15 Simple Ways On How To Make Braids Last Longer In Summer Sweat
My cousin braided her hair last summer and a few days after, it became itchy and it was frustrating.
It can be frustrating feeling uncomfortable after spending so much money and your time braiding your hair and after a few days it becomes itchy, why? Summer is here, shinny and hot days.
All the events and activities of summer can be a challenge to keeping your beautiful twist, cornrows and knotless braids looking good and stylish.
Do not worry, with our amazing tips, you can still enjoy your braids, keep it for long and shiny irrespective of the fun activities in summer.
This blog post will guide you on how to make your braids last longer this summer.
15 EASY WAYS ON HOW TO MAKE BRAIDS LAST LONGER IN SUMMER SWEAT
1. Start With Clean, Moisturized Hair
Sweat, dirt, and oil trapped under braids can lead to buildup, odor, and even fungal growth. Clean hair also helps braids grip better, preventing slippage.
Clarify your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove product residue.
Deep condition to strengthen hair before braiding, this prevents dryness and breakage.
Avoid heavy leave-ins that can cause buildup; opt for a light moisturizer like aloe vera gel.
2. Use a Lightweight, Sweat-Resistant Braiding Gel
Heavy gels can flake, attract dirt, and melt in heat, making braids messy.
Choose alcohol-free gels (e.g., Gorilla Snot Edge Control) to avoid dryness.
Apply sparingly to edges only—too much product weighs down braids.
For a natural hold, try flaxseed gel or aloe-based products.
3. Choose the Right Braiding Hair
Some hair types hold up better in humidity and resist frizz.
Synthetic hair (kanekalon/toyokalon): Lightweight, sweat-resistant, and budget-friendly.
Human hair blends: More natural but may loosen faster with sweat—better for cooler weather.
Pre-stretch braiding hair to reduce tension and make braids last longer.
4. Keep Your Scalp Clean & Dry
Sweat breeds bacteria, leading to itchiness and odor.
Dry shampoo: Spray at roots to absorb sweat (e.g., Batiste).
ACV rinse (1:3 ratio with water): Balances scalp pH and kills odor-causing bacteria.
Witch hazel: Apply with a cotton pad to soothe sweat-induced irritation.
5. Sleep With a Satin Scarf or Bonnet
Cotton absorbs moisture and causes friction, leading to frizz and loosening.
Wrap braids in a loose pineapple before covering with satin.
Use a satin pillowcase as backup if your scarf slips off.
6. Avoid Excessive Washing (But Don’t Skip It!)
Overwashing loosens braids, but sweat buildup damages hair.
Cleanse every 7–10 days with a nozzle bottle to target the scalp only.
Use diluted sulfate-free shampoo (mix with water) to prevent residue.
7. Use a Blow Dryer (Cool Setting) After Washing
Damp braids can mildew or smell musty.
Gently blow-dry roots on cool/low heat to avoid melting synthetic hair.
Let braids air-dry fully before tying them up.
8. Apply Lightweight Oils Sparingly
Heavy oils (e.g., coconut) clog pores and attract dirt.
Tea tree oil: Antifungal; mix with water in a spray bottle.
Jojoba oil: Mimics scalp sebum; apply to edges only.
Grapeseed oil: Lightweight and non-greasy.
This is a crtive way on how to make braids last longer in summer sweat.
9. Protect Your Braids During Work
Excess sweat weakens braid roots.
Wear a sweat-wicking headband to absorb moisture.
Rinse braids post-workout with cool water if heavily sweaty.
10. Refresh With a Braid Spray
Hydrates without heaviness and fights odor.
DIY spray: ½ cup water + 1 tbsp aloe vera juice + 2 drops peppermint oil.
Store-bought: Try braid sprays like African Pride or Taliah Waajid.
11. Avoid Over-Manipulation
Constant styling strains roots, causing frizz and breakage.
Opt for low-manipulation styles (e.g., high buns, loose ponytails).
Use invisible pins instead of tight elastics to secure braids.
12. Seal the Ends Properly
Unsealed ends unravel quickly in humidity.
Synthetic hair: Dip ends in hot water for 3 seconds to melt and seal.
Human hair: Use a tiny bit of hair glue or clear nail polish.
13. Stay Hydrated & Eat a Balanced Diet
Healthy hair = less shedding under braids.
Drink at least 2L of water daily.
Eat protein (eggs, fish), vitamins (spinach, nuts), and omega-3s (avocados).
14. Use a Bandana or Headband for Outdoor Activities
Protects hairline from sweat/sun damage.
Tie a cotton bandana to absorb sweat.
Choose UV-protective scarves if outdoors often.
15. Know When to Take Them Out
Overgrown braids cause matting and breakage.
Max 6–8 weeks for medium braids; 4–6 weeks for microbraids.
Look for fuzzy roots, thinning edges, or odor as signs to remove.
WHY DO MY BRAIDS ITCH MORE IN SUMMER
1. Sweat & Bacteria Buildup
Sweat mixes with dirt, oils, and product residue, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to itchiness, odor, and even dandruff.
2. Dry Scalp Under Braids
Tight braids + hot weather = reduced natural oil circulation, leaving your scalp dry and flaky.
3. Friction from Synthetic Hair
Some braiding hair (like kanekalon) can irritate sensitive scalps, especially when sweat makes it rub against your skin.
4. Product Residue & Allergies
Heavy gels, sprays, or even certain braiding hair brands can trigger allergic reactions or clog pores, making your scalp itch.
5. Fungal or Yeast Overgrowth
A sweaty, damp scalp is the perfect environment for fungal infections (like seborrheic dermatitis), which cause redness and itching.
How to Stop the Itching (Without Taking Down Your Braids)
1. Cleanse Your Scalp Properly
Use a diluted shampoo (mix with water in an applicator bottle) to wash your scalp every 7–10 days.
Try clarifying shampoos with tea tree or peppermint oil to kill bacteria.
2. Soothe with a DIY Anti-Itch Spray
Mix in a spray bottle:
½ cup water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (balances pH)
5 drops tea tree oil (antifungal)
1 tsp aloe vera gel (cools irritation)
Spray on roots 2–3 times a week and pat dry.
3. Moisturize Without Grease
Avoid heavy oils (like coconut oil) that trap sweat. Instead, use:
Jojoba oil (lightweight, mimics natural sebum)
Grapeseed oil (non-greasy, anti-inflammatory)
Apply only to the scalp, not the braids.
4. Try a Medicated Treatment
If itching is severe, use:
Witch hazel (on a cotton pad) to calm inflammation.
Antifungal creams (like Nizoral shampoo) for flaky, irritated scalps.
5. Protect Your Scalp from Sweat
Wear a satin-lined hat or headband outdoors to absorb sweat.
Rinse braids with cool water after heavy sweating (like post-workout).
6. Avoid Scratching!
Scratching = more irritation + frizz. Instead:
Massage scalp with cooled peppermint tea (soothes instantly).
Use a soft-bristle brush to gently relieve itchiness.
When to Take Down Your Braids
If itching comes with redness, bumps, or pus, it could be an infection.
Take your braids out ASAP and see a dermatologist.
Summer braids are a game-changer, effortlessly stylish, protective, and perfect for beating the heat.
But between sweat, humidity, and constant activity, keeping them looking (and feeling) their best can be a challenge.
The good news? With the right care, your braids can stay neat, healthy, and comfortable all season long.
And if that annoying summer itch creeps in, now you’ve got the tricks to stop it in its tracks, without sacrificing your look.
Great braids start with healthy hair. Even if you are rocking box braids, cornrows, or twists, give your hair the love it deserves, and your style will reward you with long-lasting freshness.
This article has shown you 15 simple and easy ways on how to make braids last longer in summer sweat you should adopt this summer for a healthy hair.
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