How To Maintain Knotless Box Braids

I love knotless box braids! They are painless, super light, and gentle on your edges, which means they don’t cause breakage like regular box braids. Though they do get rusty more quickly than regular box braids, they can last between four to six weeks or more depending on how well I take care of them. Here’s how I maintain knotless box braids using a few products that clean, moisturize, and tame frizz to keep my braids looking neat!

For Scalp Cleansing

Waterless Dry Shampoo Foam

We all know that washing braids with water causes more frizz so instead, I use this dry shampoo by Waterless to cleanse my scalp and remove dirt and build up. Dear Black women, dry shampoo is also your friend! This one is paraben and alcohol free and absorbs instantly without leaving any residue.

If you’re really committed to washing your braids, Creme of Nature’s ACV Rinse is a gentle cleanser that is great for braids and protective styles. Just note that adding water to your hair will make it frizz up even more.

Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Clarifying Scalp (Discontinued)

I do a second cleanse using this product, especially when I’ve gone more than 3 weeks without cleansing. I love the nozzle which makes it easy to apply to the scalp. It helps both clarify and moisturize the scalp, leaving it feeling spick and span!

For Moisture

Textured Press Black Magic Oil

When I have braids in, I focus on moisturizing my scalp since my hair’s natural sebum can’t travel down to my scalp as much. Textured Press is a Black owned company with an amazing Black Magic Oil which not only works as a moisturizer but also a good itch relief product. It is packed with a bunch of essential and hydrating oils like rosehip seed oil, peppermint oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and more.

For Frizz & Edges

Creme of Nature Curl Quench Foaming Mousse

To tame frizz, I use mousse! I part my hair where I’d like it to lay (usually on the side) and generously apply mousse to smooth down frizz.

African Pride Braid Loc & Twist Gel

I’m not usually big on laying down edges, but laid edges make braids look newer, so I use this product for that purpose. Even though I use a lot, it smooths down my edges without leaving any residue or stickiness. After I have brushed everything in, I finish up by tightly tying a silk scarf and leaving it on for about 20 minutes to set my hair in place.