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Dry braids or twists after washing

After washing, the bases and inner layers of braids or twists can stay damp after the surface feels dry. Gentle blotting and time in open air help you finish drying before covering the style.

A woman outside the shower presses a light gray towel around her own braid lengths with both hands.

Step by step

  1. A woman in a navy swimsuit gently presses a wet group of her own braids between her hands as water drips from the ends.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Press out dripping water

    • After the final rinse, keep your braids or twists hanging down. Support a small group at chest or shoulder height.
    • Press gently between your palms and release, working toward the ends. Do not twist or wring the bundle.
    • Repeat with other reachable groups until dripping slows. Pat very short lengths instead of pulling them forward.
  2. A woman outside the shower presses a light gray towel around her own braid lengths with both hands.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Blot with a smooth towel

    • Step onto a dry surface. Press a clean, smooth microfiber towel gently against exposed roots without scrubbing.
    • Bring a small group of braids or twists into the towel and press from both sides. Move to a dry part of the fabric as it becomes wet.
    • Remove the towel after blotting. Hang it to dry; leave the hair loose instead of bundling it into a towel wrap.
  3. A woman with uncovered braids moves a small group aside and checks the roots behind her ear with her fingertips.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Leave loose and check underneath

    • Sit in a well-ventilated space. Let braids or twists hang with room between loose groups; move them occasionally so the underside is exposed.
    • If air-drying is too slow, use optional unheated cool airflow in a dry room, following your dryer’s manual. Keep it moving and its intake clear.
    • With dry hands, check the roots at the crown and nape, then several thick lengths and ends for remaining dampness.
    • If any area is damp, keep drying and check again later. Tie, cover or go to bed only after the whole style is dry.

    The photo shows the open-air option. For optional cool airflow, follow the equipment precautions above, then switch off and unplug before your final checks.

About 3–8 min hands-on for pressing out water, towel blotting and occasional dryness checks. Add complete air-drying. Any optional handheld cool-air drying is additional active time.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Length and bundle thickness affect blotting; hours of drying do not mean hours of continuous handling.

You’re done when…

The roots, underside, thickest braids or twists and ends feel dry when checked with dry hands. No damp patches remain; a dry outer surface alone is not the stopping cue.