You got your braids done, packed your bags, and hit the beach. No more wash days, right? Not quite. While braids may look effortless, they still need consistent care especially during the summer months when heat, sweat, and sun exposure can wreak havoc on both your scalp and your strands.
If you’re rocking box braids, knotless braids, cornrows, or twists, this summer braid care routine is your go-to guide for maintaining healthy hair under your style. We'll walk you through a step-by-step plan to prep, maintain, and protect your braids—and introduce you to the GIRL+HAIR essentials that make it easy to care for your scalp all summer long.
Step 1: Pre-Installation Prep – Start With a Healthy Foundation
The key to long-lasting braids that don’t damage your hair? Preparation. Before heading to your stylist, make sure your hair and scalp are cleansed, moisturized, and protected.
Why it matters: Installing braids on dirty or dry hair can lead to breakage, itching, and scalp irritation mid-style.
What to do:
- Cleanse your scalp and strands with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove product buildup, oil, and dirt.
- Deep condition to restore moisture and elasticity.
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Detangle gently and trim any damaged ends.
GIRL+HAIR Picks:
CLEANSE+ Sulfate-Free Shampoo – Made for protective styles, this shampoo uses gentle surfactants and a pointed applicator tip to reach the scalp without stripping moisture.
NOURISH+ Leave-in Conditioner - Formulated with natural ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Tea Tree Oil, this lightweight conditioner deeply moisturizes leaving your hair feeling silky smooth and nourished.
Step 2: Post-Install Scalp Soothing
Once your braids are installed, your scalp may feel tight or slightly irritated. Don’t ignore that discomfort—soothe it early to prevent inflammation or flaking.
Why it matters: Tight braiding and tension can stress the scalp and hair follicles, especially at the edges.
What to do:
- Gently massage a calming hair oil into the scalp.
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Avoid scratching or using thick, greasy products that clog pores.
GIRL+HAIR Pick:
RESTORE+ Daily Hair Balm – Helps relieve post-braid tightness and protects and restores dry and damaged hair.
Step 3: Cleanse Weekly (Yes, Even With Braids!)
Just because your hair is in a protective style doesn’t mean you can skip wash day. In fact, it’s even more important to cleanse your scalp regularly to avoid buildup from sweat, oils, and outdoor exposure.
Why it matters: Summer heat increases scalp sweat and oil production, which can lead to clogged follicles, odor, and even hair loss if not cleaned properly.
What to do:
- Cleanse your scalp once a week with a targeted shampoo.
- Use a rinse to refresh in between full wash days.
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Focus on the scalp—not the braid length.
GIRL+HAIR Picks:
CLEANSE+ Sulfate-Free Shampoo– Targets buildup without disrupting your braids.
CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse – Lightweight and great for mid-week refreshes.
Step 4: Keep Your Braids & Scalp Moisturized
While your hair may be tucked away, it still needs hydration—especially in dry summer weather.
Why it matters: Braided hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage if it’s not moisturized regularly.
What to do:
- Use a water-based leave-in conditioner to hydrate roots and new growth.
- Focus on areas that are exposed to the sun or prone to dryness (like your edges).
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Seal moisture in with a lightweight balm or oil.
GIRL+HAIR Picks:
NOURISH+ Leave-In Conditioner – Delivers deep hydration that’s perfect for braids.
RESTORE+ Daily Hair Balm – Locks in moisture without weighing down your roots or causing buildup.
Step 5: Protect Your Style While You Sleep
Your nighttime routine can make or break your braids. Summer tossing and turning can lead to frizz and dryness, so it’s essential to protect your hair overnight.
Why it matters: Friction from cotton pillowcases can strip your hair of moisture and ruin your braid pattern.
What to do:
- Wrap braids in a satin or silk scarf or bonnet.
- Use a satin pillowcase if you’re a restless sleeper.
- Braid long braids into one or two larger plaits to prevent tangling.
Bonus: Braid Care On-the-Go with GIRL+HAIR’s Travel Kit
Whether you're heading to a beach vacation or a music festival, your braids go with you—so should your routine.
The GIRL+HAIR Travel Kit is a compact, TSA-friendly system with all three essentials in mini sizes that slip right into your carry-on. It’s the perfect companion for keeping your scalp clean, hydrated, and itch-free no matter where the summer takes you.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Braids = Healthy Hair
Protective styles like braids are a great way to give your hair a break—but they only protect when paired with proper care. With this summer braid care routine, you’re not just preserving your style—you’re supporting healthy growth, soothing your scalp, and setting yourself up for a flawless takedown when the time comes.
Let your braids work for you this summer—with scalp-first care that never takes a vacation.
👉🏽 Shop GIRL+HAIR Travel Kit | Explore the Under Hair Care Collection