The Ultimate Braid Care Guide: Expert Tips from Anastatia

Great braids begin long before your appointment. According to Anastasia, braids are a protective style, but they're only as healthy as the preparation and aftercare that comes with them. They aren't meant to "fix" damaged hair, they're a tool to help manage and protect your natural hair when installed correctly.

Before your appointment, Anastasia recommends starting with clean hair and a healthy scalp. If your stylist isn't washing your hair, she suggests detangling before washing using a pre-wash treatment or conditioner, followed by the right shampoo for your hair's needs and a moisturizing conditioner. Stretching your hair according to your stylist's recommendation can also help prepare it for installation.

For first - time clients, Anastasia also recommends booking a consultation before your appointment. It's an opportunity to discuss your hair's current condition, your lifestyle, and your maintenance routine so you can choose a braid style that works best for you, not just one that's trending.

With so many braid styles, lengths, and colours to choose from, it's easy to focus on what's trending. But according to Anastatia, choosing the right braid style starts with understanding your hair and your lifestyle.

When helping clients decide, she considers more than just appearance. She asks how long they want to wear their braids, whether they're looking for a low-maintenance style, if they wear their hair up often, and what their daily routine looks like. She also looks at factors like face shape, hair density, and the fullness they're hoping to achieve.

Anastasia reminds clients that the trendiest style isn't always the best fit and that's okay. Her goal is to recommend a style that not only looks beautiful but also protects the client's natural hair and complements their everyday life. When installed correctly and cared for properly, braids can be an excellent protective style that helps minimize daily manipulation without compromising the health of your natural hair.

When it comes to braids, there's no shortage of advice but not all of it is true. One of the biggest myths Anastasia hears is that tighter braids last longer. In reality, she says braids should feel secure, not painful. While it's normal for them to feel slightly snug on the first day, headaches, excessive tenderness, bumps, or pain are signs that the braids are too tight. She encourages clients to speak up during their appointment if something doesn't feel right, because protecting your natural hair should never come at the expense of your comfort.

Another question she hears more often is about water resistant and water repellent braiding hair. Anastasia explains that these fibres are designed to absorb less water than traditional synthetic braiding hair, allowing them to dry faster after washing, swimming, or working out. They can be a great option for people with active lifestyles, frequent travellers, or anyone looking for a style that stays fresh and comfortable between appointments.

She also clears up a common misconception: water resistant braiding hair can still be sealed with hot water to secure the ends. For Anastatia, the goal is always the same, choosing the right techniques and materials to create braids that are comfortable, practical, and supportive of healthy natural hair.