
The 11 Best Braid Sprays To Give Your Protective Style The Refresh It Craves

There’s nothing better than a fresh set of braids. From knotless to boho braids, twists, and locs, these signature summer styles are undefeated when it comes to the versatility and ease that they bring to our lives.
Still, the itchy scalp that comes with product build-up or dryness can totally ruin the vibe of having your hair newly done. And since we want our braids to last as long as possible, scratching at our roots is one of the quickest ways to undo all the fresh parting we sat for hours to get.
That’s why it is important to have go-to scalp care to help maintain your protective style and keep scalp sensitivities at bay. To help, we’ve put together a list of the best scalp sprays, tonic, and lotions to soothe and refresh your crown.
Oh So Strong! Shine Boosting Moisturizer
Aunt Jackie's
Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Strong! Shine Boosting Moisturizer is the perfect solution for maintaining fresh braids while enhancing shine and moisture. This specially formulated moisturizer is enriched with a refreshing blend of biotin, honey, rosemary, and mint, providing essential nourishment to both hair and scalp.
Use daily to keep your protective styles soft, moisturized, and brilliantly shiny.
Camille Rose Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray
Camille Rose
Experience the rejuvenating benefits of Camille Rose’s Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray, infused with a carefully crafted blend of essential oils, herbs, and sea moss. Designed to alleviate dryness and itching, Mint Condition provides instant relief while softening hair roots and revitalizing strands.
Nourish your scalp and promote healthy hair growth with our handcrafted herbal tea blend, enriched with aloe vera juice and sea moss, to strengthen hair and minimize breakage.
Tgin Rose Water Curl Refresher
Tgin
Tgin Rose Water Curl Refresher has all the goodness of rose water and coconut oil with a unique formula that revitalizes even the most irritated scalp conditions.
Say goodbye to dryness and frizz as this refreshing spray hydrates, smooths, and revitalizes your hair. Extend the life of your braids effortlessly and enjoy the added peace of mind, knowing your hair is in good hands.
As I Am Rosemary Hair Water
As I Am
Experience the calming scent of As I Am Rosemary Hair Water with rosemary and peppermint oil, ensuring a soothing and refreshing haircare experience. Utilizing advanced sub-micron technology, it enhances the scalp's protective barrier, while also balancing the pH levels of hair and scalp.
Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Scalp Lotion
Mizani
This leave-in treatment by Mizani is enriched with a soothing blend of aloe vera, avocado oil, and invigorating eucalyptus. Providing nourishment and a cooling sensation, it will revitalize your scalp for optimal health and comfort.
Pharm To Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner
Pharm To Table
If your scalp needs some recusing, then you might want to try this leave-in conditioner. Pharm To Table Scalp Relief is formulated with tea tree oil, mint, coconut oil, and biotin. This blend provides cooling comfort to dry, irritated scalps while imparting an invigorating fragrance that energizes the senses.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Defunk Neutralizing Tonic
Uncle Funky's Daughter
Greasy, dry scalp, be gone! Defunk Hair Refresher Tonic is here to deliver your roots from itchiness and promote hair growth. Suitable for all hair types, it's a refreshing pick-me-up and effective in treating odor and buildup removal in locs, braids, and twists.
Mielle Rice Water And Aloe Braid And Scalp Moisturizer
Mielle Organics
Mielle’s Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer is a lightweight, non-greasy spray specially formulated to hydrate and condition braids and scalp without leaving any buildup. This all-in-one product instantly absorbs, providing deep moisture to maintain hair and scalp health throughout protective styling.
Design Essentials Peppermint & Aloe Scalp Tonic
Design Essentials
Revitalize your hair with Design Essentials® Peppermint & Aloe Soothing Scalp Tonic. This refreshing tonic clarifies and purifies the scalp, eliminating dirt and excess oils that cause irritation. Infused with natural peppermint and aloe, it calms, soothes, and stimulates the scalp, providing instant relief from itching.
Use as a pre-shampoo treatment or leave-in scalp treatment.
Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar
Sunday II Sunday
Sunday II Sunday’s dry shampoo alternative utilizes the cleansing power of apple cider vinegar and micellar water to refresh your hair and scalp. Enjoy hair that appears, feels, and smells rejuvenated between washes.
Jamaican Mango & Lime Braid Your Way 6-in-1 Soothes & Revives Braid Refresher
Jamaican Mango & Lime
There’s nothing like finding a product that covers all your bases, and this 6-in-1 Soothes & Revives Braid Refresher by Jamaican Mango & Lime does just that.
It promotes hair growth and reduces breakage and inflammation, all while keeping your hair protected, moisturized, and healthy.
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Featured image by Getty Images
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- This Is Your Summertime Protective Style Cheat Sheet ›
- I Tried Cantu’s New Jamaican Black Castor Oil Line On My Type 4 Hair ›
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
I Took A Three-Week Solo Trip To Portugal & Learned The Art Of Slow Traveling
As I write this, I'm sitting by the pool at the Octant Douro, a swanky hotel reminiscent of the Kanye West minimalist aesthetic. I promise I'm not saying this as a flex. I'm sharing this because I want this for you, too. Hello. #BlackGirlLuxury. This week marks the second of my three-week solo trip to Portugal.
If you're wondering: "Why Portugal?" You're not alone. Most people in my world have asked the same question. After my first trip here earlier this year, I fell in love. I only visited Lisbon then, but that was enough for me to feel affection for the country.
As my birthday approached, I wanted to plan another trip, and oddly, the prices for hotels and flights in the States were double and triple the price of even the best accommodations in Portugal. So, I booked a Premium Select ticket with Delta (which was also very reasonable) and started to plan. But on this trip, I wanted to do things differently. Not only did I want to explore additional cities, I wanted to try my hand at slow travel.
So instead of taking flights from city to city, I am traveling by train and car.
So, What is Slow Travel?
Like many things, the definition of slow travel is different for everyone. For me, slow travel means swapping out planes to travel by train, car, or any other means that requires me to slow down and has less impact on the environment.
How Am I Traveling?
My first stop was in Lisbon, where I stayed for a day before I started my journey to the north of Portugal. Before I landed, I weighed the cost of a car ride versus a train ride to Porto, which is just about a three-hour ride. The car service cost was nearly four times the cost of the train. So, I opted to take the high-speed tilting train: the Alfa Pendular. The train can travel up to 220 km/h (140 mph). I paid 51 euros for the three-hour journey.
A flight would have been just under an hour, but the environmental impact of that quick trip was at the top of my mind. Train travel is proven to emit much less carbon dioxide (CO2) than air travel. And with global warming, everything we do counts. Additionally, on my three-hour train ride, I realized there is so much you miss when flying over the cities. The scenery was gorgeous, and the ride was relaxing even when we were tilting. There was even a cafe car that offered sandwiches, coffee, and snacks.
After exploring Porto for four days, I visited wine country in the Douro Valley. I booked a car service for that trip which was just under 200 euros for the two-hour journey. What I didn't account for was the twisty, cliff-bending ride. It was beautiful but terrifying. But, like most places in Europe, the train is available, which I learned from a couple at Quinta Nova—a hotel nestled right in the middle of a UNESCO heritage site (an area legally protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and a vineyard—once I arrived.
Because I was too chicken to endure the cliffs when time to leave the mountainous terrain, I took the train from Ferrero to Penafiel, which only cost me 8 euros versus the 200 I'd spent on my trip there. Did the trip take double the time? Yep. But the ride was much less stressful and cheaper, and I got to travel like the locals. There was a little hiccup when I got to my stop. There were no Ubers. But luckily, there was a table of white-haired guys playing cards that happened to be taxi drivers.
This week, I'll take a six-hour train ride south to Algarve from Porto (a 30-minute car ride from where I am now), and then I'll take a car ride to Seville, Spain. It's a lengthy journey, but I'm still very excited about the experience.
If you're interested in traveling at a slower pace, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Give Up Scheduling Every Moment of Your Trip
I did tons of research before my trip, which set me up for success. But at the same time, things happen. For example, I missed my stop on the train and got lost. I also booked an Airbnb Experience way too far from my hotel, so I missed it. And it wasn't a cheap booking. So, unfortunately, money was wasted because I planned a little too far in advance without a full view of where things were. Sometimes you can only learn that as you travel.
2. Stay Present
Some travelers say to travel slowly, you must give up your technology. Well, that doesn't work for me because I'm still working even though I'm in Europe. But, I'm filming moments that I want to be able to reflect on, even though I'm not posting them. So, instead, I'm grabbing a little video and putting my phone down for the rest of the day.
3. Book Experiences that Support Local Makers and Artists
People always ask me how to get photos I love and plan tours as a solo traveler. Airbnb Experiences are my jam. I've used them since I planned my first solo trip to Cuba. Not only do you get a chance to make memories and learn new things, but you're supporting the local economy, which for me, is a big win.
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Originally published on September 6, 2022