Are you tired of your braids looking frizzy and unkempt just a few days after getting them done?
Maintaining and styling braided hairstyles can be challenging, especially when keeping your scalp healthy and your braids looking fresh. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share the top 17 must-have products to help you keep your braids looking their best for weeks.
From moisturizing sprays and oils to styling gels and edge control, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to maintain healthy, stylish braids.
Get ready to say goodbye to dry, itchy scalp and hello to beautiful, long-lasting braids.
Cleansing Products
1. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse
What It Does
This cleansing rinse provides a deep clean for your braids and scalp, effectively removing product buildup, dirt, and oil without stripping away essential moisture.
Its powerful formula ensures thoroughly cleansed braids and scalp, promoting a healthy foundation for your protective style.
Why It’s Special
Enriched with nourishing ingredients like Black Castor Oil, this rinse supports scalp health and encourages hair growth.
Black Castor Oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help maintain a balanced scalp environment and prevent irritation or flaking.
How to Use It
- To maximize the benefits of this cleansing rinse, apply it directly to your scalp using the nozzle applicator.
- Gently massage the product into your scalp and along your braids, ensuring even distribution.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water.
2. Creme of Nature Scalp Cleanising Treatment
What It Does
This gentle cleanser is formulated to effectively cleanse your braids and scalp while supporting your natural hair’s moisture barrier.
Its pH-balanced formula respects the delicate nature of your hair, preventing dryness and breakage.
Why It’s Special
Cleanse Plus is suitable for even the most sensitive scalps and is made with natural ingredients like tea tree and neem oil.
These ingredients have antimicrobial properties that help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing itchiness and flaking.
How to Use It
- For best results, apply Cleanse Plus directly to your scalp using the pointed nozzle.
- Part your braids to access your scalp more easily, and squeeze the product along your parting lines.
- Massage the cleanser into your scalp using your fingertips, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
3. AllDay Locks Scalp Oil
What It Does
This oil offers a quick and refreshing solution for nourishing your scalp between washes.
It helps remove excess oil, sweat, and dirt that can accumulate on your scalp, leaving you feeling fresh and cool.
Why It’s Special
AllDay Locks Scalp Oil provides a cooling sensation that soothes itchy, irritated scalps.
Its formula helps reduce discomfort and refreshes braids, making it ideal for sensitive or easily agitated skin.
How to Use It
- To avoid drying out your scalp, apply it in regular interval of weeks.
- Dip a cotton ball into the oil and gently dab it along your scalp, focusing on your parting lines and any areas that feel particularly itchy or uncomfortable.
Moisturizing Products
4. AmPro Vitamin E Oil
What It Does
This nourishing oil keeps your scalp and braids soft, supple, and healthy.
It penetrates deep into the hair shaft, providing essential moisture and nutrients that help prevent dryness and breakage.
Why It’s Special
Enriched with Vitamin E, this oil harnesses the antioxidant properties that protect your hair from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin E also supports healthy scalp circulation, promoting hair growth and overall scalp health.
How to Use It
- To apply AmPro Vitamin E Oil effectively, use the dropper to dispense a small amount of oil onto your fingertips.
- Gently massage the oil into your scalp, focusing on dry or itchy areas.
- Work the remaining oil through your braids, concentrating on the ends.
- Use sparingly to avoid a greasy appearance.
5. Susy OUAI Hair Oil
What It Does
This luxurious oil provides deep moisture to your scalp and braids, rejuvenating and revitalizing your protective style.
Its rich formula soothes dryness, itchiness, and flaking, leaving your scalp feeling nourished and comfortable.
Why It’s Special
Hair by Susy OUAI Hair Oil features a unique blend of 11 oils, including Castor Oil, Peppermint, Lavender, and Tea Tree Oil.
This potent combination works synergistically to moisturize, strengthen, and promote a healthy scalp environment.
How to Use It
- For maximum benefits, warm a small amount of the oil between your palms and massage it gently into your scalp.
- Use your fingertips to work the oil along your braids, ensuring even distribution.
- Allow the oil to absorb fully into your scalp and braids for deep hydration and nourishment.
6. African Pride Moisture Miracle Leave-In Cream
What It Does
This leave-in cream offers daily hydration for your braids, keeping them soft, manageable, and moisturized.
Its lightweight formula won’t weigh down your braids, making it perfect for regular use to maintain the health and appearance of your protective style.
Why It’s Special
Formulated with natural ingredients like Coconut Oil and Baobab Oil, African Pride Moisture Miracle Leave-In Cream deeply moisturizes your hair while helping to prevent moisture loss.
These oils are known for penetrating the hair shaft, delivering nourishment and hydration from within.
How to Use It
- To apply, rub a small amount of the cream between your palms.
- Gently massage the cream into your scalp, ensuring even coverage. Work the remaining product through your braids, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Use daily or as needed to keep your braids hydrated and looking their best.
Styling Products
7. AmPro Shine ‘N Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse
What It Does
This setting mousse is a must-have for keeping your braids neat and polished.
It effectively tames flyaways and provides a strong hold, ensuring your braided style stays put throughout the day.
Why It’s Special
Formulated specifically for braided hairstyles, AmPro Shine ‘N Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse offers long-lasting hold and helps maintain the overall neatness of your braids.
Its unique formula keeps your style looking fresh and well-defined.
How to Use It
- To apply, dispense a small amount of mousse onto your fingertips and work it gently into your roots and along the length of your braids.
- Focus on any areas prone to flyaways or frizz.
- Allow the mousse to air dry, or use a blow dryer on a low setting for quicker results.
8. Hair by Susy Edge Control
What It Does
This edge control is perfect for achieving a sleek, polished look around your hairline.
It lays down edges and baby hairs effectively, creating a smooth and stylish finish to complement your braids.
Why It’s Special
Hair by Susy Edge Control boasts a non-flaking formula that keeps your edges in place without leaving behind any white residue.
Its lasting hold ensures your edges stay slick and neat throughout the day.
How to Use It
- Apply a small amount of edge control to your hairline using a fine-toothed comb or your fingertips for best results.
- Gently smooth down your edges and baby hairs, creating your desired shape and style.
- Allow the product to set for a few minutes before touching or manipulating your hair.
9. Shine N Jam Magic Fingers For Braiders Extra Firm Hold
What It Does
This braiding gel provides an extra firm hold, making it ideal for braiding.
It helps maintain the neatness and definition of your braids without leaving any flakes or residue.
Why It’s Special
Besides its stronghold, Shine N Jam Magic Fingers For Braiders Extra Firm Hold also offers conditioning properties.
It helps keep your hair healthy and moisturized while styled, reducing the risk of breakage or damage.
How to Use It
- During the braiding process, apply a small amount of gel to each section of hair before braiding.
- This will help provide added hold and ensure your braids remain neat and defined.
- The gel will also help to smooth down any flyaways or frizz.
10. Smooth N’ Shine Straight Bodifying Mousse
What It Does
This bodifying mousse is the perfect finishing touch for your braided hairstyle.
It seals in your style, adding body and shine without leaving a sticky residue.
Why It’s Special
Smooth N’ Shine Straight Bodifying Mousse is enriched with nourishing ingredients like black seed and coconut oil.
These oils help to moisturize and strengthen your hair, promoting healthy growth and reducing breakage.
How to Use It
- After braiding your hair, dispense a generous amount of mousse into your palms and work it through your braids from root to tip.
- Use your fingers to gently scrunch the mousse into your braids, ensuring even distribution.
- Allow the mousse to air dry, or use a blow dryer on a low setting for added volume and shine.
Special Care Products
11. Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Gro Spray
What It Does
This spray offers quick relief for itchy scalp, a common issue for those wearing braids.
Its soothing formula helps to calm irritation and reduce the urge to scratch, promoting a more comfortable braiding experience.
Why It’s Special
Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Gro Spray provides effective itch relief and boasts a pleasant, tropical scent that leaves your braids smelling fresh.
The convenient spray applicator makes it easy to target affected areas without disturbing your braids.
How to Use It
- To alleviate itchiness, part your braids and spray the product directly onto your scalp.
- Gently massage the spray into your scalp using your fingertips, focusing on the most bothersome areas.
- Use as needed throughout the day for instant relief and refreshment.
12. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
What It Does
This strengthening oil is designed to repair weak, damaged hair and encourage healthier growth.
Regular use can help fortify your strands, reduce breakage, and promote overall hair health.
Why It’s Special
Infused with refreshing rosemary and mint, Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil stimulates the scalp, improves circulation, and creates an optimal environment for hair growth.
These potent herbs also work to strengthen each strand from root to tip.
How to Use It
- For best results, massage a few drops of the oil directly into your scalp, using your fingertips to work the product between your braids.
- Apply the oil to your scalp 2-3 times per week, or as needed, to maintain healthy, resilient hair.
13. Doo Gro Anti-Itch Growth Oil
What It Does
This multi-tasking oil addresses two common concerns among those with braids: scalp itchiness and slow hair growth.
Its nourishing formula soothes irritation while stimulating the scalp, encouraging faster, healthier hair growth.
Why It’s Special
Doo Gro Anti-Itch Growth Oil features a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won’t weigh down your braids or leave behind a residue.
This makes it ideal for daily use, allowing you to consistently combat itching and support hair growth without compromising your style.
How to Use It
- Apply the oil directly to your scalp, concentrating on areas prone to itching or irritation.
- Gently massage the product into your scalp using your fingertips, ensuring even distribution.
- Use daily for optimal results.
14. Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil
What It Does
This pure, unrefined castor oil is a powerhouse for promoting hair growth and strengthening strands from the roots.
Regular use can help nourish your scalp, encourage thicker, fuller hair growth, and reduce shedding.
Why It’s Special
Made from 100% natural Jamaican Black Castor Seeds, this oil is rich in nutrients essential for healthy hair growth.
Its versatility makes it a staple in many hair care routines, suitable for all hair types and textures.
How to Use It
- To reap the full benefits of Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil, massage a generous amount into your scalp and work it through the length of your braids.
- For best results, apply the oil 2-3 times per week, allowing it to penetrate your scalp and strands overnight before washing it out in the morning.
15. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel
What It Does
This edge gel is formulated to strengthen and lay down edges, providing a sleek, polished finish to your braided styles.
Its nourishing ingredients help to fortify delicate edges, reducing breakage and promoting healthy hair growth.
Why It’s Special
Enriched with biotin and natural oils, Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel offers a unique blend of nutrients that target edge health.
The rosemary and mint extracts invigorate the scalp, stimulating circulation for optimal growth.
How to Use It
- Apply a small amount of the edge gel to your hairline using your fingertips or a fine-toothed comb.
- Gently smooth down your edges, creating your desired shape and style.
- For best results, use the gel sparingly to avoid buildup or flaking.
16. Baby Tress Edge Styler
What It Does
This innovative styling tool is designed to help you achieve precise, sleek edges and perfectly laid baby hair.
Its unique shape and size allow for intricate styling techniques, giving you full control over your edge design.
Why It’s Special
The Baby Tress Edge Styler features a double-sided design with a comb and brush.
This versatility enables you to create various edge styles, from swoops to swirls, easily.
How to Use It
- Begin by applying a small amount of edge control or gel to your hairline.
- Use the comb side of the Edge Styler to part and smooth your edges, creating a clean base for styling.
- Then, switch to the brush side to fine-tune your design, adding definition and detail to your baby hairs.
- Repeat the process until you’ve achieved your desired look.
17. Soft Sheen- Carson Let’s Jam
What It Does
This classic styling gel provides a strong, long-lasting hold for braids, twists, and other protective styles.
Its non-flaking formula helps maintain clean parts and keep your braids neat and polished.
Why It’s Special
Soft Sheen- Carson Let’s Jam is a versatile styling product that works well on various hair types and textures.
Its reliable hold and smooth application make it a go-to choice for those looking to keep their braids and edges in place all day.
How to Use It
- Apply a small amount of the gel to your hair, damp or dry, depending on your styling preferences.
- Use your fingers or a comb to work the product through your strands, focusing on the areas that require the most hold.
- Shape and mold your hair as desired, allowing the gel to dry completely for a secure, long-lasting hold.
Conclusion
Lastly, you now have the knowledge and tools to keep your braids looking fresh and fabulous!
Incorporating these essential products into your braid maintenance routine will ensure healthy hair growth, soothe scalp irritation, and maintain a polished appearance.
Whether you opt for nourishing oils, refreshing sprays, or styling gels, your braids will thank you for the extra TLC.
So, rock those braids confidently and show the world your stunning, well-maintained protective style.
Your hair journey is yours to embrace, and with these product recommendations, you’re well on your way to achieving your healthiest, most beautiful braids yet.
Happy braiding, and don’t forget to share your favorite tips and tricks with your friends!
