I agree. If you want braids, get them and skip the relaxer. I use to braid professionally in another life and fresh relaxers are a no-no if you want good looking healthy braids. I still braid my own hair and those of family and friends (for beer and food!). I do individuals or cornrows, but refuse to do micros because of damage they cause.
If your hair is really thick with new growth, use a good moisturizing 'poo and conditioner and then do a blow dry using good leave-in/serum/heat protectant to get the roots manageable and go braid it up. This is the ONLY time I blow dry my hair (or recommend it), when I'm going into braids a few months after relaxing and my new growth is like "hello!!" (I'm 4b, very thick, very kinky and gotta get the comb and fingers thru that bush!). I go into braids usually when it's time for a touchup -- instead of the relaxer after 10 to 12 weeks, I whip some braids in, usually in the summer to avoid the humidity and frizz drama that goes on down here in Hotatlanta . . . HTH