Pattern Beauty’s Sabrina Boissiere Shares Secret To Healthy Braids

Braids are a go-to protective style, offering both versatility and a break from daily styling to help retain length. But according to Sabrina Boissiere, Sales Education and Events Lead for Pattern Beauty, many people overlook a critical step in their haircare routine—scalp care.

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While they help reduce manipulation, protective styles like box braids, twists, and cornrows can also trap product buildup, sweat, and environmental debris. Without proper scalp cleansing, dirt and oil accumulation can lead to itchiness, flaking, and even hair loss.

“It really is important to clean your scalp,” said Boissiere at Pattern’s Refresh and Reset Hair Party stop at Ulta in Dallas, TX. “When you have a protective style and you’re leaving it in longer than two to three weeks, if you’re not cleaning it, what’s going to end up happening is you’re going to start to have breakage, and the little bulbs of your hair are going to come out.”

That breakage occurs when hair follicles become clogged, leading to inflammation and weak roots. Instead of letting buildup sit, Boissiere recommends the brand’s Deep Scalp Detox ($29) to remove impurities without disrupting the scalp’s natural balance.

“It has mandelic acid in it,” she explained. ‘It really is a great product that you can put on your scalp, let it sit. It’s a serum, so it’s not going to be too heavy, but you can also wipe it off or wash it off.”

While it’s tempting to pile on products to keep braids looking sleek and fresh, Boissiere advises taking a minimalist approach. If you’re looking to add a bit of shine, she suggests the brand’s Shine Spray ($23).

“You don’t need to be clogging your scalp with creams or gels or any of that stuff,” she said. “Keep it simple. Keep it cute.”

Celebrating Curl Love

The Refresh and Reset Hair Party is part of a nationwide series designed to educate and empower the textured-hair community. The in-store pop-up featured styling demos led by lead hairstylist Ebony Bomani, along with curl experts offering tips on hydration, curl definition, and protective styling.

The event reinforced Pattern founder Tracee Ellis Ross’ mission of helping people embrace their natural texture with confidence—whether through curl care, hydration techniques, or scalp maintenance for protective styles. By putting scalp care at the forefront, the Pattern team is reminding us that healthy hair starts at the root. Whether you’re rocking fresh braids, a twist-out, or a wash-and-go, a clean, nourished scalp is the foundation for strong, thriving hair.