hair braiders/extension wearers

[spencd]

Hi ladies,

I am fininshing up taking out my box braids of just about two months. As i was taking them out, i separated each unraveled hair to make sure when i comb it a lot won't come out (the white ring that forms around the braid should be separated as per other members). I put in some conditioner called emergency 911 and braided big plaits in my hair.

When you take your hair out, what exactly do you put in it? I will not be able to go to the salon until the morning so was thinking perhaps tonight will be a good time to pre poo. Should I comb my hair my self or allow them to do it under the water with conditioner in it?

My hair is really dry so any suggestions would help.

TIA

 

[afrochique]

I keep my hair moisturized while it is braided. This makes it easy to take down and reduces breakage.

My suggestion is that you comb it out yourself, with conditioner since you say it is dry to detangle and you would be more gentle with your hair in comparison to a stylist. You can do it section by section and braid it back.

 

[spencd]

Thank you Afrochique, working on getting the rest out. I will do that. What exactly do you use when it is braided to keep it moisturized for future reference?

 

[Lanea87]

I like African Royal Braid Spray and even AVJ.

 

[CandiceC]

I like African Royale Braid Spray and even AVJ.

I've used this before when removing braids. Works well.

 

[spencd]

Does that mean it helps loosen the braids quicker or you put it on after they are out? What does AVJ mean?

Thanks

 

[afrochique]

I use diluted Infusium 23 or Aphogee moisturizer. Sometimes plain water in a spray bottle. I think AVJ is aloe vera juice.

 

[spencd]

Update - just came in from the salon. I am going back to paying to get my braids taken out because it was too much (next time, it was at least 3-4 yrs since last braids). I was trying to save money.

I went there with a few braids like 15 still in head. Last night and this morning I was putting conditioner on and hot stixx oil in my hair. So when I got there the lady told me to come to the sink. She helped me take out the rest.

I started to comb the plaits out with my big comb and the lady (dominican) said no I got it. She completely covered my hair with conditioner and comb through gently. She washed my hair then I asked to go under the steamer. I brought in my Kuz conditioner and she allowed me to stay for at least 20 min. Sometimes depending on where you go they only allow 5 minutes but I was ready to protest for my extra money. It was not the case.

After she rinse conditioner, she put in some more of her stuff and took her time again to comb through. My hair was roller set and when the rollers came out I probably could have went without my roots being blown.

I did it because I wanted to see the state my hair was in. I am at least 4 to 4 1/2 months post. I am making the steamer and this lady part of my regimine. Yes, I tipped her. Sorry no pics. I will update that old pic before March is out. I plan on cutting my hair.

BTW - most of the hair that was coming out had the white bulbs attached to it. This is considered shedding right? Do you think it was from the extensions hanging on my head? Or just natural process? I don't think I've seen so much white bulbs at once although I know the braids were being taken out. It could of been worse. Let me know, extension wearers.

Thanks

 

[BeautyGoesDutch]

I know you have your update I feel soo late lol..but I use Hawaiian Silky 14in1 and it works perfect I love that stuff.

 

[yorkpatties]

When I used to wear braids my fave thing to keep my scalp moisturized was Jane Carter Solution nourishing scalp serum. You have some fantastic recommendations on keeping your hair moisturized.

 

[Nonie]

BTW - most of the hair that was coming out had the white bulbs attached to it. This is considered shedding right? Do you think it was from the extensions hanging on my head? Or just natural process? I don't think I've seen so much white bulbs at once although I know the braids were being taken out. It could of been worse. Let me know, extension wearers.

Thanks

Yes, @spencd. That was shed hair and it is the natural process. If the hair had come out from being pulled out, you'd not have had white bulbs...and you would probably have had bumps and bald spots.

You had braids in for 2 months so if you lose 50-100 hairs a day (as is normal), then you should have had about 3,000-60,000 hairs coming out after being held in by your plaits all that time--which is why they looked a lot. Your whole head has 100,000+ hairs. But that doesn't mean you were left with 40,000 . Every one of those hairs was replaced by another over the course of those 2 months because once a hair is shed, another takes its place, so you still have your 100,000 hairs or so.

That's nice that your stylist was gentle and seemed to know what she was doing.

 

[DarkJoy]

Yup. Nonie said it best! I had mine braided straight for 4 years almost and there was a ton of shed like you describe. I did take 'em down every 2 months and put right back up. I probably had even more shed, actually! No worries.... It's all good as long as there's no bald spots...