How to fix frizzy french braids

Box braids, cornrows, and other braids are a beautiful, fun, and expressive way to wear your hair. While these styles are pretty low-maintenance, you may be worried about your hair feeling dry, uncomfortable, or frizzy throughout the night. While there’s no instant solution to protect your braids, you can set aside a few minutes each night to keep your hair feeling super nourished and comfortable before you go to bed.

1. 1

   Blot nourishing oils along your braid line before bed.[1] X Expert Source

   
   Patrick Evan
   Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. Go to source Mix 2-3 drops of grapeseed oil, Jamaican black castor oil, and tea tree oil in a small cup. Mix the oils together, then dip your finger into the mixture. Dab it along your hairline where your scalp is exposed, as well as between your braids. As a finishing touch, apply the oil on any visible sections of your scalp beneath your braids. Try to do this on a nightly basis to keep your scalp extra nourished and protected![2] X Research source Go to source
   • This mixture helps nourish your skin and hair, which helps keep your braids healthy and strong throughout the night.
   • You can find these oils at most beauty stores.
   • Ask your hairstylist if they have any product recommendations.[3] X Expert Source
     
     Patrick Evan
     Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. Go to source

2. 2

   Clean your scalp with a cleanser before heading to bed. Pour a grape-sized amount of cleanser onto a cotton ball, then blot the shampoo onto your scalp. Let the cleanser sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cotton ball soaked in warm water. Try to do this every 3 days to keep your braids as strong and healthy as possible.[4] X Research source Go to source

3. 3

   Dab some anti-itch oil on your scalp every 2 days. Soak the surface of a clean cotton ball with anti-itch oil. Dab the mixture onto any exposed areas of your scalp, especially any areas that are irritating or itchy. Try to do this every 2 days to keep your scalp feeling soothed before bed.[6] X Research source Go to source

   • This also prevents you from scratching or picking at your braids, which can damage them.
   • You can find anti-itch oil online, or at most beauty supply stores.
   • Don’t overdo it with this oil—ideally, you want to coat your scalp without soaking your braids.

4. 4

   Spritz your scalp with anti-itch spray and conditioner. Spray the surface of your braids with a soothing, anti-itch conditioner. For extra protection, spritz this product over your scalp, as well. Feel free to use this spray whenever your braids feel a bit dry.[7] X Research source Go to source

   • This spray helps reduce the temptation for you to scratch your braids, which may hurt them.
   • You can find this product online, or at a beauty supply store.

1. 1

   Wrap a scarf around your braids before you go to sleep. Use a large, 40 by 40 in (100 by 100 cm) piece of fabric to completely cover your braids, which can prevent unwanted friction and frizziness in your hair overnight.[8] X Expert Source

   
   Ndeye Anta Niang
   Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider Expert Interview. 10 January 2020. Go to source You can also use a "sock-style" scarf, which goes over your braids like a sock or pillowcase. For this type of scarf, it’s easier to tie your braids over your head before sliding the scarf into place.[9] X Research source Go to source
   • You can find these types of scarves online, or at certain clothing retailers.

   Tip: Don’t tie your hair up into a tight ponytail or bun, as this can put a lot of strain on the edges of your braids. Instead, tie your hair up as loosely as possible.[10] X Research source Go to source

2. 2

   Use a special bandana wrap and scarf if your braids are especially thick and long. If you have 5-6 long, coiled braids, it may hurt and put strain on your scalp to tie them up in a traditional silk scarf. Instead, use a large, square silk scarf with 2 long ties. Place the large square of silk along the back of your neck, then secure the 2 ties on top of your head.[11] X Research source Go to source

   • You can purchase this type of scarf online.
   • If you aren’t sure about the best way to cover your hair, ask your hairstylist for recommendations!

3. 3

   Sleep on a satin pillowcase each night. Visit your local home goods store and look for a satin pillowcase to use instead of a material like cotton. When your braids rub against a cotton pillowcase overnight, they may look frizzy in the morning. Making the switch to satin helps keep your braids looking fresh and beautiful each morning.[12] X Research source Go to source

• What can I do to keep my hair from getting tangled if it isn't braided?

• For the best results, should I use leave-in conditioner or hair oil?

  
  

  Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

  Both have their place. Depending on the client, I will usually recommend one or the other but sometimes both. If you think about skin care, you use a toner and a serum, not necessarily one or the other. The same goes for your hair. Sometimes you need a leave-in conditioner to equalize porosity, and the oil for nourishment.

• Grapeseed oil
• Jamaican black castor oil
• Tea tree oil
• Small cup
• Dry shampoo or cleanser
• Anti-itch oil
• Clean cotton balls
• Anti-itch conditioning spray

• Silk scarf
• Satin pillowcase

Co-authored by:

Professional Hair Stylist

This article was co-authored by Patrick Evan and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Patrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7. This article has been viewed 58,697 times.

Co-authors: 4

Updated: December 15, 2020

Views: 58,697

Article Rating: 84% - 12 votes

Categories: Hair Care | Braids

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 58,697 times.