Over the years, I’ve found that the best method for maintaining neat mini braids over night is putting the hair in a top knot and covering it with a silk scarf. I spray my hair with a mix of leave-in conditioner and water. Using a spray bottle helps distribute the product to my hundreds (probably hundreds- I’ve never counted) of braids. I then use a little hair or body butter on my ends to seal in the moisture. I gather my hair into a very high ponytail. I fold the bulk of the ponytail over once, then put a ponytail holder over the fold to hold it in place. It is usually not necessary to double loop the ponytail holder. It’s around my hair loosely and it holds all night. I tie a silk scarf around my head and knot the scarf in either the front or the back of my head.

Here are two pictures of my top knot:

back view
side view

By Jay

An Afro-American girl with afro textured hair. I found a method of maintaining my hair in braids that I'd like to share! :)

3 thoughts on “How To: Night Time Routine”
  1. my hair is about collar bone length, a top knot wouldnt really work for me, any other suggestions for shorter length hair?

    1. Good question! How about wrapping the braids at night and securing them with a scarf. This can be tricky since braids tend to want to do their own thing. I think the easiest way would be to cross wrap them. Split the hair in half down the center. Pull all the braids on the right side down and across the back of the head and secure with a few bobby pins where they end on the left. Do the same for the other side- pull the braids on the left across the nape and secure the ends to the right side of your head. Tie a scarf around your head, if bobby pins bother you, push them out of the hair and out from under the scarf.

      If you hair is long enough, another option is a high ponytail- also called pineapple. Use a scarf to catch any braids that stick out on the sides.

      Either of these methods will keep braids flat and frizz free while you sleep. Spray the braids with a little water in the morning if they need some help hanging normally.

      Hope that helps! 🙂

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