How to Wash and Prepare Braiding Hair Without Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Braiding hair extensions are a popular protective style for natural hair. However, most synthetic braiding hair comes coated in an alkaline residue that can cause itchiness and irritation. A common prep technique is soaking braids in an apple cider vinegar solution. But what if you don’t have any apple cider vinegar on hand?

Thankfully, there are other effective methods to wash, de-alkalize and condition braiding hair before installing it. Below are some simple techniques to prep braids without using apple cider vinegar.

Why Wash Braiding Hair Before Installing?

Fresh out of the package, synthetic braiding hair is covered in a chemical film from the manufacturing process. This residue has an alkaline pH around 8-9.

In contrast, our hair and scalp have a slightly acidic pH between 4.5-5.5. This pH imbalance can cause issues like:

• Itchiness and irritation
• Flakes and buildup
• Accelerated fading of hair color
• Damage to natural hair edges if installed without washing

That’s why it’s crucial to properly wash and treat braiding hair before braiding it into your own hair. Washing brings the pH down and conditions the strands.

What Does Apple Cider Vinegar Do?

Many people swear by soaking braiding hair in an apple cider vinegar (ACV) solution before installing. What does the vinegar do?

• Lowers the pH – ACV has a very acidic pH around 2-3. This neutralizes the alkaline residue.

• Removes buildup – The acid in vinegar dissolves away styling products, dirt and other debris.

• Closes cuticles – This helps braiding hair better hold onto moisture from conditioners.

• Adds shine – ACV’s clarifying effect enhances the look and feel of the strands.

How to Wash Braiding Hair Without Apple Cider Vinegar

If you don’t have any ACV on hand, don’t worry! You can still effectively cleanse and prep braiding hair without it. Here are some alternative options:

Baking Soda Wash

Baking soda has a pH around 8, so it helps neutralize the alkaline residue without being as harshly acidic as vinegar.

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 1 cup warm water
• Braiding hair

To wash:

1. Dissolve the baking soda in warm water and pour into a sink or basin.

2. Submerge braiding hair sections in the solution, swishing gently to coat all over.

3. Let soak 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

The baking soda dissolve buildup, balances pH and leaves hair squeaky clean without stripping. Be sure to rinse thoroughly as any residue left behind could cause dryness or irritation.

Dish Soap Wash

Basic dish soap like Dawn has a pH around 7, so it lightly lowers the pH of braiding hair without being too harsh. It also has degreasing abilities to remove manufacturing oils and debris.

You’ll need:

• 2 tbsp dish soap
• Warm water
• Braiding hair

To wash:

1. Add dish soap to warm water in a sink or basin and swish gently to mix.

2. Soak braiding hair in the sudsy solution for 5-10 minutes, massaging to coat all over.

3. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear and hair feels squeaky clean.

The dish soap removes any waxy residue without overly drying out the strands. Be sure to rinse out all the suds so hair is left soft.

Shampoo Wash

A clarifying or chelating shampoo can be used to wash braiding hair. These deep cleansing formulas remove buildup. Look for ones labeled “detox” or “clarifying”.

You’ll need:

• Clarifying shampoo
• Warm water
• Braiding hair

To wash:

1. Wet braiding hair under warm running water in a sink or basin.

2. Work a quarter-size amount of clarifying shampoo into a lather between your hands.

3. Apply shampoo to hair sections and massage to coat from roots to ends.

4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

Repeat if needed until hair feels super clean and free of residue. Follow with a conditioner.

Other Ways to Prep Braiding Hair

• White vinegar – Has a pH of 2-3 so removes buildup and balances pH

• Lemon juice – The acidity helps dissolve away oils and dirt

• Tea tree oil – Cleansing, antimicrobial and helps prevent dandruff

• Witch hazel – Gentle astringent helps remove residues without stripping

• Vodka – Strong enough to dissolve oils and buildup but not too drying

Simply dilute or mix these ingredients into water to make DIY cleansing solutions for braiding hair.

Conditioning Braiding Hair After Washing

After washing away buildup, it’s important to condition braiding hair so it’s soft, moisturized and detangled for braiding.

Here are some tips for conditioning:

• Choose a moisturizing conditioner without proteins which could cause stiffness. Look for words like “hydrating”, “detangling” or “frizz control”.

• Mix conditioner with water in a basin or bucket until it forms a milky solution.

• Fully submerge braiding hair sections and let soak 5-10 minutes.

• Rinse out conditioner thoroughly with cool water.

• Allow hair to air dry completely before installing. Never braid wet hair.

Deep conditioning makes braiding hair less prone to tangling during installation. It also allows the strands to better retain moisture and lay smoother when braided against your natural hair.

Maintaining Braided Hair Extensions

To keep braids looking fresh once installed, be sure to:

• Gently shampoo braids once a week focusing just on the scalp, not lengths. Rinse thoroughly.

• Use a spray leave-in conditioner daily to moisturize braids, especially the ends.

• Sleep with a silk bonnet or pillowcase to avoid friction.

• Don’t over-manipulate the braids which can cause frizz over time.

• Avoid getting braids wet as moisture causes them to frizz and tangle.

• Deep condition braids the night before taking them down to prevent shedding.

Proper maintenance keeps braided extensions looking neat and minimizes damage to your natural hair.

When to Avoid Washing Braids

In some cases, you may need to hold off on washing braiding hair before installing:

• If hair was chemically treated like dyed, bleached or permed – wait 2 weeks.

• If hair smells strongly like chemicals – return and exchange it.

• If braiding hair is tangling excessively when wet – try a different conditioner.

• If braids feel gummy, sticky or overly coated – wash with stronger dish soap solution.

• If hair is shedding excessively – try washing in cold instead of warm water.

Adjust your washing method if you notice any of these issues. With the right technique, you can install clean, conditioned braids that are ready to wear!

Caring for Braided Natural Hair Beneath

While keeping your extensions looking neat, it’s also vital to care for your natural hair beneath the braids:

• Avoid pulling braids too tightly at the scalp which can cause breakage at hair follicles.

• Use water-based moisturizers like oils, creams and sprays to help keep your natural hair hydrated while braided. Focus on ends.

• At night, lightly massage scalp with vitamin E oil to stimulate blood flow and soothe any irritation from the braids.

• Take braids down after 6-8 weeks max to avoid matting, locking and excessive tension on your natural hair.

• Deep condition hair thoroughly before and after taking down braids to prevent dryness and breakage.

With the proper prep and care, braided styles can help protect your natural hair while looking fabulous!

The Bottom Line

Pre-treating synthetic braiding hair is an essential step that makes a huge difference in how the style looks and feels. While apple cider vinegar is a popular choice, there are many other options to cleanse, detangle and condition braids if you don’t have ACV.

Baking soda, dish soap, shampoo and various household acids all effectively wash away alkaline residue and buildup from braiding hair. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse after washing.

Following up with a moisturizing conditioner makes hair soft, smooth and better able to retain moisture once braided into a protective style. Properly