Refresh tired braids by washing the scalp, redoing the front 2 to 3 braids and edges, dipping the ends in hot water, and finishing with a light oil and edge gel.
Most braids start looking lived-in around week 3 to 4. A 45-minute refresh can buy you another 2 to 3 weeks before takedown.
**Step-by-step refresh**
1. **Scalp wash.** Dilute shampoo and clean the scalp as you normally would. Don''t skip this — the rest of the refresh won''t hold on a dirty scalp.
2. **Re-do the front.** Take down the front 2 to 3 braids on each side and re-install them with fresh tension. This single step makes the whole head look new.
3. **Smooth the edges.** Lightly mist with water, apply edge control with a boar-bristle brush, and tie down with a silk scarf for 15 minutes.
4. **Hot water dip (synthetic braids only).** Submerge the ends in hot — not boiling — water for 5 to 10 seconds to seal frizz and re-curl boho ends. Use a kettle and a pot, not the bathroom faucet.
5. **Anti-frizz oil.** Run a few drops of jojoba or argan oil down each braid with your palms. Don''t over-apply at the roots.
6. **Optional sheen spray.** A light mist of oil sheen gives the photo-finish look. Skip if your scalp is sensitive.
A monthly mid-cycle refresh is the secret to braiders'' Instagram photos looking great long after install day.