Can You Wash Your Hair With Braids? We Asked Protective Style Experts to Weigh In

Depending on the style you want, getting your hair braided can take four to eight hours. After sitting in the salon for what feels like a day's work, keeping your braids looking their best for as long as possible is a top priority. For some, this can mean avoiding washing their hair and scalp for weeks.

However, while many of us tend to skip wash day while wearing cornrows or knotless braids, we wanted to know if that's the best approach to protective style maintenance. Ahead, a trichologist and a hairstylist answer the burning question: "Can you wash your hair with braids?" Read their insights below.

Should You Wash Your Braids?

Many people avoid shampooing and submerging their braids in water to keep them fresh for weeks. However, Blakely says that prolonged time without cleansing the hair and scalp can be problematic and encourages those wearing protective styles to refresh their hair.

"Cleansing the hair and scalp while wearing braids is crucial because dirt, oil, and product buildup can accumulate, leading to itching, irritation, and even bacterial or fungal infections," she shares. "Proper cleansing using clarifying shampoos also promotes healthy hair growth by maintaining a clean and balanced scalp environment."

In addition to keeping the scalp free of buildup, Blakely says that cleansing the hair allows moisturizing products to penetrate the hair shaft effectively, which is super important as coiler hair can become dry in braids over time.

How Often Should You Wash Your Braids?

You can keep your braids installed for four to six weeks, depending on the style. Still, Sims says he wouldn't recommend going for four weeks without washing your scalp or hair. "I'd recommend washing once every two weeks or so to keep your scalp healthy," he explains. "You should really focus the cleanser on the scalp rather than the braids themselves."

How to Wash Your Braids

Washing braids is much like washing your hair when it isn't in a protective style—it's just a little more tedious.

1. First, our experts say to start with a clarifying shampoo, applying it directly to the scalp and gently working it through with the pads of your fingers. TPH By Taraji Master Cleanse Scalp Shampoo and Hydrating Hair Rinse ($16) is an excellent option because the bottle is designed with a tri-touch applicator and made with scalp soothing ingredients like witch hazel, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil.
2. Once you've cleansed your scalp, focus on applying conditioner down the length of your braids. Sims recommends diluting your conditioner with water to help it rinse out easily and avoid product buildup. Consider using moisturizing, lightweight formulas like Sienna Naturals Untangled Conditioner ($32) or Ranavat Regenerative Veda Bond Repair Conditioner ($48).
3. After rinsing out your conditioner, Sims recommends applying a targeted scalp treatment like Flawless Scalp Soothing Tonic ($11) to soothe your scalp and prevent irritation. To wrap up your wash day, mist your braids with a leave-in conditioner spray like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner ($26) or Mielle Organics' White Peony Leave-In Conditioner ($10). Use a lightweight oil like Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil ($44) on your ends for added moisture and shine.

How to Dry Your Braids

Ensuring your braids are dried thoroughly is essential because leaving your scalp damp can create an environment for fungal and bacterial growth, according to Blakely. To avoid this, Sims says to gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel (or cotton t-shirt). We recommend using the Cozy Earth Waffle Hair Towel ($60) or OurX Volo Super Hero XL Hair Towel ($54). After towel drying, if you have ample time, you can let your braids air dry completely before styling or re-braiding.

If you want to speed up the drying process, use a handheld blow dryer or sit under a hooded dryer on a low heat setting. Innovative drying tools like the RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer ($339) are also great for long braided styles.

The Final Takeaway

While braids give us a break from day-to-day styling, it's still essential to maintain a proper cleansing routine. According to our experts, washing your hair while it is in a protective style ensures that your scalp is balanced and free of buildup that can cause itchiness or infections. Using a tailored scalp cleanser, easy-to-rinse conditioner, and lightweight (yet moisturizing) leave-in products will ensure your hair and scalp feel healthy and hydrated while your braids are installed.