Braid Age Calculator
Updated: Mar 3, 2025
Calculate how old your braids are in days, weeks, or months.
How do you calculate a braid's age?
A braid's age is calculated by taking the day they are installed to the day they are taken out. This is typically measured in days, weeks, or months.
Why is knowing your braid's age helpful?
Knowing your braids' age can help when planning styles and understanding how long the style may last. For example, bubble braids may last longer than a crown braid. Some wearers may also notice the hair matting after a certain time and may want to take out their braids before they start this behavior.
Can you tell a braid's age by looking at it?
Sometimes. Newer braids can look neater and shinier, while older braids can look frizzy, dull, and show signs of new growth. But this isn't always true. How the braids are installed can predict how long they may last. For example, compact braids may look younger than loose braids installed on the same day. Braids installed on hair with build-up or hair that is damaged can also look older than they actually are.
Is there a way to make braids last longer?
Make sure braids are installed on clean hair and keep them covered at night. The second suggestion can be hard for people who do not use sleepwear and young children. Our suggestions for lengthening the lifespan of braids include:
embracing the frizz
touching up and/or redoing the braids at the hairline
showering with the braids uncovered so that they get fully wet and wearing a scarf for a few minutes to rejuvenate the braids
using hair accessories that only show the ends of the braids not the frizzy roots (like ponycaps, headbands, hats, wraps, etc.)
Some of our reader's ideas include:
using a moisturizing braid spray
using a high-hold braid gel or edge control
Can long-term braids be healthy?
They can be! Braids can be a great form of long-term, low-manipulation, and protective styling. The length of a long-term style can vary from person-to-person. For example, one person may consider 1-month old braids a long time, while others consider 6-months a long time. Despite the braids being old, the hair can still be soft and healthy.
What can cause someone to take out their braids early?
There are many reasons someone may take out braids early, including...
their texture or length may cause the braids to unravel
they do not like the look
they want to try a new look
they want to thoroughly wash their hair
the scalp is having a negative reaction to the braids
the scalp feels dry
the hair feels dry
the braids are too tight
What can you do after taking out braids?
After the braids are taken out, you can allow the scalp to rest, wear a braid-out, and/or do a deep cleanse.
