Wash, deep-condition, and blow-dry your hair stretched within 24 to 48 hours of your appointment. Skip heavy oils and butters the day of — clean, detangled, fully dry hair is the goal.
Good prep makes the install faster, the braids cleaner, and the lifespan longer. Here''s the protocol:
**1 to 3 days before**
- Clarify with a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to remove buildup.
- Deep condition for 20 to 30 minutes under heat.
- Blow-dry on low heat with a leave-in heat protectant until fully stretched (not bone-straight — just stretched).
- Trim split ends if you''re overdue.
**Day of the appointment**
- No heavy oils, butters, or gels — they make hair slippery and shorten braid grip.
- A light leave-in spray and a small amount of edge control is fine.
- Hair should be **completely dry**. Damp hair under braids causes mildew.
- Show up with hair already detangled and parted down the middle.
**What to bring**
- Your packs of hair (confirm count with your braider).
- A satin scarf or bonnet for the trip home.
- Snacks, water, headphones, a portable charger.
- Loose, button-up clothing.
**Skip**
- Coloring your hair the same week (cuticle is too fragile).
- Major trims the morning of (do them earlier in the week).
Showing up prepared can shave 30 to 90 minutes off your install and is one of the easiest ways to be a great client.