Washing synthetic braiding hair before use removes leftover chemicals from manufacturing that can irritate your scalp, cause itching, or trigger allergic reactions. This simple step ensures a more comfortable, long-lasting protective style. Here's how to do it:
Quick Steps:
- Soak: Use a mix of warm water and apple cider vinegar (1:2 ratio) to dissolve chemical residues. Soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Wash: Replace the water, add sulfate-free shampoo, and gently clean the hair without removing the securing bands.
- Rinse & Dry: Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear. Lay flat to air dry for 24-48 hours.
Tips:
- Keep hair ties in place to avoid tangling.
- Use mild products to protect synthetic fibers.
- Consider pre-washed options like Gyal Braids for convenience.
Clean braiding hair ensures a safer, itch-free experience and helps your style last longer.
How to Clean Synthetic Hair Before Braiding
Getting Ready to Wash Your Braiding Hair
Getting everything set up beforehand makes cleaning synthetic braiding hair easier and helps avoid tangles.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what to gather before you start:
- Large basin or sink
- Warm water
- Mild shampoo
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hair ties or rubber bands
- Clean towels
These items will help you clean the hair thoroughly and remove any chemical residue that could irritate your scalp.
Tips to Avoid Tangles While Washing
Tangles can ruin the quality of your braiding hair, so it’s important to take precautions [3]. Keep the original rubber bands from the package in place. To be extra safe, add a few more hair ties spaced 2-3 inches apart along the length of each bundle. This keeps the hair secure during washing, even if the original bands loosen.
To protect the hair:
- Be gentle - don’t scrub too hard.
- Use a large basin to let the hair float freely.
- Stick to warm water, as hot water can damage synthetic fibers [2].
Make sure your workspace is organized. Lay out the hair bundles side by side without overlapping them. This will make the drying process much easier [2].
Once everything is ready and the bundles are secured, you’re all set to start washing.
How to Wash Braiding Hair: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Hair to Remove Chemicals
Start by filling a basin with warm water and mix in 1 part apple cider vinegar to 2 parts water. This helps break down chemical coatings that might irritate your scalp. Submerge the hair bundles for 15-30 minutes to allow the solution to work on dissolving any residues.
Step 2: Wash the Hair with Shampoo
Once the soaking is done, take the hair out of the vinegar mixture. Replace the water in the basin with fresh warm water and add a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Using harsh shampoos can damage synthetic hair fibers, making them brittle [2].
While washing:
- Hold the bundles securely from underneath.
- Press gently instead of rubbing.
- Leave the securing bands in place.
- Avoid twisting or wringing the hair.
Step 3: Rinse and Let the Hair Air Dry
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. For drying:
- Gently squeeze out excess water, lay the bundles flat on a towel, and allow them to air dry for 24-48 hours.
- Keep the securing bands on until the hair is completely dry.
If you want to skip this process, there are pre-washed options like Gyal Braids that come hypoallergenic and free of chemicals, ready to use right away.
Once the hair is fully dry, it’s ready for styling or storage. If you plan to reuse it, proper care will ensure it lasts longer.
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How to Keep Braiding Hair Clean and Comfortable
Cleaning Reused Braiding Hair
If you're reusing braiding hair, it's crucial to clean it every 1-2 weeks to avoid buildup and keep your scalp healthy [1]. Here are some tips to maintain it between washes:
- Use a light mist of water mixed with leave-in conditioner to refresh the hair, but handle it carefully to avoid tangling.
- Keep it away from excessive heat and direct sunlight, which can damage the fibers.
- Store it in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality.
Cleaning Synthetic Hair: Other Methods
While apple cider vinegar is a popular choice, Dettol is another effective option for cleaning synthetic hair. To use it:
- Soak the hair in warm water mixed with one capful of Dettol for 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Let it air dry for 24-48 hours before use [1].
"Regular cleaning of braiding hair helps prevent the buildup of residue and bacteria, which can cause scalp irritation and infections. By keeping the braiding hair clean, individuals can reduce the risk of scalp problems and maintain overall scalp health" [1][2].
If cleaning isn't your thing, pre-washed braiding hair is available and ready to use right out of the package.
Conclusion: Make Braiding Hair Safer and Easier to Use
Save Time with Pre-Washed Hair Options
Pre-washed synthetic hair, like Gyal Braids, comes ready to use - no extra prep needed. It's hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals, cutting down on time and reducing the chance of scalp irritation. Plus, you can trust it’s been cleaned thoroughly and consistently.
Quick Recap of Washing Steps
If you're using unwashed synthetic hair, here’s what to do: soak it in vinegar, wash it with a gentle shampoo, rinse it well, and let it air dry completely. Not in the mood for all that? Pre-washed options are a great time-saver.
Whether you choose to clean the hair yourself or go for pre-washed alternatives, using clean braiding hair helps ensure your protective style is safer, more comfortable, and lasts longer.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about preparing synthetic braiding hair for use.
What does soaking braiding hair in vinegar do?
Soaking braiding hair in apple cider vinegar helps remove the chemical coating that can cause scalp irritation and itching. The vinegar breaks down the alkaline base of the coating. To do this, mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of lukewarm water. When you soak the hair, you'll notice a white film forming on the water's surface - this is the chemical being lifted off. Keep the hair secured with elastic bands during the soak to avoid tangling.
How long should you soak Kanekalon hair in vinegar?
Kanekalon hair should be soaked for about 15 minutes to fully remove chemical residues. This step is important to make the hair more comfortable and safer to use. Keep the rubber bands in place, use lukewarm water, and avoid handling the hair until the soaking is complete.
"After a few minutes, the alkaline base will lift from the hair and form a white film on the top of the water" [4]
Once the soaking is done, rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. This ensures all residue is completely removed before you begin installation.