STYLE GUIDE 2013: How To Hydrate Your Braided Extensions!
By Delaina Dixon | January 17, 2013 | Entertainment, Lifestyle
TV DivaGal here, with a STYLE GUIDE 2013! My naturally kinky hair is already dry, and those drying properties are doubled when I add in my beloved braided human hair extensions and trek out into the cold weather. Here are my secrets to super-hydrated hair in 2013!
It’s important to stimulate the scalp when you have braided extensions since you’re not combing through your tresses every day. I turn to Lou Ana Pure Coconut Oil, which is a natural, inexpensive stimulant that works wonders. I smear a small dollop on my fingers and massage them in small circular motions all over my scalp for up to five minutes. Getting that blood circulating brings much-need nutrients to my hair follicles. An added bonus is that I’m left in a Zen-like state!
You want to avoid heavy pomades when wearing human hair extensions as they can loosen your added hair and make your braids slip out. I reach for a bottle of Optimum 6-in-1 Miracle Oil instead. It’s a restorative mix of sunflower, apricot, jojoba and other natural ingredients. I smooth it down my hair from my natural root to my extension end. It’s lightweight, doesn’t weigh your hair down and has a faint nutty smell that lasts all day.
When you’re wearing braided extensions, a liquid leave-in conditioner is key, as it will moisturize your hair without leaving nasty build up. Try Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner. It has all the good stuff, like Aloe leaf juice and pro-vitamin B5 to help moisturize, strengthen and fortify your strands, and the fragrance is divine. After washing your hair, spray the leave-in conditioner evenly across your braids, from your natural hair root to where your natural hair ends within the braid. Sit under a hooded or bonnet dryer for 20 minutes to allow your braids to dry thoroughly. I like to roll my extensions in perm rod rollers or bendy curlers before I slip under the dryer to give my hair major definition. Stock up on an assortment of sizes so you can create cute little curls or super sexy waves.
If you do give in to the curling iron, make sure you treat your extended tresses so they don’t dry out too quickly. Spray a heat protectant on your strands before you add direct heat. I love Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect Iron Spray, which guards your hair from heat up to 450 degrees.
Now go out and rock your hydrated tresses all over 2013!
