How long should you keep braids in? The safe timeframe for healthy hair

As summer rolls in, so do vacations, pool days, and of course, the crown of choice for many: braids. From knotless to Fulani, cornrows to box braids, these styles have long been synonymous with beauty, convenience, and culture. A Pinterest board may inspire your next look, but here’s a question we often overlook: how long should you actually keep your braids in, and when does protective styling stop protecting?

The Ideal Timeframe

Most hairstylists recommend keeping braids in for six to eight weeks maximum. This window strikes the balance between giving your hair a break from constant manipulation while avoiding potential damage. Anything beyond that timeframe risks turning your protective style into the opposite, causing breakage, thinning edges, and scalp strain.

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What Happens When You Keep Them Too Long

When braids stay in past their prime, new hair growth causes tension at the roots. Add product buildup, dirt, and sweat, and your scalp becomes more prone to irritation, dandruff, and even infection. Shedding is another hidden culprit, on average, we lose about 100 hairs a day. Kept under braids for months, that shedding accumulates, leading to tangling and matting once the style comes down.

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Caring for Your Braids in the Meantime

That doesn’t mean you can’t stretch your look with proper care. Regular cleansing, moisturizing your scalp, and wrapping your hair at night will help extend the life of your braids. But as tempting as it is to hold onto them for “just one more week,” know when to let go.

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Healthy Hair Comes First

Your braids are a style, not a sentence. They should enhance your beauty and protect your hair, not compromise it. As you plan your summer hairstyles, remember: the real glow comes from healthy hair beneath the braids.