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Wash your scalp while wearing braids or twists

When your scalp needs cleansing while braids or twists are still installed, careful access and rinsing can wash it without taking the style apart.

A woman in a navy swimsuit holds braids aside with one hand and gently applies lather along a scalp part with the other.

Step by step

  1. A woman in a navy swimsuit moves her own braids aside while a fixed shower wets the scalp and her other hand supports the lengths.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Wet the scalp and style

    • Check your braids or twists aftercare and set shampoo and a clean towel within reach. Leave time for full drying afterward.
    • Turn under comfortably warm running water, moving small groups aside so water reaches the crown, sides and nape.
    • Support heavy lengths with your free hand. Wet underneath without pulling on the roots.
  2. A woman in a navy swimsuit holds braids aside with one hand and gently applies lather along a scalp part with the other.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Cleanse between the roots

    • Dispense shampoo as the label directs, then put the bottle down before touching your scalp.
    • Move a few roots aside with one hand. Use the other hand’s finger pads gently along the exposed part; repeat around the head.
    • Keep the style intact. If the label directs length cleansing, smooth lather downward without rubbing the bundles together.
  3. A woman in a navy swimsuit lifts braids beside her head while a fixed shower rinses through the roots and hanging lengths.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Rinse through every area

    • Turn under the stream again and move small groups aside so water reaches the scalp behind the ears, crown and nape.
    • Let rinse water pass down the lengths. Check underneath and between roots until no visible suds remain.
    • Repeat only as your shampoo directs. Finish any instructed aftercare, then begin drying; rinse your hands and any spills.

About 10–20 min hands-on for wetting, cleaning exposed scalp parts, rinsing between roots and through lengths, and cleanup. Add any label dwell, extra directed wash and complete drying.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Installed length, root access and water flow change time; scalp washing is separate from the longer drying process.

You’re done when…

Water has reached the scalp and all braids or twists, including underneath, with no visible lather left. The style is rinsed, not yet dry; continue to complete drying.