Braids are hairstyles that have never been out of fashion, symbolizing culture and beauty. For all those interested in braids that are long-lasting, low maintenance, and stylish, one favorite would be Kanekalon braiding hair. This synthetic fiber is silky, smooth, and long-lasting, with plenty of durability to create quite phenomenal braids that do last. How can you, then, keep your braids shiny, structured, and neat for weeks? In this article, we are going to share with you the secrets of how to make braids last longer when using kanekalon braiding hair.
Why Choose Kanekalon Braiding Hair?

Kanekalon is a type of synthetic fiber, and there are various reasons why it stands out in its category. Above all, a good fiber of this type closely resembles the structure and feel of natural hair and looks quite natural and comfortable to handle. Kanekalon braids are also light in weight and, thus, will not cause as much stress on the scalp as one braid. Its flame-retardant properties also make it safe to wear for a long period. Again, Kanekalon hair can serve in a variety of braiding styles; these include box, cornrows, and micro braids.
However, to fully get the best from Kanekalon braiding hair, there are basic practices that you must follow to have it last long enough.
Preparation: Prepare Clean Hair
One of the most important things in ensuring your braids last is proper hair preparation. Natural hair, therefore, has to be washed and conditioned before any installation of braids. Clean hair will reduce the chances of scalp irritation, flaking, and product buildup, which may compromise the longevity of your braids.
Clean the hair well and then deep condition or treat it with a moisturizing treatment to hydrate your hair. This is basically because braids put tension on the hair, so it should start healthy enough not to break easily or go dry under the braids. Least but not last, apply some leave-in conditioner or light oil such as jojoba or argan oil to seal in that moisture.
Choose The Right Braiding Technique
Installing techniques also determine the longevity of your braids, especially whether it is box braids, Senegalese twists, or cornrows. Be keen to choose an experienced braider working with Kanekalon hair. Braids that are too tight can be painful, potentially causing traction, alopecia or hair loss. Braids that are too loose unravel faster.
Place clean sections in between the braids so the look is silky and natural. Parting can be cleaned to distribute weight across the scalp and minimize unnecessary tension that may cause permanent hair loss.
Tie The Ends Of Your Braids
It will include sealing the ends of your Kanekalon braids. This can be done in multiple ways, and the best method for you will depend on your style and preference:
- Hot Water Seal: An alternative method is the immersion of both ends of the braids in hot water. The heat from the hot water melts the Kanekalon fibers, literally gluing them together and sealing them to avoid unraveling.
- Burning The Tips: Another alternative is lighting the burning of the synthetic ends. This is usually carried out by using a lighter or candle. However, it should be done carefully so that you do not end up burning some other part of the braid or your real hair.
- Tie The Ends With A Little Knot: Some people like to tie a little knot at the end of each braid. It does not require heat, but it helps to secure the braids well, especially for shorter braids.
Take Care Of Your Scalp

A healthy scalp begins with healthy braids. Once your braids are in, it’s also very important to care for the scalp. Here is how to keep your scalp healthy while you are sporting your braids:
- Use a light, non-greasy scalp oil to keep your scalp hydrated. Find oils that contain tea tree, peppermint, or lavender, which help to soothe itchiness and reduce flaking.
- Clean Scalp Every 7-10 days, clean your scalp using a diluted shampoo or astringent like witch hazel.
- Using a spray bottle, you apply it between braids pretty easily for a quick cleaning process in order to remove the sweat, dirt, and the buildup of other products without them disturbing the braids themselves.
- Scalp Protection at Night At night, you should put a silk or satin scarf around your braids. By doing this, friction is reduced; it prevents breakage and frizzing of the scalp for keeping calm.
When To Take Down Braids

Though Kanekalon braids last for up to eight weeks if taken care of, it is important to know when to take them down. Since keeping braids for an elongated period can lead to breakage and matting, here are some signs that indicate it is the time to take out your natural hair braids.
You will know it’s time to take off when you start noticing considerable new growth to the extent of about 1 inch. Excessive growth can easily make your braids lopsided, causing tangling at the roots.
- Itchy Scalp: Persistent itching despite regular scalp maintenance indicates that your scalp is crying out for a break from the braids.
- Frizzing And Unraveling: If your braids start frizzling out or unraveling, that is a sign that they have overstayed their welcome.
By doing these, your Kanekalon braids can remain sleek, neat, and healthy for as long as possible. Proper preparation, care, and maintenance will help a braided hairstyle remain a great, protective styling option that lasts for a long while.