Saturday Braid Takedown: How to Take Down Braids Without Losing Your Length
Your braids served you well. Now it is Saturday, and they are coming down. Takedown day can be long, but rushing it is how a lot of people lose length they worked hard to keep. Here is a simple routine to take your braids down gently and get your hair ready for what is next.
LEAD Barber & Salon Supply is Black-owned. For us, by us. Shop at LEADBLACKS.COM. No invented prices here. Check current price on each product page.
1. Set up your space
Put on a show or some music, grab a wide-tooth comb, clips, and small scissors, and give yourself time. Takedown is not a 20-minute job, so plan for it.
2. Work in small sections
Clip most of your hair out of the way and take down one braid at a time. If you trim the extension hair to speed things up, cut well below where your own hair ends. When in doubt, cut lower.
3. Add slip as you go
Dry, matted hair at the root is where tangles and breakage happen. Spray the base of each braid with something that adds slip. A braid remover like Jamaican Mango & Lime Braid & Twist Remover or a detangler like Taliah Waajid Great Detangler helps the hair release instead of snapping. Follow each product's label.
4. Do not panic about the shed hair
You will see hair come out, and that can be scary. Some of it is hair you naturally shed over the weeks your braids were in. It had nowhere to go, so it stayed trapped in the braid. Gently remove that buildup at the root with your fingers before you comb.
5. Detangle before you wash
Do not jump straight into the shower. Water on matted hair can tighten tangles. Finger-detangle each section, then use a wide-tooth comb from the ends up to the root. Twist or braid each detangled section loosely so it stays that way.
6. Wash gently, then deep condition
Wash in those loose sections, focusing on your scalp. Then give your hair a deep conditioning treatment with a masque like Every Strand Shea & Coco Deep Moisture Hair Masque. After weeks in a protective style, your hair will be thirsty.
7. Seal and rest
After your leave-in, seal your ends with a few drops of oil, like Camille Rose Batana Oil. Many people give their hair a short break before the next protective style. Use it to moisturize and check your ends.
Taking down a child's braids?
Same steps, more patience. Use plenty of detangler, take breaks, and let them pick the show. Praise goes a long way.
Find detanglers, masques, oils, and more in Hair Care.
Braid takedown check list
- Time set aside and tools ready
- Small sections, cutting extensions well below your own hair
- Slip added at the base of each braid
- Shed buildup removed gently
- Detangled before washing
- Gentle wash and deep condition
- Ends sealed
FAQ
How do I take down braids without losing a lot of hair?
Go slow, work in small sections, and add slip with a braid remover, a detangler, or a little oil. Seeing some shed hair is normal after braids, since hair you naturally shed stays trapped in the braid.
Should I wash my hair right after taking down braids?
Detangle first, then wash. Washing matted hair can make tangles worse. Once it is detangled, wash gently and follow with a deep conditioner.
How long should I wait before getting braids again?
Many people give their hair and scalp a short break between protective styles. Use that time to moisturize, deep condition, and check your ends.
Can kids use the same takedown routine?
Yes, with extra patience. Use a kid-friendly detangler, take breaks, and put on a show so the time goes by faster.
Questions? Email info@leadblacks.com or call or text (470) 646-9473.
