Hey, I'm a natural. For my braidouts to look good, I have to (1) Make about 14 braids. If I only did a few braids, it just doesn't look like a style.
(2) Braid hair while still wet, using some type of moisturizer or setting lotion. I currently just use Liv hair dressing, rubbing in my hands first and then applying generously to each section before braiding.
If my hair starts to dry while I'm braiding, I spritz some water on it to keep it moist.
(3) I make sure I leave my braids in until COMPLETELY airdried. This usually means leaving them in overnight. If I take them out to soon, I will have puffy hair.
(4) Unbraid hair in the morning. Then rub out parts and kind of fluff hair with fingers to loosen the wavy pattern.
(5) For my edges, either the night before or that morning I apply some more water and Proclaim Styling Gel and then put on a headband or scarf. After about ten minutes, this smooths the edges down nicely.
Here is a link to another natural who shares braidout tips and results:
http://motowngirl.com/how_to.htm
Go to the link, and then click on braid-outs or twists for instructions.
And yet another natural:
http://www.geocities.com/ovwiseman/journal.html