Box Braids, Faux Locs, Corn Rows, you name it! They are cute but your hair won't retain healthy length if it's not properly maintained. 

1. Shampoo

It sounds like a no brainer but many naturals skip this step, opting for washing with a conditioner. Having clean hair and scalp is paramount to healthy growth. Shampoo restores the natural pH balance of the hair and scalp by getting rid of bacteria, funghi and product buildup. Clogged pores will not encourage healthy growth. 

Check out our moisturizing shampoo Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo! 

2. Do a Deep Conditioning Treatment

When it comes to Deep Conditioning Treatments, you have two options: Fatty or Protein.

Opt for a Fatty Deep Conditioning Treatment, if your hair is fairly healthy and not prone to breakage. Protein Conditioning Treatments should be used if your hair damaged, needs to be repaired or breaks easily.

Our Fatty Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment is a Belle favorite!

3. Seal your ends

The ends are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair shaft so they need extra care. Sealing your ends requires first to spray lightly with water then apply butter or oil to seal in moisture. 

4. Use a water based moisturizer with rich butters.

Water based moisturizers are those that have water listed as the first ingredient in the ingredient statement. Products that contain water along with rich butters like Shea Butter, Cupuacu Butter or Mango Butter are  great moisturizing products. 

5. Oil your hair line daily

To protect your edges from stress and tearing, apply a light oil to your edges daily. Kurlee Tropical Oils Blend is a great lightweight option that seals in moisture and encourages hair growth. 

Have you heard about Kurlee Tropical Oils Blend? It grows back edges girl! 

6. Get a Trim

One of the best ways to keep your hair healthy is to get rid of split ends. Clipping off spilt ends will encourage length retention as you experience new growth.

7. Don't leave your Protective Style in longer than a month and a half. 

Anything longer than a month and a half is too long. After being twisted, braided or tucked for longer than 6 weeks, your hair can start to matte by collecting dust, product buildup, lint, etc. To keep your hair healthy, it needs to be properly cleaned, conditioned and moisturized. Even if you take your style out and redo it- do that.