Meet Dr. Kari Williams, Trichologist and Director of Education at Cécred. With over 20 years in the hair industry as a licensed barber, cosmetologist, and salon owner, she’s bridged the gap between beauty and science and brought this expertise to Cécred.
Ahead, she shares her expertise and tips & tricks on caring for your braids and locs with Cécred's Protection Collection and Foundation Collection.
I’ve specialized in protective styles, natural hair, and loc care for over 20 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: a protective style is only truly “protective” if it protects the health of your hair and scalp.
Braids and locs are some of my favorite styles to create because they’re more than just a way to change your look—they’re part of a tradition rooted in culture, artistry, and identity. But they’re not the same.
Braids vs Locs
Braids are temporary; you can remove them after a few weeks or months. Locs are more permanent, maturing over time and becoming part of your long-term hair identity. While both require regular care, the difference lies in how you access and treat your hair during wear.
- Braids can be taken down, which allows for a full deep cleanse and conditioning session on loose strands, making it easier to reset moisture and scalp health between installs.
- Locs, on the other hand, remain in place and need more frequent detoxing since the strands aren’t loose and can absorb more dirt, debris, and even odors over time.
No matter which style you choose, the foundation is the same—your scalp health. A clean, balanced scalp creates stronger, more resilient hair that can handle being tucked away.
How to Prep for Braids
When I’m prepping for braids, I start by applying Cécred’s Oil Ritual directly to the hair—sometimes I warm the oil first for deeper penetration. This nourishes and protects the strands before cleansing. From there, I shampoo with either the Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub for exfoliation or the Detoxifying Shampoo if a deeper reset is needed—it’s sulfate-free but powerful enough to lift away extreme sweat, oil, and buildup. After cleansing, I follow with the Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to restore elasticity and make the hair more pliable. This step is key to preventing breakage once the braids are installed.
How to Prep for Locs
For locs, my process is slightly different. I start with a detox using the Detoxifying Shampoo, then clarify to ensure the scalp and locs are free of dirt, debris, and odor. Once clean, I apply the Oil Ritual to nourish the hair. If a deeper treatment is needed, I follow with Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to restore softness and hydration. I always make sure to rinse thoroughly before proceeding with styling or retwisting.
Maintaining Your Braids & Locs
Here’s the truth: braids and locs are low-maintenance, but they are not no-maintenance. Your scalp and strands still need care while you’re wearing them. I love using Cécred’s Hair & Scalp Balm—it melts into a lightweight oil that soothes tight styles, seals in moisture, protects the scalp barrier, and softens hair without creating buildup.
Between wash days, scalp freshness is a must. Sweat, dust, and natural oils can build up fast, so I use Cécred’s Scalp Refreshing Spray to break down buildup, neutralize odors, and keep the scalp soothed. If I’m taking down braids, I pair it with the Detangling Spray—together they become a powerful duo that releases tangles, softens buildup, and removes shed hairs before shampooing, which helps prevent unnecessary breakage.
More Take Down Tips
Take down is a big deal for braided styles. Rushing through removal can undo all the benefits of the protective style. Always take your time to detangle thoroughly, release shed hairs, and prep the hair before washing. Once the style is out, I recommend a deep cleanse with Cécred’s Detoxifying Shampoo and a deep conditioning session. If the hair feels weak or dull, Cécred’s Reconstructing Treatment Mask can work wonders—it fills in microcavities in the cuticle, and improves shine and strength after just one use.*
*Based on a third-party clinical study of 35 participants after 1 use.
After two decades in this craft, my philosophy is simple: a protective style should leave your hair healthier than it was before. Whether you’re wearing braids for a few weeks or nurturing locs for a lifetime, the right products and techniques are what make that possible.
With Cécred’s Protection Collection, you can care for your hair from install to take down so your scalp stays healthy and your strands stay strong.