If you’re anything like me at all then you’ll find that when you’re making that transition to all natural hair (or even when you’ve been there a while) you want to switch things up a little and come out with a different look.When that feeling moves us, most of us turn to either braids or weaves. These looks are great because they’re so flexible. You can go all out with waist skimming extensions or rock cornrows, micro braids or even faux locs. Whatever suits your pocket, mood or lifestyle. None of these styles last forever though, and a common complaint is how badly hair gets damaged once the extensions (and I’m using that term to include braids as well here) have been removed.

Today I’m going to share with you a step-by-step process that’ll ensure you get rid of those extensions with minimal damage to your hair. Y’all can thank me later!

First up is understanding why your hair ends up damaged.  For up to 4 months (don’t shake your head, you know you’ve kept them in that long before!) your hair has been braided. In that time, your hair has matted together and is, most likely, pretty dry. So before you remove your extensions, you need to return some moisture to that hair so that when you do take the extensions out, your hair doesn’t break.

If you’re following this and you’ve got a weave, then cut the weave out but don’t undo the cornrows yet.

Now you’re good to go:

1.    Saturate the roots of your hair and the braids with something moisturising that will soften your hair and make it easier to detangle. I suggest No More Knots which has enough moisture and oils in it to loosen even the most stubborn tangles!

2.      Pop on a Conditioning Cap and let the product work with your body’s natural heat to soften up your hair. Leave on overnight if you want it to really work.

3.       Next day, undo the braids. You can spray No More Knots as you go if needed.

Whatever you do, do not try to shampoo your hair until it is fully detangled or you risk ending up with a big old matted mess!

4.       Remember to comb each braid through to make sure you get rid of every single knot. Try using the Tangle Teezer hair brush. Because it flexes your hair instead of pulling it, you can untangle your hair in a much shorter space of time than you’re used to.

5.       Once your hair is fully unbraided and detangled, it’s time to give it a good wash. After all the tension created by unbraiding, I like to use something that will be gentle on my hair and also soothe my scalp as it cleans. Herbal Peppermint Shampoo fits the bill to a tee.

6.       Finally, give your hair some much needed TLC by deep conditioning it. My personal favourite is Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner. Towel dry your hair (blot, don’t rub!) and work in some conditioner. Pop your Conditioning Cap back on and go and do something else for 20 minutes then come back and give it a final rinse.

7.       Dry and style as desired!

If you follow these easy steps then your hair will be back to its natural beauty after extensions in no time at all – and without any beastly damage!

 

Going Natural Hair Care for Black Women, African American Men and Children