You spent weeks (maybe months) nurturing your hair in a protective style, like box braids, twists, or cornrows. And now, it’s time for the take down. While protective styles are meant to give your strands a break, how you remove them plays a big role in how protected your hair really was.
If you’ve ever wondered how to take down protective styles without breakage or what to do after taking out braids, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step breakdown covers how to take down braids safely, restore your strands, and keep your hair thriving.
How to Take Down a Protective Style, the Cécred Way
The key to taking down hair from any protective style is patience and prep. The process shouldn’t be rushed—your hair is at its most vulnerable during takedown, especially after being tucked away for several weeks.
Step 1: Soften and Detangle with Cécred's Detangling Spray
Before you start removing braids or extensions, mist Cécred’s Detangling Spray generously onto your hair. This high-slip formula adds softness and moisture, easily sliding through knots and tangles during removal while helping to prevent breakage. It’s especially helpful when figuring out how to take out box braids or twists without unnecessary pulling.
Step 2: Gently Unravel, One Section at a Time
Use your fingers or the end of Cécred's Parting Tail Comb to gently unravel each braid or twist. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Avoid tugging or combing too soon—let the Detangling Spray do the work.
Step 3: Remove Shed Hair (Yes, It’s Normal)
Worried about hair shedding after taking down a protective style? Don’t be. Natural shedding occurs daily, but when your hair is tucked away for weeks, those shed hairs stay trapped. So when you finally remove braids or twists and see clumps of hair, it’s often just buildup, not breakage. The key is knowing the difference: shed hairs will have a white bulb at the root, while broken hairs won’t. Before you shampoo, it’s essential to prep the scalp and strands properly.
Start by combining the use of Cécred’s Scalp Refreshing Spray and Detangling Spray—this duo works together to dissolve buildup, loosen dirt and debris, and add slip to help release tangles and areas of matting. Taking this step before washing helps reduce unnecessary breakage and ensures a thorough, gentle cleanse.
How Long Should You Keep a Protective Style In?
As a rule of thumb, most protective styles, like box braids, twists, or sew-ins, should be kept in for no longer than 6–8 weeks. Any longer and you risk matting, tangling, or traction at the roots. Listen to your scalp and hair: if it’s itchy, tight, pulling at the hairline when styling or your new growth is excessive, it’s time for the takedown.
How to Wash Hair After Removing Braids
When you're ready to cleanse, start with Cécred’s Detoxifying Shampoo. It provides a sulfate-free, deep cleanse that eliminates extreme oil, dirt, and product buildup without stripping your strands—perfect for hair that’s been tucked away. Follow with Cécred's Hydrating Shampoo to reintroduce moisture and softness.
How to Get Hair Back to Normal After Taking Out Braids
Once your scalp is clean and your hair is refreshed, it’s time to rebuild. Cécred’s Moisturizing Deep Conditioner is a must. It helps restore elasticity and hydration to strands that may feel dry or stretched after a protective style. Want to take your recovery routine up a notch? Use Cécred's Oil Ritual as a pre-treatment replenisher to deliver deep moisturization to the scalp and hair for softness, strength, and shine. Follow with Hydrating Shampoo to restore additional nourishment back to your strands.
Finish with Cécred’s Hair & Scalp Balm, especially if you’re wearing your hair out or blending leave-outs. It seals moisture into the ends, soothes dry areas, and adds softness to transition your hair back into your next style—or simply let it breathe.
The Bottom Line: Healthy Hair Starts With a Healthy Take Down
Knowing how to take down protective styles is just as important as knowing how to put them in. With the right approach and Cécred’s Protection Collection and Foundation Collection, you can transition from box braids or twists back to your natural hair while keeping strength, hydration, and shine intact.
Ready to refresh your routine? Explore the Protection Collection—specifically designed to support your hair through every phase of protective styling, from prep to take down.