Prior to the discovery of spray bottles, hair spritzes and DIY hair concoctions, hair grease and braid sheen sprays were the norm for practically every Black woman. As curly puddings and hair gels are the key to a successful twist-out, so were braid sheen sprays to long-lasting braids, corn rows and wigs.
Although the natural hair care community is on the rise, many natural haired ladies are still going back to the hairstyles that they use to do when they were relaxed. Popular hairstyles such as crotchet braids, Senegalese twists, Marley braids and weaves all still require great products for their proper maintenance.
Do people still use braid spray?
With DIYs in abundance, it is easy to think that products such as braid sheen sprays are no longer relevant and that no one really uses them anymore. But the reality is that a lot of people still do, including naturals who can’t be bothered with mixing their own hair spritzes. This is why you will still find these products at your local beauty supply store.
What is it?
In case you’re wondering what a braid spray is and how to use it, let me give you a quick summary. As the name suggests, it is normally used on a braided hairstyle, although it can also be used on loose hair extensions (protective styles”> like wigs. Braid sheen sprays usually come in a large aerosol can or plastic bottles with spray nozzles, all depending on the manufacturer and the ingredients.
Aside from the extra sheen that it provides, a braids sheen spray is also used to:
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Soften and condition your hair while it’s in braids
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Lubricate your synthetic hair to reduce friction and knots which is common with dry hair
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Prolong the length of time that you wear your braids for
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Soothe itchiness and dryness
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Add a silky shine to the hair
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Soothe braid tightness and soreness
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Reduce breakage that normally occurs while taking down your braids
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Add some fragrance to your braids, especially if you wear synthetic hair.
Braid sheen sprays are ideal for any hair type, but those with Type 4 hair, colored hair and any other hair type that dries easily will benefit the most with sheen sprays because they serve as an extra protective layer for your hair while in braids.
A word of caution when using sheen sprays:
You want to make sure that you don’t spray the product too closely on your hair, especially if the product is oil based. This is because spraying the product directly on your hair will make your hair to be too greasy and it might feel weighed down.
Do you still use a braid sheen spray? What are some of your favourite products for your braids?
