Swella Braid Bar of Atlanta Now Open! Text us for same-day appointment availability at (240) 734-3035
Aftercare

You look good! Let's make sure your hair stays that way!

Here's everything you need to know regarding AfterCare for your new Swella Braids

Have More Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my natural hair need to be to get braided?

4 inches long! This is the length of an average pinky.

What kind of braiding hair do you use?

We use Ruwa braiding hair. For boho hair we use a synthetic + human hair mix.

I want to bring my own hair in, what kind of hair should I bring?

Please bring in your braiding hair the business day prior to your appointment. Please note we are closed on major holidays and Mondays & Tuesdays! On average, prepare to bring 5 - 6 packs of the 3 bundle X-pression and Freetress - 24”. We do not currently accept human hair for braiding.

Can I add expedited services?  

Yes! Check out our expedited service packages.

What lengths do you all provide?

Shoulder, Back, Waist. We do not offer shorter or longer styles than listed.

Is the braiding hair included?

Yes, once you book you will receive an intake form to fill out with your choice in hair color.

Do you braid over locs?

No, we do not braid over locs.

Is the deposit refundable?

No the deposit is non-refundable, if you have remaining questions please reach out prior to booking!

Why do I have to pay a non-refundable deposit?

The deposit reserves your appointment at Swella. Swella strives to empower and treat our community of braiders well, including doing what is right by them even if comes off as an annoyance to the end consumer. A deposit is required to ensure our stylists still receive payment for their time and best intentions when customers cancel last-minute.

Do we offer custom mixes?

Yes, for an additional fee! If you have already booked your appointment and want a custom mix added please text us.

What is your cancellation policy?

You have up unto 48 hours before your appointment to cancel with no fee. If you cancel within a 24-hour period you will be charged 50% of the service price. If you cancel the day of the appointment you will be noted as a "no show" and charged 100% of the service fee. *Please note the deposit taken when you reserve your appointment is non-refundable.

What is the policy if I am dissatisfied with the final result of my hair?

At Swella we utilize confirmation checkpoints to avoid misaligned expectations between stylist and customer. These checkpoints are mini moments throughout your appointment when you are asked about various aspects of the style (i.e. length check.) In the instance that you are still dissatisfied with the outcome, you have 24 hours, from checkout, to inform Swella by sending a text to (404) 465-4498 regarding your concerns. Please include pictures if possible.

Do you do men's hair?

Yes! We do all hair. Everyone has the ability to look bomb in their Swella Braids. Our services are available to all! 

Do you offer mobile services?

No, we do not currently offer mobile services. If you're interested in receiving mobile braid services from Swella at a later date in the future - please share your interest here.

Can I send a picture of a style I would like to get done?

We do not offer designs or styles that differ from those displayed on our booking site. However, if you're looking to send us a picture regarding something else, please feel free at (404) 465-4498.

My head is partially shaved, can I still receive braids?

Yes - Swella is able to install braids on the part of your head that has a minimum of 4 inches of hair. Please note that there is no difference in price for this service.

I have a white cast at the roots or edges of my braids - is this normal?

Yes this is normal if you have had your braids in for several days or weeks, depending on a number of factors. The white cast you see is a build-up of product (gel, edge control, etc.) To get rid of it, utilize a braid shampoo at the roots and edges of your braids. Additionally, you skip the shampoo by applying oil and a warm washcloth to the problem area.

I am headed on vacation, is it safe to swim in my braids?

Yes it is safe! In fact, it's quite common that people receive braids right before travel for a low maintenance hair do that they are comfortable getting wet at the beach. You deserve to be care-free with your braids on vacation! Pack a silk scarf and mousse to minimize the frizz and look as good as you feel on your vacation.

How long can I wear my braids?

It depends. Swella Knotless Braids can last you anywhere from three to 10 weeks with proper care. Swella Cornrows will likely last you two weeks or less. For best results, tie a silk scarf on the edges of your hair and apply a bonnet at night. To get the most wear out of your style, utilize Swella's maintenance services such as touch-ups and takedowns.

Aftercare at Swella

For Long-lasting Results

Preserve & Protect - Knotless Braids

Maintain your classic knotless braids' freshness by wrapping them in a satin/silk scarf at bedtime to minimize frizz and safeguard edges. Employ a braid bonnet for hassle-free sleep and tangle prevention.

Revive & Tidy - Knotless Braids

Cleanse the scalp gently using a nozzled shampoo bottle, avoiding full submersion of braids. Wrap hair in a microfiber towel post-wash. Schedule touch-ups as hair grows.

Post-Takedown Care - Knotless Braids

Embrace temporary curl pattern change after takedown. Employ a clarifying shampoo followed by moisturizing treatment and deep condition to restore your hair's vitality. Normal shedding is expected. Begin takedown by trimming the ends and unraveling gently. We do not recommend keeping your braids for more than six weeks.

Preserve & Protect - Boho Braids

Sleep with a satin/silk scarf or long braid bonnet to safeguard edges and prevent flyaways. To maintain sleekness, use edge control for edges. For curls, refresh by cutting fuzzy loose curls and applying a moisturizing product like a leave-in conditioner spray.

Revive & Tidy - Boho Braids

To rejuvenate, apply mousse to the braided section, then wrap with a scarf. For curl upkeep, it is normal to expect tangles. To prevent as much as possible, cut loose curls and moisturize with a spray leave-in conditioner weekly. When washing your braids, gently cleanse the scalp without fully submerging braids.

Post-Takedown Care - Boho Braids

Prepare for temporary curl pattern changes post-takedown. Double cleanse using clarifying and moisturizing shampoos, along with deep conditioning. Anticipate normal shedding and assess new growth. We do not recommend keeping your braids for more than three weeks.

Preserve & Protect - Cornrows

Maintain your cornrow braids by wrapping them in a satin/silk scarf while sleeping to prevent frizz and protect edges. Shield your braids from harsh elements with a head wrap or hat during outdoor activities.

Revive & Tidy - Cornrows

Moisturize your scalp and braids with a water-based leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness. Apply lightweight hair oil to the lengths of your braids to retain shine. Avoid heavy products that can cause buildup.

Post-Takedown Care - Cornrows

Gently cleanse your scalp with a diluted shampoo, focusing on the roots. Use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol-free witch hazel to clean along the parts. Use a light touch when styling to prevent stressing the braids. We do not recommend keeping your braids for more than six weeks.

1. Preserve & Protect - Knotless Braids

Maintain your classic knotless braids' freshness by wrapping them in a satin/silk scarf at bedtime to minimize frizz and safeguard edges. Employ a braid bonnet for hassle-free sleep and tangle prevention.

2. Revive & Tidy - Knotless Braids

Cleanse the scalp gently using a nozzled shampoo bottle, avoiding full submersion of braids. Wrap hair in a microfiber towel post-wash. Schedule touch-ups as hair grows.

3. Post-Takedown Care - Knotless Braids

Embrace temporary curl pattern change after takedown. Employ a clarifying shampoo followed by moisturizing treatment and deep condition to restore your hair's vitality. Normal shedding is expected. Begin takedown by trimming the ends and unraveling gently. We do not recommend keeping your braids for more than six weeks.

1. Preserve & Protect - Boho Braids

Sleep with a satin/silk scarf or long braid bonnet to safeguard edges and prevent flyaways. To maintain sleekness, use edge control for edges. For curls, refresh by cutting fuzzy loose curls and applying a moisturizing product like a leave-in conditioner spray.

2. Revive & Tidy - Boho Braids

To rejuvenate, apply mousse to the braided section, then wrap with a scarf. For curl upkeep, it is normal to expect tangles. To prevent as much as possible, cut loose curls and moisturize with a spray leave-in conditioner weekly. When washing your braids, gently cleanse the scalp without fully submerging braids.

3. Post-Takedown Care - Boho Braids

Prepare for temporary curl pattern changes post-takedown. Double cleanse using clarifying and moisturizing shampoos, along with deep conditioning. Anticipate normal shedding and assess new growth. We do not recommend keeping your braids for more than three weeks.

1. Preserve & Protect - Cornrows

Maintain your cornrow braids by wrapping them in a satin/silk scarf while sleeping to prevent frizz and protect edges. Shield your braids from harsh elements with a head wrap or hat during outdoor activities.

2. Revive & Tidy - Cornrows

Moisturize your scalp and braids with a water-based leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness. Apply lightweight hair oil to the lengths of your braids to retain shine. Avoid heavy products that can cause buildup.

3. Post-Takedown Care - Cornrows

Gently cleanse your scalp with a diluted shampoo, focusing on the roots. Use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol-free witch hazel to clean along the parts. Use a light touch when styling to prevent stressing the braids. We do not recommend keeping your braids for more than six weeks.