How to take care of your box braids and your hair while its in them?

Hello, I just got my box braids a week ago, and iv been concerned on wether my hair is healthy with them in. Lately Iv been oiling my scalp everyday and applying organic shea butter mosturizer to my hair while in the braids then after I apply almond oil onto my hair to seal the moisture in. So now that its been a week I was wondering if I could shampoo and condition my hair while in these braids. Also I wanted to know why does the hair itch so much while in these braids?