How to Grow Your Hair While It’s in Braids: 5 Proven Tips
Braids are more than a hairstyle—they're a protective crown, a cultural expression, and, when done right, a pathway to healthy hair growth. But here’s the truth: just wearing braids doesn’t guarantee growth. You need the right care routine underneath the style to make those inches flourish.
Whether you’re rocking box braids, knotless, twists, or cornrows, this guide is your go-to for maximizing growth while in protective styles.
Let’s get into it.
Keep Your Scalp Clean and Refreshed
Clean scalp = healthy roots = growing hair. Even with braids in, you need to cleanse your scalp every 1–2 weeks to remove buildup, sweat, and oils that can clog follicles.
How to Do It:
*Use a spray applicator to apply a diluted shampoo directly to your scalp.
- Massage gently with your fingertips.
- Rinse carefully with lukewarm water.
- Follow with a light leave-in or scalp oil.
Try This:
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
- As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care CoWash
2.Moisturize Regularly (Yes, Even in Braids!)
Dry hair breaks—moisturized hair grows. Just because your hair is tucked away doesn’t mean it doesn’t need daily moisture.
**How to Moisturize Braided Hair:
- Use a water-based leave-in spray.
- Follow with a lightweight oil like jojoba, argan, or grapeseed to seal it in.
- Mist roots and braids every 2–3 days, focusing on your scalp and ends.
LCO Method (Liquid, Cream, Oil) still applies, just simplified!
3.Sleep With Satin or Silk
Friction from cotton pillowcases can dry out and tangle your braids—damaging your real hair in the process.
Protect Your Braids While You Sleep:
- Wrap your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet
- Or switch to a silk pillowcase
This reduces breakage, maintains moisture, and keeps your braids looking fresh.
4.Don’t Keep Braids In Too Long
The longer you keep braids in, the higher the risk of matting, buildup, and breakage—especially at the roots.
Recommended Timeframe:
- Keep braids in for 6–8 weeks max
- After that, let your hair rest for at least a week before re-braiding
Tip: Use that rest period for a deep conditioning treatment to restore elasticity.
5.Use Growth-Friendly Oils and Serums
Boost your growth potential by stimulating the scalp with oils that promote circulation and strength.
Best Oils for Growth:
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- Peppermint Oil (mix with a carrier oil!)
- Rosemary Oil
- Argan Oil (for ends)
Massage these into your scalp 2–3 times a week while in braids. Not only does this promote growth, it also reduces flakiness and itchiness.
The Truth: Braids Don’t Grow Hair—You Do
Braids protect, but it’s your routine that fuels growth. By cleansing regularly, moisturizing consistently, and using nourishing products, you turn a simple style into a powerful haircare journey.
Remember, healthy hair starts at the roots—and your scalp is soil. Treat it right.
Hair growth isn’t magic—it’s care, patience, and consistency. Your braids can be a powerful tool, but only if you listen to your hair and support it from the inside out.
Next time you sit in the braid chair, come prepared to grow—not just style.
