Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Il-ham B
Winter is here and so is my go-to winter natural hair protective style. For as far as I can remember, my mom has braided my hair almost every winter since I’ve been in Canada. Even when relaxed, I either got box braids or a sew-in. Rocking a box braids hairstyle has always been my way of giving myself a break and my hair some rest from being constantly manipulated.
One of the benefits of protective styles such as box braids is that they limit the stress from harsh environmental factors. Especially when it comes to the dry and cold winter temperatures. This helps keep your ends tucked away by preventing constant tugging, pulling, and friction. In turn, it aids stimulate growth, retains length, and minimizes breakage, when taken care of.
For me, the best part about wearing box braids as a protective style is that you save so much time in the morning. This low manipulation, stress-free hairstyle allows you the freedom to up and go. Because of its versatility, you don’t have to think too hard about how to style your hair at any given point. Plus, you effortlessly look good without trying. That’s always a win!
Before installing box braids
Here are a few things I do before I get my hair braided:
- Shampoo
- Deep-condition
- Blowout
- Moisturize
These four steps are essential in making sure that your hair is healthy for the duration of the time you plan on keeping this hairstyle in. I typically keep my box braids in for 8-10 weeks which might be a long time for some or until I get bored with them. The recommended time frame is 6-8 weeks. So, do what works for you. Additionally, depending on the length and size, my braids usually take about 6-8hrs to complete. Keep in mind that my mom does my braids, so we do tend to take a few breaks in between a hair stylist might take less time.
How I maintain my box braids
While my hair is braided, I make sure I spray my scalp with a mixture of:
- Aloe Vera juice
- Fenugreek Tea (Optional)
- Rose Water
- Tea tree essential oil (few drops)
- Rosehip essential oil (few drops)
I spray this mixture on my scalp a few times a (2x to 4x) week. The Aloe vera juice and rose water help with moisture. The tea tree oil helps with any build-up and clears blocked pores. While fenugreek tea and rosehip oil aid in stimulating growth. Further, I also spray my box braids with a mixture of water, aloe vera juice, and rose water. I then seal my braids (up to the length of my hair) with moisturizing oil. Moreover, I wash my hair 2X while it’s in braids. Once at the 4 weeks mark and a second time at the 8 weeks mark.
Reminder: Protective styling does not mean you neglect your hair while it is tucked away.
The I.B Files
About this box braids hairstyle
This year, I decided to be slightly more adventurous with my braids. In terms of color, I usually opt for a natural 1B color. There is just something about long black box braids I just love. But not this winter. I wanted to do something different, and I was a little scared about how it was going to turn out, but I do not regret it one bit. I’ve always wanted to try a lighter/ brighter shade when it comes to my but too chicken to dye my hair. I figured the next best thing is to add some color to my braids.
So! I got 2 packs of 1B, 1 pack of color 27, and a pack of color 30. This makes a total of 4 packs of X-pressions Kanekalon braiding hair. Those colors mixed are how I achieved the style in this blog post. Even though I tried this color combo in the winter, I think these colors will look great for a summer box braids hairstyle.
Related Posts
ROSE WATER – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ALOE VERA – AMAZING FOR YOUR HAIR AND SKIN
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PENETRATING OILS VS SEALING OILS
Lastly, you should wrap your box braids at night even when your hair is in a protective style. Your pillowcases can still cause friction. Also, don’t forget to oil your scalp as needed. I hope this blog post was informative and that you’ve learned a thing or two on how to care for your box braids hairstyle. Let me know your go-to protective style during the cold winter months or at anything during the year. Leave your comments below, I would love to read them.
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