Okay, so you booked your braids appointment. Maybe it’s with your favorite stylist, maybe it’s with someone new that your friend swears is “so good and fast” (which, let’s be real, probably means you’ll be in that chair for at least six hours).
But here’s the thing no one really tells you loud enough: prepping your hair before braiding can either make the whole process smooth and satisfying… or a tangled, flaky, itchy disaster just waiting to happen.
So if you’re wondering how to get your hair for braiding ready the right way, pull up a chair. This is your chill, non-judgy, slightly chaotic guide — from one braid-loving human to another.
First things first: Take that old style out properly
Let’s start at the top — if you’re taking out an old style (box braids, knotless, cornrows, whatever), don’t just yank and pray.
I once got lazy and cut what I thought was the extension hair… ended up chopping off like 2 inches of my own. Rookie move.
Use a spray bottle with water + conditioner to soften buildup, work in small sections, and actually detangle before you wash. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not crying into a wide-tooth comb.
Wash. Your. Hair. (Yes, even if you just washed it last week)
I get it. Wash day is a whole thing. But showing up with dirty hair for a protective style is like going camping with a suitcase full of snacks but no water. It just makes no sense.
Use a clarifying shampoo to really clean the scalp. You want all that gunk, old gel, edge control, and sweat buildup outta there. Especially if you wore a slick bun or ponytail — that buildup loves to hide in your roots.
And no, co-washing isn’t enough for this one. You need that squeaky clean base before adding any new hair for braiding on top.
Deep condition like your strands depend on it (because they do)
After shampooing, your hair is clean… but also probably dry as heck. Give it some love with a deep conditioner or a hair mask. Let it sit for 20–30 mins — put on a plastic cap, wrap it in a towel, whatever you gotta do.
Why? Because braids = long-term commitment. Once your hair is tucked away, it’s not getting daily moisture the same way. So now’s the time to pack in the hydration.
Pro tip: Focus on your ends. That’s the oldest, most fragile part of your hair, and the first to snap if it’s dry under braids.
Stretch it out (unless you want arm day to turn into arm week)
Now here’s where things get controversial. Blow dry or no?
Personally? I say go ahead and stretch your hair — whether that’s via blow dryer, banding, or twists. Not for the “straight look,” but because it makes parting, braiding, and detangling 100x easier.
I tried braiding on wet, shrunken hair once and whew… I felt like I was fighting with a cloud. Never again.
Just be gentle if you use heat. Keep it on low or medium, and use a heat protectant. We’re not here to fry curls — just make them manageable.
Oil your scalp (but don’t grease it like a frying pan)
This is one of those things people overdo.
Yes, oil is good. Your scalp needs a little something to stay healthy under a protective style. But too much oil = buildup = flakes = itchiness. Which turns into you slapping your head in public like you’re trying to kill a mosquito.
Use something lightweight — like jojoba or tea tree oil — and apply a small amount right after washing and conditioning. You’re sealing in moisture, not starting a grill.
Trim those ends (if it’s been a while)
Okay, hot take: if your ends are looking scraggly, just snip ’em. Braiding over split ends doesn’t protect them — it just hides them while they keep getting worse.
You don’t need a salon trim. A clean dusting at home can do the trick. And your braids will look neater, lay better, and last longer.
Prep your braiding hair too
Yes, even synthetic hair needs a little TLC sometimes.
If you’re using cheaper brands, you may want to do an ACV rinse to get rid of the alkaline coating that causes itching. If you’re using high-quality, pre-stretched hair like the kind from New Village Braid, you’re already ahead of the game — it’s tangle-free, soft, and itch-free out of the pack.
Some stylists provide the hair, some don’t. Either way, knowing what’s going on your head = power.
Final checklist before your braids go in:
- Clean scalp, free of buildup
- Moisturized, detangled strands
- Trimmed ends
- Stretched hair for easier parting
- High-quality, pre-stretched hair for braiding ready to go
- Snacks packed (because it’s gonna be a long sit)
- Phone charged + playlist downloaded
One last thing — give your hair a pep talk
No seriously. Talk to your hair. Thank it for being patient. Apologize for all the rough detangling sessions. Promise to oil your scalp at least once a week while your braids are in.
Because if you show your hair love before the braids, it’ll return the favor after.
And when you finally take those braids down and your hair is soft, healthy, and still holding moisture? That’s how you know you did it right.