Are you ready to create stunning crisscross braids that will turn heads? Achieving this intricate hairstyle may seem challenging, but with the right products and techniques, you can master the perfect look.
This blog post will explore the essential items you need to make and maintain beautiful crisscross braids.
From choosing the best hair extensions to using the right moisturizing products, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your braids looking fresh and fabulous.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned braider, this guide will provide valuable tips and tricks for improving your braiding skills.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to creating and caring for stunning crisscross braids that will make you the envy of everyone around you.
Products Used in the Preparation of Hair
1. Shampoo Recommendation: Afrocenchix Swish Shampoo
When selecting a shampoo for your pre-braiding routine, opt for a lightweight, sulfate-free formula like the Afrocenchix Swish Shampoo.
This shampoo helps prevent build-up, maintains scalp health, and ensures that your hair remains light and voluminous, which is ideal for braiding.
Sulfate-free shampoos are gentle on hair and don’t strip away natural oils, keeping locks moisturized and ready for styling.
Application Tips:
To properly shampoo your hair before braiding, use lukewarm water and gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips.
This stimulates blood flow and helps remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your hair, ensuring no residue is left behind, as this can lead to itching and flaking once your braids are installed.
2. Conditioner Recommendation: Imbue Coil Rejoicing Leave-in Conditioner
A moisturizing conditioner like the Imbue Coil Rejoicing Leave-in Conditioner is a must-have for your pre-braiding routine.
This product helps detangle and smooth hair fibers, making braiding easier and producing neater, more uniform braids.
The conditioner’s key ingredients, such as coconut oil, provide much-needed hydration and strength to your hair, helping to prevent breakage during the braiding process.
Application Tips:
Apply your leave-in conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the ends and using less product on the roots to avoid greasiness.
Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly throughout your hair, ensuring each strand is coated and protected.
3. Pre-Braiding Hair Care Tips
To further minimize frizz and maintain the health of your hair, consider drying your locks with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt instead of rough towels.
Letting your hair dry completely before braiding is crucial to prevent any mildew smell or scalp issues from braiding damp hair.
4. Advanced Preparations
For those looking to improve their pre-braiding hair care, consider incorporating deep conditioning masks or protein treatments into their routine a few days before braiding.
These treatments are especially beneficial for those with damaged or very dry hair. They help restore moisture and strength, ensuring that hair is in optimal condition for braiding.
Hair Sectioning and Base Preparation Products
1. Gel Recommendation: Red One Black Aqua Hair Gel Wax
When choosing a gel for your crisscross braids, look for a no-flake formula like the Red One Black Aqua Hair Gel Wax.
This gel maintains a clean look without leaving any residue and provides a strong hold without making your hair stiff.
A high-quality gel will enhance the ease of parting and positioning your hair for intricate braiding styles, ensuring each section stays in place throughout the braiding process.
Application Tips:
To apply gel effectively, use only a small amount on the roots or the sectioned parts to avoid build-up. A rat-tail comb can help you distribute the gel evenly, ensuring that each section is coated.
Allow the gel to set slightly before braiding, providing a better grip and smoothening the braiding process.
2. Edge Control Recommendation: Ruka’s Hold Me Down Edge Gel
Edge control is essential for creating polished, sharp hairlines and keeping flyaways at bay. Well-defined edges will elevate your crisscross braids, giving them a professional, finished look.
A product with a smooth and creamy texture, like Ruka’s Hold Me Down Edge Gel, will make application easy and provide lasting hold.
Application Tips:
When applying edge control, use your fingertips or a small brush to smooth out the edges gently.
Be careful not to over-apply the product, as this can lead to flaking and an unnatural appearance. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more if needed.
3. Additional Tips for Base Preparation
To prepare your hair for braiding, consider cleaning your scalp with a cotton swab dipped in witch hazel or alcohol.
This will remove any oil build-up at the base of each section, allowing the gel and edge control to adhere better and last longer.
Products to Be Used in The Braiding Process
1. Recommendation: High-quality Synthetic or Human Hair Extensions
Opt for high-quality synthetic or human hair when selecting hair extensions for your crisscross braids.
These premium extensions offer several benefits, such as a more natural appearance, increased durability, and reduced tangling and frizz.
Choose extensions that closely match your natural hair texture to ensure a seamless blend, creating a cohesive and polished look.
Application Tips:
If using synthetic hair, soak the extensions in apple cider vinegar before braiding to remove any alkaline residue, which can cause irritation or dryness.
When integrating the extensions into your natural hair, be gentle and avoid creating excessive tension, which can lead to damage and breakage.
2. Recommendation: Durable, Oil-Soaked Elastic Bands
These bands help reduce hair breakage and friction, maintaining hair’s integrity and ensuring a secure hold without slipping.
By minimizing damage and keeping your braids in place, oil-soaked elastic bands contribute to your crisscross braids’ longevity and neat appearance.
Application Tips:
When using elastic bands, be mindful of the tension you apply. Secure each section without pulling too tightly, which can cause discomfort, headaches, and scalp stress.
As you wear your braids over an extended period, replace the elastic bands regularly to maintain a fresh look and prevent any damage caused by worn-out bands.
Scalp Care and Hair Maintenance Products
1. Recommendation: Jamila Natural Style Cares Cool Scalp Freshener
Products like the Jamila Natural Style Cares Cool Scalp Freshener help remove dirt, reduce itchiness, and provide a soothing, cooling sensation to the scalp.
Keeping your scalp clean and comfortable promotes overall health and ensures your braids remain fresh and irritation-free.
Application Tips:
To effectively use a scalp freshener, spray it directly onto your scalp between the braids, targeting any areas that feel itchy or uncomfortable.
Use the freshener after washing your hair or whenever your scalp needs a refreshing boost. Gently massage the product into your scalp to promote better absorption and circulation.
2. Moisturizing Sprays Recommendation: BRX Braid and Extensions Sheen Spray
Using a moisturizing spray like the BRX Braid and Extensions Sheen Spray helps hydrate your hair, adds shine, and controls frizz.
Regularly applying a moisturizing spray can enhance the overall look of your crisscross braids and keep your hair healthy.
Application Tips:
When applying a moisturizing spray, distribute the product evenly across your braids, focusing on the roots and the lengths.
Avoid oversaturating your hair, which can lead to buildup or weightlessness. Use the spray to maintain a fresh, polished look without overloading your braids with the product.
3. Oil Recommendation: Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Oils like the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil help nourish the scalp, promote healthy hair growth, and strengthen hair follicles.
The rosemary and mint in this particular oil are known for their stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe scalp irritation and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
Application Tips:
To apply oil to your scalp, use a dropper to distribute the product directly onto your scalp, targeting the areas between your braids.
Gently massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips, promoting circulation and allowing the oil to penetrate.
If desired, you can also apply a small amount of oil to the lengths of your braids to keep them looking sleek and moisturized and prevent dry or frayed ends.
Night Care Products For Braids Maintenance
1. Product Recommendation: Kitsch’s Satin Sleep XL Adjustable Bonnet
A silk or satin bonnet or scarf is highly recommended when protecting your braids at night.
These materials offer several benefits, such as retaining moisture in your hair, minimizing breakage and frizz, and keeping your braids neat while you sleep.
Unlike cotton, which can absorb the natural oils from your hair and cause friction, silk, and satin allow your braids to glide smoothly, reducing the risk of damage and preserving their style.
How to Use Silk/Satin Bonnets or Scarves:
To effectively wear a silk or satin bonnet or scarf, gather your braids together and gently wrap them comfortably and securely.
Ensure that all your braids are tucked inside the bonnet or scarf, and adjust it to fit snugly without being too tight.
Care Instructions for Silk/Satin Bonnets or Scarves:
Wash your silk or satin bonnet or scarf regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
This will help keep the material clean and free from any product buildup or oils that may accumulate over time.
Regular washing will also help preserve the protective qualities of the silk or satin, ensuring that your braids continue to benefit from their use.
2. Additional Night Care Tips: Silk/Satin Pillowcase
Another option is to use a silk or satin pillowcase with your bonnet or scarf. This added measure can further reduce friction and maintain the health of your hair, especially if your bonnet or scarf tends to slip off during the night.
A silk or satin pillowcase can help minimize damage and keep your style looking its best by providing a smooth, gentle surface for your braids to rest on.
Everyday Refresh and Styling Products
1. Recommendation: Ampro Shine N Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse
Using a light to medium hold mousse, like the Ampro Shine N Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse, can provide numerous benefits for your crisscross braids.
This mousse offers hold without making your braids stiff or crunchy, helping to reduce flyaways and add definition to your braid pattern.
Applying mousse to your braids can enhance their overall appearance, making them look more polished and intact throughout the day.
Application Tips:
Dispense a small amount onto your palms to apply mousse to your crisscross braids. Rub your hands together to distribute the product evenly, then gently pat the mousse onto your braids.
Be careful not to disrupt the braid pattern as you apply the mousse. Focus on covering the entire length of your braids, ensuring that each braid receives a light coating of the product for optimal hold and shine.
2. Recommendation: Daily Hydrating and Refreshing Spray
Incorporating a refreshing spray into your daily braid maintenance routine can help revitalize your braids and scalp.
When wearing protective styles, these sprays provide a burst of moisture, reducing potential itchiness or dryness.
Application Tips:
To use a refreshing spray effectively, hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from your head and spray evenly across your braids and scalp.
Focus on areas that tend to dry out more quickly, such as the ends of your braids or the crown of your head.
The best times to use a refreshing spray are in the morning to help revive your braids after a night’s sleep and throughout the day as needed, whenever your braids or scalp feel dry or in need of a moisture boost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, perfect crisscross braids require the right products, techniques, and maintenance.
Following the tips and recommendations outlined in this guide, you can create a stunning, long-lasting protective style that keeps your hair healthy and looking its best.
Remember to prioritize scalp care, moisturization, and regular refreshing to prevent common issues like itching and frizz.
Invest in high-quality tools and products, such as satin bonnets, lightweight oils, and nourishing sprays, to ensure your braids remain vibrant and well-maintained.
With dedication and proper care, your crisscross braids will be the envy of all. So, embrace your creativity, experiment with different styling options, and enjoy the confidence of rocking this beautiful, protective hairstyle. Your journey to flawless crisscross braids starts now!
