Braid plan

[HoneyRockette]

I am getting my hair braided next week. I just called my braider to confirm my appointment on the 8th. This is my plan. Let me know what you think: I want to leave braids in my hair for a year (if I can, though I don't think I will make it that long), but at the very least until the summer. What I want to do is spot retouch my own braids as I need to, meaning I will basically keep the same set of braids in my hair for the whole time. I will probably take a break in the summer just to let my breathe for a month or so. I wanted to try this because my main problem with braids is taking a whole day to get them done and a whole day to remove them. I don't always have the time and end up leaving them in too long or taking too long to put them back in. This way I only need one day to put them in and I can redo them a little over time. Do you think this cause any damage to my hair?

 

[shandaMichelle]

This should be fine, it helps a lot that you can do your own spot retouches. Just remember to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I'm about to get braids sometime in January, they are a pain to take out but it's all in the name of hair growth..

 

[Guest]

I have kept braids in my hair for four months at a time, currently the braids I have now have been in almost 5 months..what have helped me during this time is taking a hair vitamin consistently-my hair grows better and I have less breakage when I take the braids out-it takes me at least two days or more to remove my braids..but I do retouch the front when the new growth comes in. Of course, I do the moisturizing/hair oil thing...but while my hair is in braids that is not a enough-I have to have taken vitamins to keep the strength of my hair up. But it is not a problem to wear your hair for a year in braids...I have worn them for almost three years now..with small breaks in between-you just have to maintain them. Sometimes I did not take the vitamins and my hair did not grow at all and I had more breakage.

 

[LiqueXX]

My plan is to keep my hair in braids for 6 months to 1 year, but I want to get my braids done again every 6 to 8 weeks (throughout the year). I have never left my braids in for longer than 2 months, because I hate how my new growth looks. I know that I do not want micros (had them before with no real problems) because they are harder on hair and follicles. Now, I think I want thicker braids and I do not think that they will last as long as 2 months because my hair grows fast. A rest in between seems like a good idea. I also think if I go this route I will not be putting any chemicals on my hair (it will be hard to do between braiding).

 

[prettyblac]

Everyone hair is different I read that if you leave your hair in braids for more than 3 months your hair will start to loc and matte up resulting in more that avg shedding when they are removed I will be doing the same braid condition thing for a year but I will complete remove all the braids condition etc. maximum of every 3 months. I've found as long as you maintain the braids i.e. sh/con/moisturize when it time to remove them the process is alot smoother and without breakage. happy hair growing

 

[LONDONCHICK]

HoneyRockette, I have twice had braids in for about a year, and did a spot retouch when needed. I did not have any problems doing this, only that the hair I used started to look a bit old after about 5/6 months (I used human hair).

This procedure saved me a lot of time and money, and my style always looked fresh.

 

[debyjay]

I'll be getting braids next week, not micros becuz they scare me. I wore braids for 6 months 2 months at a time last January to June and got about 5 inches. Now that I know how to take care of my hair I am looking forward to keeping those inches this time. I think the best braid formula is the one on grow afro hair long, countless people have had good results -- but it is way too complicated for me.

 

[jade3]

I think this idea will be just fine. I've been wearing my braids for over a year now and I have been experiencing wonderful growth. I actually plan on doing this for another 2 years. I take my braids down every three months though because my hair starts to lock up and I lose too much hair otherwise. I've had great results with three months, only the usual shed hair and no locking.

 

[Guest]

I have never had the problem with my hair locking....most of the time I keep my braids in my hair for 2 1/2 months..but I have kept them in for 4 months and this time around 5 months...my hair is very fine and thin (which is a big no-no for the microbraids I wear) but I really keep them up and as long I have vitamin supplements I lose less hair and it grows. Another key for me is how I take them down...

 

[sereia]

I have worn braids for about two years w/ spot retouching. for my hair it was o.k. so far but my main problem was the thinning of my hairline and the middle part that is still in my hair (after 10 years!) ... another problem could be the lack of deep conditioning

 

[Kitkat]

Natori, I have left my braids in for 4 months also and have luckily never had a problem with locking. Right now I'm at 3 1/2 months and I'm getting them put back in this weekend. I think that locking will happen if you take out braids and shampoo without completely detangling the hair. Once the hair is completely combed out, locking shouldn't happen. I never got microbraids because they scare me, too. I just get regular box braids using synthetic hair because it stays neater longer than human hair.

 

[nijilah]

Hello all,

I have decided to wear braids this year also. I have made an appointment to get box briads using synthetic hair.

My main concern is how long that I leave the braids in. Most research that I have seen suggests taking the braids out every 8 weeks but I would rather keep them in for at least 12 weeks at a time.

For synthetic box braids, how long should I keep the braids in?

 

[SweetNic_JA]

I've been doing a modified Crown and Glory technique. This is what I do.

1. Keep braids for 3 months
2. Condition wash atleast 3 times a week
3. Apply hollywood (I think) carrot oil mixed w/ olive oil after each wash
4. After 3 months remove braids, deep protein condition, and wait 2 weeks to relax.
5. Wait atleast a month to rebraid - my hair needs to be in its own skin for a while.
6. Rebraid for another 3 or so months.

I've been doing this since October 2002 and my hair is really coming along. I finally have a digital camera so I'll post progress.


I think keeping the braids in all year isn't the best idea but what doesn't work for me may work for you. Good luck.

 

[angelica2u]

i cant believe u guys can keep your braids in for that long without much damage!! Are you hairs natural? What do u do apart from taking vitamin suppliments to prevent breakage, shedding and locking? Cos i just took out my braids on new years eve after theyd been in for 2 - 3 months and after i washed it, it was all locked up. There was breakage and i've literaly just been eating,sleeping and detangling the hair since new years eve till about an hour ago. I didnt even experience the new years first coming but thats s'thing else.

In short, how do u guys manage to not have all those probs. with braids??

BTW, Can i use wild growth oil for my relaxed hair? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[sweetpea5000]

Hi everyone...I plan to braid my hair too this year. I have worn braids for a long time and the best growth I ever with braids was when i kept washing my hair. I stopped doing it because it made my braids look old faster, but now I realize that it's a choice you have to make: nice braids or nice hair!! I plan to wash and condition once a week and mosturize every day ( i'm still checking out products). I tried to give my hair a break but it's too hard to deal with (after 4 days). My hair's natural and I can't deal with it at this length right now. I know my hair grows in braids, because I see it. Hopefully this time I can maintain the length. I also realised that how you take them out plays a big role in that. So if you leave them in a long time, you have to separate all those knots by hand before you even think about running a comb through your head!! I tried to moisturise too, as I was doing that, because it's the scariest time!! Don't wanna lose it all!

I think 2-3 months is the longest I'll keep mine in, then get them redone.

Honeyrockette, maybe if you try getting bigger braids it won't take as long. Sometimes it can take as little as 5 hours depending on who's braiding. My sister does my hair and she can do it that fast.

Good luck with everyone's braids!!!

 

[HoneyRockette]

I won't have a problem with locking because I will be rebraiding as needed. I may rebraid some in a month, I may rebraid others in two months. My hairline grows the slowest so I may be able to leave the perimeter braids in for two and a half to three months. I will determine when to rebraid as I go along. I will probably unbraid my entire head in the summer. I guess I didn't make myself clear in my initial post. Sorry about that.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
angelica2u said:
In short, how do u guys manage to not have all those probs. with braids??

[/ QUOTE ]

The way you take the braids down plays a very important role. Most of the time, I use a "needle" or a "straight pin" to unloosen the knots...one time I did not do this and I just removed the braids and washed my hair because I was in a hurry and of course my hair suffered. Plus, my hair grows pretty slow too but it does grow a little with the braids in. But if you have real problems there are products like "Braid Ease" that will make it easier for removal. All in all, its really the way you maintain the braids. Some people wash the braids (I have done this), others use witch hazel or rubbing alcohol to clean the residue, it just depends. There are braid shampoos or special braid "cleansers" on the market. I found that moisturizing and lubricating the braids, gentle cleansing, tying the braids up at night with a scarf or sleeping in a satin cap, careful removal, and taking vitamins have helped me. I'm not sure about relaxed hair in braids because my hair is natural but I have seen other people who relax their hair and also wear braids for a period of time without excessive damage..like I said it all depends on how you maintain the braids while they are in.

 

[PracticallyMe]

I'm doing a braid challenge as well. I put my braids in about Dec. 11 or so. So, I think I will leave them in for two months or 3 months if I spot retouch. I want to keep my hair braided for at least six months and see what kind of growth I get. My braids are medium-sized (about the sized of a pencil, so they won't take to long to take down.

 

[deeshortesthair]

hi I have the shortest hair I started my braids one week ago but they are really tight ..I will take them out and have them redone...I do not know why the Africans on 125 th street in Harlem think they need to be this tight.My hair is about 3 ins on the top and 1 inch on the sides and back ...so lets see.braids,sulphur 8, surge and aphogee together for one year should give me some hair..I'd like to post pics but I do not know how.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

Speaking of the African braiders on 125st. They can rip you off. Last time I went to get my hair braided they charged me $120 . I was told that the price included 2 packs of human hair. Well, I know for a fact that they did not use two packs of hair in my head. I never saw the braider reach for a second pack of hair. Furthermore, I do my own braids all the time (just got lazy that last time) and my braids never turned out as thin as when these people did it (IT's the Guinea African salon right next to the train station).

Just be careful...I suggest you bring your own supplies, ask them the price and then let them know that you already bought the hair.

 

[zora]

[ QUOTE ]
deeshortesthair said:
hi I have the shortest hair I started my braids one week ago but they are really tight ..I will take them out and have them redone...I do not know why the Africans on 125 th street in Harlem think they need to be this tight.My hair is about 3 ins on the top and 1 inch on the sides and back ...so lets see.braids,sulphur 8, surge and aphogee together for one year should give me some hair..I'd like to post pics but I do not know how.

[/ QUOTE ]

Who are you telling. My scalp became ultra sensitive and tenderheaded cuz of tight braids. I actually find the braiders on 125th street pretty cheap, but you have to know you can bargain with them.

I'm thinking of getting a non-African (please take no offense) to braid my hair, but everyone else seems to take days to braid hair. Any suggestions in the DC-MD area would be appreciated.

 

[Kitkat]

Angelica, Natori is right on as far as how to avoid problems with braids. I don't know whether you combed out any knots completely before you washed your hair, but if you didn't this might be why you had problems removing them. Whether you remove buildup as you take out each braid, or detangle a few at a time, doing this is an ABSOLUTE must before shampooing and the way to avoid breakage and locking. My hair is relaxed, but my last perm was in April & I have a lot of new growth.

Wild Growth Oil works really well on relaxed hair. You might not want to use it every day because it's very heavy but I loved it for keeping my hair and ends moisturized.

 

[angelica2u]

Thanks a lot kitkat, Nat and everyone else. You're right - i did not detangle or comb out before i washed. At least now i know and will not repeat that cos i learnt the hard way.

 

[Cat_Eyed_Cutie]

I wore my hair in braids for about 2 years and experience wonderful growth. Here's what worked for me:

1. Kept braid in no longer than 3 months
I have very thick and dense 4a hair that tangles, mattes and locs very easily so leaving my hair for a longer period of time was a recipe for disater.

2. Washed weekly
Diluted equal parts water and shampoo and applied it to my scalp with an applicator bottle. Then rinsed hair in the shower.

3. Sprayed hair with a leave in conditioner
I never used regular conditoner with my braids as I found it left too much residue.

4.Tied my hair nightly with a satin scarf

5. Spayed braids in the morning with the same leave in conditioned, or use a small amount of Fantasia IC hair polisher, only if necessary.

I also used products in my hair in very small amount...ie I'd only use 5 squirts of leave in conditioner a day, or a dime size amount of hair polisher. When your hair is in braids, less is more.

Hope I've helped!

 

[KathyMay]

Zora-

I used to go to Zannibou's on the 12th St, NE near Catholic U. I have been to her since the summer. She does nice work.

 

[angelica2u]

thanks Cat. That sounds good

 

[oglorious1]

Any updates on this...

 

[deeshortesthair]

hi I have the shortest hair I started my braids one week ago but they are really tight ..I will take them out and have them redone...I do not know why the Africans on 125 th street in Harlem think they need to be this tight.My hair is about 3 ins on the top and 1 inch on the sides and back ...so lets see.braids,sulphur 8, surge and aphogee together for one year should give me some hair..I'd like to post pics but I do not know how.

I do not believe that my hair has only grown 5 inches in one year that is really sad