At first, you might think that pigtails don't need a lot of care. However, to keep them shiny and in great condition, you need to moisturize them regularly. Apply a moisturizing solution and finish the job by massaging them with a natural oil to protect your hair. Hydrate them after each wash or at least 2-3 times a week. It will take you a little while to get used to it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making a No-Rinse Moisturizer
Step 1. Choose your conditioner
Choose one without rinsing, as it is lighter than normal ones. The goal is to hydrate the hair and make it softer and healthier looking. Find a product that fits your hair needs (consider if it's dry, dyed, curly, etc.).
If you have applied synthetic pigtails, choose a conditioner that contains protein. In this way, it will strengthen your natural hair
Step 2. Get the supplies
You can make a light moisturizer using ingredients you probably already have at home. Use the conditioner you usually use. You will get a mixture that is easy to spray every day on your hair. You will need:
- A spray bottle;
- A spoon for dosing;
- A 240 ml glass for dosing;
- Balm;
- Waterfall;
- Glycerine.
Step 3. Pour the conditioner and water into the bottle
Add 1/2 cup (120ml) of conditioner to the spray bottle. Combine 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of water and screw the dispenser on top. Shake the solution until the water has completely blended with the conditioner.
The water will dilute the conditioner so you can easily spray it on the braids. If it is too thick and cannot pass through the dispenser, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency
Step 4. Add the glycerin
Unscrew the bottle dispenser and pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of 100% pure glycerin into the diluted conditioner. Screw the dispenser back on and shake the solution to dissolve the glycerin.
Glycerin is used to reduce frizz in hair and keep it hydrated
Part 2 of 3: Apply the No-Rinse Moisturizer
Step 1. Spray the freshly prepared moisturizer on the braids near the face
Move the hair from the back of the head to the sides of the face. Use the spray bottle filled with conditioner, water and glycerin, misting the solution on the side braids of the face.
If you have fitted synthetic braids, you should spray the mixture especially near the roots, otherwise along all the braids if the hairstyle is made up of natural hair
Step 2. Spread the moisturizer
With one hand, take a handful of braids starting from the scalp. Grasping them loosely, pass the solution along the entire length of the hair. Continue to spread it using the other hand alternately. Run your hands through the braids until the moisturizer is absorbed.
Do not rub the solution vigorously on the hair, otherwise you will promote frizz and could damage the hair
Step 3. Spray the moisturizer into the center and ends of the braids
Once sprayed close to the scalp and roots, apply it to the central part of the hair as well. Run your hands along the braids to fully hydrate the ends.
It is important to spray the solution at the ends if the braids are made up of natural hair. If you don't hydrate them, your hair is much more likely to break or create the dreaded frizz
Step 4. Hydrate everything else
Separating the strands from time to time, continue to spray and spread the moisturizer along the braids. Remember to pass it on the more hidden ones, in the back of the head.
Make sure you moisten the tips as they can dry out easily. This way, your hairstyle will last longer
Step 5. Finish the job
Choose a natural oil (such as coconut or almond oil) and pour it into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together and grab a bunch of pigtails starting at the root. Grasping them loosely, pass the oil along the entire length of the hair. Continue to spread it using your other hand alternately.
- Keep adding more oil and spread it all over your hair. You shouldn't see any frizz after this.
- Apply the moisturizer and oil at least once or twice a week.
Part 3 of 3: Moisturize the pigtails more thoroughly
Step 1. Choose a deep-acting moisturizer
Find one made with a light oil, such as coconut, jojoba, castor, or almond oil. Choose an oil that does not contain cheap substances, such as mineral oil. If it is light, it is easily absorbed by the scalp and hair.
Avoid using a product with a full-bodied consistency, otherwise it risks weighing down your hair. Repeated use can leave product residues on the braids
Step 2. Apply the moisturizer
Keep the oil in a soft squeeze bottle so you can easily apply it to your scalp. This way, you can easily massage it into the roots and ends. If you are afraid of overdoing it, you can always pour a small amount into the palm of your hand, rub your hands and rub it into your scalp.
- Alternatively, get a bottle with a dropper so you can check how much oil you are going to apply.
- Remember to massage it on the tips as well.
Step 3. Wrap the pigtails
Create a protective hairstyle. You can make a bun and pin it on top of your head. If they are short, try tying them back or to the side. Wear a plastic cap to cover your entire head and hold the pigtails.
If you don't have a cap, you can also try securing the bun with cling film. This works best when they are short
Step 4. Let the conditioner work
Sit under the hairdryer hood for about 20 minutes to allow the hair to absorb the oil effectively. Let the braids dry for another 10 minutes. To allow the oil to penetrate better, you can leave the cap on your head for another hour after using the helmet.
Avoid applying the hot air jet for more than 30 minutes, as after this time limit the hair will stop absorbing the oil
Step 5. Rinse your head and dry the braids
Remove the cap and let your hair fall out. Lightly spray the braids and scalp with a leave-in conditioner for daily use. It will end the deep hydration process. Rinse your head and scalp with clean water. Let the braids air dry.
- Note that water weighs down the braids, especially if you have long hair or extensions.
- It is not a problem if you leave some conditioner after rinsing. It will moisturize your hair better.
Step 6. Repeat the treatment every week
To keep your hair and braids in perfect condition, perform a deep hydration treatment once a week. If your hair starts to look greasy, you can reduce the frequency to once every two weeks.
