Why You Should Never Wash Your Hair Before Fully Removing Your Braids
Braids are a beautiful and protective style that can help your hair grow and stay healthy—when cared for properly. Unfortunately, many clients make a simple but damaging mistake when taking braids out: washing the hair before the braids are fully removed.
This might seem harmless, but it can cause serious matting at the roots and lead to unnecessary hair loss during takedown. Let’s break down why this happens and how to avoid it.
Why Washing Braids Before They’re Fully Out is a Problem
When you wash your hair with braids that aren’t completely taken out, shed hair (which naturally collects in braids over time) gets wet and tangles tightly with your natural hair at the roots.
Water + shed hair + product build-up create a “cement” effect.
This leads to matting and knotting at the scalp.
When you then try to detangle, large clumps of hair may be pulled out—not because it’s “breaking” but because the shed hair has locked itself in.
What could have been a gentle, pain-free takedown can turn into a frustrating, painful, and damaging process.
The Correct Way to Remove Braids at Home
If you’re removing your braids yourself, follow these steps to protect your hair:
Take your time – Work on your braids in small sections.
Use the right tools – A tail comb, detangling spray, and a wide-tooth comb are your best friends.
Finger-detangle first – After each braid is removed, gently separate the strands with your fingers before using a comb.
Remove all shed hair – This step is key! Make sure all tangles and shed hair are out before any water touches your hair.
Pre-poo or oil soak – Once your hair is fully braid-free and detangled, apply oil or conditioner to soften it before washing.
Why Coming to the Salon Can Help
If you’re short on time, unsure of your technique, or your braids have been in for a long time, consider letting your stylist handle the removal.
At our salon, we:
Carefully remove each braid without rushing.
Detangle thoroughly before shampooing.
Use treatments to restore moisture and elasticity.
This ensures your hair stays healthy and strong after a protective style.
Why a Deep Conditioning Treatment After Braids is Essential
While braids are a protective style, your hair often doesn’t receive the same level of moisture, protein, and nutrients it would get with regular washing and conditioning.
After weeks in braids, your hair may feel:
Dry and thirsty for moisture
Weaker or more fragile
Lacking elasticity and bounce
A deep conditioning treatment after braid removal is crucial because it:
Replenishes lost moisture your hair missed while in braids
Restores elasticity so your curls bounce back
Strengthens strands to prevent breakage after takedown
Improves manageability for your next style
Think of it as giving your hair a big “thank you” hug for all the weeks it’s been tucked away.
Final Tip
Protective styles like braids are meant to protect—not harm—your hair. The key is proper maintenance and removal. Never wash your hair before your braids are fully out, and always detangle thoroughly before shampooing.
Your hair will thank you with less breakage, less shedding, and healthier growth.
Book a braid removal + deep conditioning treatment with us today and let us take the stress out of the process while keeping your hair in top condition.
📅 Book Now – www.fusionsalon.co.uk/book
