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It’s enough to make you not want to get braids in the first place.
This can leave you with greasy hair and tangles that are hard to wash out.
Luis Velasco / Stocksy
Plus, you might experience a ton of shedding.
Meet the Experts
What Is Buildup?
When braids have been left in for a while, buildup is inevitable.
How Long Should Extensions Stay in For?
Some buildup is likely to happen, even if you’re diligent about shampooing while wearing your braids.
She notes its important to cleanse or co-wash and comb through braids if buildup does become visible.
However, a greasy, gunky buildup is probably due to wearing extensions way past their prime.
How Do You Remove Braids?
Removing your braids takes time and patience.
If you rush the process (and tug too hard on your hair), you risk hair breakage.
If you dont want to use a hydrating cleanser you might lean towards a co-wash, she says.
Miller says co-washing works well in place of using conditioner to hydrate because co-washing moisturizesandcleanses.
Depending on your level of buildup, you may have to lather up anywhere from two to five times.
This is perfectly normal.
Only work the shampoo through the rest of your hair when you shampoo for the very last time.
Does Build-Up Cause Scalp Issues?
Be extra careful if you have scalp issues and use a tail comb to remove weight regularly.
What Products Remove Post-Braid Buildup?
These factors matter, but Miller says all curly people can agree on just having a hydrating shampoo.
It mimics natural sebum and conditions and seals moisture in the skin without clogging pores or exacerbating acne.
Consider using heat to deeply penetrate hair strands for maximum conditioning.
2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
