Are you new to synthetic braided hairstyles [1]? Or maybe you want to improve your haircare expertise? Whether you're looking for the best products for keeping your braids looking fresh, expert tips for calming an itchy and irritated scalp, or how to sleep with long braided hairstyles while keeping them smooth and silky — one of our favourite London-based braiders, BraidsbyFels [2], shares everything you need to know.
Felicia Annang — known as BraidsbyFels [3] — is one of North London's most in-demand braiders. Fels has over twelve years of experience and started braiding professionally at thirteen years old. She's based in Tottenham and is constantly booked because of her top-notch attention to detail, and finger on the pulse of the hottest hairstyles [4]. No matter where you are on your natural hair journey [5], or how long you've been rocking braids, it always helps to get some expert advice from the pros. Interested? Keep reading ahead.
How to Calm an Itchy Scalp From Synthetic Braided Hairstyles
"Braids can sometimes itch and therefore cause the scalp to be tender. The best way to prevent braids from itching before application is to soak the Xpressions hair extensions in water and apple cider vinegar (ACV) for approximately 1 minute before installation. Rinse thoroughly with shampoo to get rid of the vinegar smell and then hang to dry indoors. If other braiding extensions are used, I'd still recommend using the AVC method, however it may take longer for the alkaline formula to be lifted by other brands." — Fels
How to Wash Synthetic Braided Hairstyles
"To keep braids moisturised I encourage my clients to use Shea Moisture No-Rinse Foam Cleanser [6] (£13) consisting of jojoba oil, which is great because the oil hydrates your natural hair and ucuuba butter soothes the scalp resulting in less itching."
How to Sleep With Synthetic Braided Hairstyles
"I'd recommend sleeping with a silk or satin bonnet to keep your braids looking good and lasting longer. Because this was such a popular request from my clients I decided to launch my own set of reversible satin hair bonnets to accommodate different braid lengths and style. I customised mine with a tuggle so you're able to adjust the security so it stays on throughout the whole night, which can be quite rare to find. They'll be available from next month, check my Instagram for updates."
Products to Keep Synthetic Braided Hairstyles Looking Fresh
Mousse: "As braids get old, more stray hairs appear so the best way to tame them is to apply mousse all over the roots of the braids and then tie down the hair with a headscarf. Once that's done, blow dry the roots and this will flatten any stubborn stray hairs."
Edge Control: "It's normal for the braids at the front to get worn out the quickest. Using edge control will help slick any baby hairs that eventually come off back into place to give a more sleek look."
Oil Sheen: "For the finishing touches oil sheen can be applied for a newer and fresher look."