{"id":215905,"date":"2025-06-23T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/?p=215905"},"modified":"2025-06-20T18:08:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T16:08:30","slug":"habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/","title":{"rendered":"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&#8217;t Help Either)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-12::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-12{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-13::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-13{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-14::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-14{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-15::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-15{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Box braids are a stunning protective style that can save you hours of daily hair maintenance. But keeping them looking fresh isn&rsquo;t always as simple as Instagram makes it seem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I learned this the hard way after ruining several sets through rookie mistakes and following advice that sounded good but backfired terribly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Washing Too Frequently<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Trying-to-Keep-Box-Braids-Fresh-These-Are-15-Habits-That-Destroyed-Mine-And-the-Bad-Advice-That-Didnt-Help-Either-1.jpg\" alt=\"Washing Too Frequently\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20300'%3E%3Crect%20width='300'%20height='300'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Washing Too Frequently\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" loading=\"eager\" data-src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Trying-to-Keep-Box-Braids-Fresh-These-Are-15-Habits-That-Destroyed-Mine-And-the-Bad-Advice-That-Didnt-Help-Either-1.jpg\" class=\"eager-load\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Trying-to-Keep-Box-Braids-Fresh-These-Are-15-Habits-That-Destroyed-Mine-And-the-Bad-Advice-That-Didnt-Help-Either-1.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5ytain0h7-E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Frequent washing strips natural oils and creates frizz faster than anything else. I thought cleaner meant better, but my weekly wash routine left my braids looking worn-out within days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The water weight also stressed my edges unnecessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Skipping Edge Protection at Night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Washing-Too-Frequently.jpg\" alt=\"Skipping Edge Protection at Night\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Washing-Too-Frequently.jpg\" alt=\"Skipping Edge Protection at Night\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Washing-Too-Frequently.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglamorousgleam.com\/2013\/07\/how-to-maintain-your-box-braids-while-keeping-your-own-hair-healthy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; The Glamorous Gleam<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton pillowcases are braid assassins! My edges suffered major breakage because I never bothered with a satin scarf or bonnet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Morning after morning, I&rsquo;d wake up to frizzy braids with flyaways everywhere, gradually destroying my neat hairline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Heavy Product Overload<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Skipping-Edge-Protection-at-Night.jpg\" alt=\"Heavy Product Overload\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Skipping-Edge-Protection-at-Night.jpg\" alt=\"Heavy Product Overload\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Skipping-Edge-Protection-at-Night.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allure.com\/story\/how-to-wash-braided-hairstyles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 Allure<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Layering oils, mousses, and gels created gunky buildup that attracted lint and dust. My braids looked dirty even when freshly washed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The weight also pulled painfully on my scalp, causing unnecessary tension headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Ignoring Scalp Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Heavy-Product-Overload.jpg\" alt=\"Ignorare la cura del cuoio capelluto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Heavy-Product-Overload.jpg\" alt=\"Ignorare la cura del cuoio capelluto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Heavy-Product-Overload.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/braids\/comments\/1cbkdhv\/scalp_flaking_3_days_into_braids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Focusing only on the braids themselves led to an itchy, flaky scalp disaster. I&rsquo;d scratch constantly, creating frizz and loosening braids prematurely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular scalp care is actually more important than styling the braids themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Braiding Too Tightly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ignoring-Scalp-Care.jpg\" alt=\"Braiding Too Tightly\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ignoring-Scalp-Care.jpg\" alt=\"Braiding Too Tightly\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ignoring-Scalp-Care.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/Naturalhair\/comments\/1hcimzw\/braids_are_too_tight_will_this_ruin_my_hair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&ldquo;Tighter means longer-lasting&rdquo; was terrible advice that cost me actual hair loss. The constant tension damaged my follicles and created painful bumps along my hairline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those super-sleek braids weren&rsquo;t worth the thinning edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Leaving Them In Too Long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Braiding-Too-Tightly.jpg\" alt=\"Leaving Them In Too Long\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Braiding-Too-Tightly.jpg\" alt=\"Leaving Them In Too Long\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Braiding-Too-Tightly.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rehairducation.com\/hair-care-whilst-wearing-extensions-part-3-removal-of-extensions-and-washing-in-braids-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; Rehairducation<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stretching my install from 6 weeks to 10 weeks seemed economical until I saw the matting at my roots. The new growth tangled severely with the braided hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Removing them became a nightmare that resulted in unnecessary breakage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Constant Manipulation and Restyling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Leaving-Them-In-Too-Long.jpg\" alt=\"Constant Manipulation and Restyling\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Leaving-Them-In-Too-Long.jpg\" alt=\"Constant Manipulation and Restyling\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Leaving-Them-In-Too-Long.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotexturehair.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-care-for-and-maintain-your-cornrows-according-to-the-pros\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; Hello Texture<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Daily ponytails, buns, and elaborate styles created friction that frayed my braids. The constant pulling and repositioning wore down the braid pattern faster than anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My edges suffered most from this unnecessary stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Using Regular Shampoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Constant-Manipulation-and-Restyling.jpg\" alt=\"Using Regular Shampoo\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Constant-Manipulation-and-Restyling.jpg\" alt=\"Using Regular Shampoo\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Constant-Manipulation-and-Restyling.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blissfullyhormonal.com\/non-toxic-braid-care-routine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; Blissfully Hormonal<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Harsh detergents in regular shampoo created impossible-to-rinse suds between my braids. The residue attracted dirt and made my scalp itch like crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diluted, gentle cleansers would have preserved my style much longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Excessive Heat Styling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Using-Regular-Shampoo.jpg\" alt=\"Styling a calore eccessivo\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Using-Regular-Shampoo.jpg\" alt=\"Styling a calore eccessivo\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Using-Regular-Shampoo.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instyle.com\/synthetic-braiding-extensions-upkeep-7151722\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 InStyle<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Running flat irons over my synthetic braids to &ldquo;refresh&rdquo; them actually melted the fiber slightly. What started as a quick fix led to permanently crimped, weird-textured braids that couldn&rsquo;t be salvaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heat damage is irreversible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Improper Drying Techniques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Excessive-Heat-Styling.jpg\" alt=\"Improper Drying Techniques\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Excessive-Heat-Styling.jpg\" alt=\"Improper Drying Techniques\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Excessive-Heat-Styling.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afamconcept.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-wash-braids-step-by-step-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; AFAM Concept<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Air-drying seemed natural until mildew formed inside my thicker braids. The trapped moisture created a musty smell that no amount of perfume could mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Properly drying braids completely is non-negotiable for longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Swimming Without Protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Improper-Drying-Techniques.jpg\" alt=\"Swimming Without Protection\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Improper-Drying-Techniques.jpg\" alt=\"Swimming Without Protection\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Improper-Drying-Techniques.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/entry\/how-to-prevent-and-fix-chlorine-damaged-hair_uk_64f84fbfe4b0d44852edba69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; HuffPost UK<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One pool day destroyed weeks of careful maintenance. Chlorine dried out my braids while salt water created crusty residue that never fully washed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The harsh chemicals also faded my beautiful burgundy color almost immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Using Alcohol-Heavy Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Swimming-Without-Protection.jpg\" alt=\"Using Alcohol-Heavy Products\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Swimming-Without-Protection.jpg\" alt=\"Using Alcohol-Heavy Products\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-12\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Swimming-Without-Protection.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/the-best-products-for-maintaining-braids-7510769\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 Byrdie<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Those quick-drying edge controls and holding sprays were secretly drying out my hair and scalp. The temporary sleekness came at the cost of brittle braids that broke easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My edges became noticeably thinner where I applied these products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Rough Handling When Wet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Using-Alcohol-Heavy-Products.jpg\" alt=\"Rough Handling When Wet\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Using-Alcohol-Heavy-Products.jpg\" alt=\"Rough Handling When Wet\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-13\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Using-Alcohol-Heavy-Products.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/braids-that-are-too-tight-5079461\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 Byrdie<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Braids are most vulnerable when wet, yet I&rsquo;d roughly towel-dry and twist them. This created weak spots where the hair eventually frayed and unraveled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The added weight of water makes gentle handling even more crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. Skipping Protective Styling at Night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Rough-Handling-When-Wet.jpg\" alt=\"Skipping Protective Styling at Night\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Rough-Handling-When-Wet.jpg\" alt=\"Skipping Protective Styling at Night\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-14\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Rough-Handling-When-Wet.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Goddess-Crochet-Bohemian-Synthetic-Braiding\/dp\/B09BQZCV5C\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u00a9 Amazon.it<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Letting my braids hang loose while sleeping created a frizzy, tangled mess by morning. The constant friction against my pillowcase and shoulders broke down the braid pattern night after night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple pineapple would have saved weeks of freshness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15. DIY Touch-Ups Gone Wrong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><div style=\"position: relative;\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Skipping-Protective-Styling-at-Night.jpg\" alt=\"DIY Touch-Ups Gone Wrong\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Skipping-Protective-Styling-at-Night.jpg\" alt=\"DIY Touch-Ups Gone Wrong\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-15\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div style=\"position: absolute; top: 0.5rem; right: 0.75rem;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/\" data-pin-do=\"buttonPin\" data-pin-tall=\"true\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/habits-that-destroyed-my-box-braids-and-the-bad-advice-that-didnt-help-either\/\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Skipping-Protective-Styling-at-Night.jpg\" data-pin-description=\"Trying to Keep Box Braids Fresh? These Are 15 Habits That Destroyed Mine (And the Bad Advice That Didn&rsquo;t Help Either)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6D0Qy4kR6X8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">&copy; YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Attempting to rebraid my fuzzy edges created an even bigger mess. My amateur technique couldn&rsquo;t match the original braider&rsquo;s tension or pattern, resulting in obvious, bulky sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some maintenance is best left to professionals!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Box braids are a stunning protective style that can save you hours of daily hair maintenance. But keeping them looking fresh isn&rsquo;t always as simple &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":215904,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-215905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215905","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=215905"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215905\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/215904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215905"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215905"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flawlesshair.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215905"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}