear. With small sections of hair gradually transitioning into braids, they provide a seamless and trendy style. Whether you’re going for a boho-chic vibe or a classic elegance, small knotless braids are a fantastic choice.

 What’s better, human hair or synthetic wig braids?

It depends on your preferences! Human hair offers a very natural look and feel, but requires more styling and can be pricier. Synthetic fibers have improved greatly in realism while being lower maintenance and more affordable.

Should I remove my wig to sleep and shower?

Absolutely! Leaving your wig on too long can cause buildup, matting, and even hair damage or loss. Allow your scalp to breathe and hair to fully dry before replacing your wig.

 How do I get my wig braids to lay flat?

Use a toothbrush to gently brush baby hairs back with edge control gel or mousse. Tie down edges with a silk scarf at night. Set braids with foam rollers or flexi rods if needed.

 My wig is tangled! What should I do?

Don’t rip out knots! Carefully detangle from the ends up with leave-in conditioner. Use seamless combs and your fingers to gently separate strands. Prevent tangles by braiding for storage.

 When should I redo my braided wig?

Plan to redo your install every 4-6 weeks. Leaving braids in too long causes buildup and tension that damages edges. Take the time to care for your natural hair between installs.

How do I blend my leave-out hair with the wig?

Use edge control gel to slick down flyaways and baby hairs around your edges. Concentrate the wig’s elastic band and combs on the sides, not your sensitive nape area. Lightly crimp or curl the leave-out hair to match wig texture.

By now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to care for your braided wig and rock different styles like small knotless braids and butterfly locs. Remember to handle your wig with care, follow the proper washing and conditioning techniques, and store it correctly. With these tips, your braided wig will stay slayed and ready to showcase your unique style!

As you can see, with the right techniques, braided wigs are a dream to maintain! I hope these tips help you keep your fabulous braids dazzling. Flaunt your unique beauty and style with well-cared-for braided wigs!

As I researched the latest styles in braided wigs, I came across the brand FANCIVIVI. After exploring their website, I learned that FANCIVIVI creates quality synthetic braided wigs designed specifically for black women. For trendy and affordable braided wigs, FANCIVIVI emerges as a reliable option worth considering.