Whether you are rocking a long-term braided style or a short-term braided style, the utmost important key to keeping your braided style for a long time is by maintaining a good and healthy scalp. This is important because without proper care while rocking your braided style your hair will become more susceptible to damage.
 
How to ensure good scalp health:

Before care - in order to ensure that your style lasts as long as you hope for, your scalp health beforehand has to be good. To ensure this is the case, it is advised that you thoroughly wash your hair prior to installation. Your hair should also be properly detangled as well.

During care - the key to maintaining good scalp health is to keep your scalp hydrated. The perfect way to do this is by oiling your scalp. Also, since you won't be able to wash your hair as often as you would like to, in order to prevent excessive itching, you should use an anti-itch braid spray or even a mild dry shampoo.

After care - after removing the braids from your hair, you will now have to ensure that your hair gets thoroughly revitalized. You can do this by doing a protein treatment. This will help your hair to regain its strength as well as the nourishing ingredients it needs to stay healthy.