If you're interested in trying out passion braids and switching up your usual braided look, then keep reading. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about passion braids.
What are Passion Braids?
Passion braids, also known as knotless butterfly braids, are a type of box braids. They are created by using synthetic extension bundles. These bundles give your braids a curly texture and a silky feel when installed.
How Long Will My Passion Braids Last?
Passion braids can last from one to two months, depending on how well you care for them. To care for your passion braids when installed on your natural hair, follow these tips:
How to Care for Passion Braids
When caring for passion braids, it's important to remember that less is more.
1. Avoid Over-styling
We understand that you want to show off the unique styles (ponytails, high buns, crown look, pigtails, etc.) that can be achieved with your passion braids. However, it's important to minimize styling to one or two styles per week.
Constantly changing the style of your passion braids can cause them to lose their neatness and become rough easily. This can also weaken the hairline of your natural hair, leading to breakage or hair loss.
2. Spray Some Hair Shine
If your braids are starting to look dull, you can bring them back to life by simply applying hair spray or mousse for added shine.
How to Care for Your Natural Hair in Passion Braids: A Step-by-Step Guide
Although passion braids are a protective style meant to minimize manipulation on your natural hair, it's important to care for your hair while wearing them. Here are some tips:
1. Oil Your Scalp
Once a week, oil and massage your scalp with your favorite hair oil to prevent dryness and itchiness.
2. Moisturize Your Hair
Moisturize the roots and other visible parts of your natural hair with a moisturizer. Do this once every three days with just a small amount of moisturizer.
Daily moisturizing or using too much moisturizer can lead to build-up and flakes in your hair and scalp.
3. Wash Your Hair
By the third or fourth week of wearing passion braids, your hair may have gotten dirty from dust, dirt, sweat, and product build-up. To clean it, dip a cotton ball the size of your finger in shampoo and rub it on your scalp.
Once you've shampooed, rinse off the shampoo by using another cotton ball dipped in water. Then, condition the roots and other visible parts of your natural hair using the cotton bud method.
After that, rinse out the conditioner using a cotton ball and water. You can now pat your hair dry with a clean t-shirt. Finally, oil your scalp and moisturize your natural hair.
Note: Make sure to use only natural hair products. Unnatural products containing ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, and sulfates can strip your hair of its natural moisture, causing dryness, itching, and other issues.
4. Use a Satin Scarf or Bonnet
Never go to bed without wrapping your passion braids in a satin scarf or covering them with a satin bonnet. Most pillowcases are made of cotton, which has a rough texture that creates friction.
As a result, your natural hair can lose moisture as you toss and turn in your sleep. This can lead to dryness, which is not good for your hair. However, a satin or silk scarf/bonnet can help your hair retain moisture.
How to Do Passion Braids
There are two ways to do passion braids:
- You can go to a professional hair salon to have them installed.
- You can DIY at home. However, be warned that it can be more stressful, take a lot of time to finish, and cause arm cramps.
If you decide to DIY, watch this video tutorial by Ambre Renee: