I braided my hair in January and I plan to take this set of braids out in June this year. If I make it that long, this will by far be the longest I’ve worn the same set of mini braids.

Edit: It’s now April 4th and I’ve decided to take my braids out. Since we’re now on lockdown, I’ll spend the rest of the time in large Felicia braids.

My regimen, for the most part will not deviate from my usual braid regimen. I am working out for about 1.5 hours a day, 6-7 times a week. It’s also worth noting that I do work from home so I don’t have to worry about my hair being office ready.

Generally, this is how I maintain my braids:

Cleanse

Shampoo once a week. I’m not fussy about shampoos. At the moment, I’m using Revlon Black Seed Oil Strengthening Sulphate Free Shampoo. It is a really good shampoo. I bought the entire line because I had a sample and fell in love with the scent. This is one of the most moisturising shampoos I’ve ever used. However, I’m not sure I’d repurchase because I’m not picky about shampoos.

If I’ve previously used edge control and it’s a cowash day, I will shampoo just my edges to prevent product build up at the base of my braids.

Deep Condition

I deep condition after every shampoo. My favourite deep conditioner has sadly been discontinued. I used LeKair Cholesterol because it’s a protein treatment and my fine, high porosity strands need regular protein. For the time being, I’m grabbing anything that’s in my stash. I’ve used the Garnier Fructis Damage Repairing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Papaya Extract. I don’t think it’s doing a great job for my hair but it smells nice and I’m a sucker for scented products. 

Cowash

I typically shampoo and deep condition at the weekend. Mid week, I cleanse with a conditioner only. I may do this twice a week depending on how much I’ve sweat during my workouts. My favourite conditioner for cowashing is the Giovanni Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner. The tingling really refreshes my scalp and makes it feel super clean. I’ve been using Giovanni conditioners for at least a decade and I always have a litre bottle in my shower.

Moisturise

After shampooing and deep conditioning or cowashing, I use a microfiber towel to blot my hair dry. I follow up with moisturising and sealing. I have to admit I’ve not been great with doing it every time but I do try to moisturise at least once a week. If I skip this step, I’ll cowash the next day instead. The products I use vary, but my go-to leave-in conditioner at the moment is not actually a leave-in conditioner. I use the Shea Moisture High Porosity Masque. It’s not at all heavy and the formula works well for my high porosity hair. To seal, I’ve been using the ORS Castor Oil. It’s a decent product and works well for travelling.

After I’ve moisturised and sealed my hair, I wrap the braids in a tight bun. It won’t fully dry in the bun but I keep it in this style for at least a few hours. Doing this will prevent frizz. If I’ve put the bun in at night, in the morning when I wake up, I will leave my hair loose so it can dry completely.

Post Workout Haircare

If it’s not a wash/cowash day, I spray my roots with a scalp spray that has cleansing properties. My current fave is the Roots Intensive Treatment Spray which, I believe, is only available in the UK. However any hair spray with menthol, peppermint, tea tree or similar ingredients will do the job. I’ve linked a few options below or you could DIY your own.

Night Time Haircare

At night, I wrap my hair in a bun. If my hair is damp, I’ll make a tight ballerina style bun. If my hair is dry, it’s usually a messy bun. I tie a silk scarf around my edges and go to bed.

Day to Day Styling

My braids are in a messy bun 99% of the time. I usually only leave my house to run errands, go to the gym, or do something outdoorsy so I’m not too bothered about how it looks. If I want to look a bit nicer, I use edge control on my edges and tie my hair down with a silk scarf.

I also plan my hairstyles ahead of time. For instance, if I want to wear my braids down or in a low ponytail, etc…I will put my damp hair in a low bun and use a silk scarf keep the top of my hair flat and smooth while drying. If I plan to wear a top knot, I’ll let my hair dry in a high bun.

For a bit more texture and interest, I’ll wait until my hair is 80-90% dry then put the mini braids in 4 large plaits to dry completely. When I take the braids out, I get a bit more volume and texture. The same can be done with bantu knots or flat twists. I use bobby pins to secure the ends if necessary.

All opinions are my own and not sponsored. This post contains affiliate links.