LOOOOONNNG term braid extension wearers?

[jennboo]

Has anyone successfully grown long natural hair by wearing braid extensions for (gasp) years at a time? To those who have, what has been your experience and what is your braid/hair maintenance regimen? Thanks.

 

[missnurselady]

Bump, I would like to know as well

 

[Hidden_Angel]

So far in my journay I have been wearing braids for close to two years! , I get them redone for course but It CAN be stressful on your hair.

I need to take some pictures so you all can see my starting point to how much my hair has grown now.

I would like to see other stories because I'm wondering how other womans with braids have been holding out.

 

[Chameleonchick]

Not me but I found a fotki where this lady wore braids for 3 years!! She has her regimen there, I read all of the comments/responses too. http://public.fotki.com/AnaisKarim/loc_journey/loose_hair/brighter.html

 

[Chrissmiss]

I wore braids for the whole two years I transitioned. I would keep them in for 3 months and out for one. I'd wash them about every two weeks and tighten braids as needed. I'm sick of them now I thought of getting some to make my hair rest, but human hair long enough for my hair is so pricey.

 

[Blaque*Angel]

Not me but I found a fotki where this lady wore braids for 3 years!! She has her regimen there, I read all of the comments/responses too. http://public.fotki.com/AnaisKarim/loc_journey/loose_hair/brighter.html

great fotki

thanks

 

[MizAvalon]

When I was natural, I transistioned with crochet braids. I wore them for about 2 1/2 years. Just got them re-done every couple of weeks. It was so easy.

 

[Aggie]

I don't want to transition but I think that I do want to do this to grow my hair out for at least a year. I already cornrow my own hair for 3-4 weeks at a time now and wear wigs over it. I just want to keep my hands out of my hair for a while. I have been having too much breakage as of late from all the touching.

 

[Foxglove]

This sounds a lot like the crown and glory technique
www.growafrohairlong.com

 

[Nonie]

You may get a lot of ideas from the Hard C & G Challenge that was going on a while ago and still might be on. I posted my regimen in that thread (link to that page below). I am one of those who has worn braids years on end. I believe the way this can work best is if you learn to do your own braids so you can redo any that get loose as soon as they do. Anyway, my regimen is on this page:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=142577&page=43

 

[Demi27]

I've worn braids for most of my life off and on. Everytime I kept my hair in braids, it would grow. I would take breaks off an on, though.

About 10 or so years ago, I wore braids for a year straight (when my mom used to do them for me). I only took my hair out to rebraid them.

My hair was the longest it's ever been. I have decided that I am DEFINITELY going to keep my hair is some sort of braids. The only reason why I didn't retain length (after I took my hair out) was because I couldn't keep my hands out of my hair. My mother STILL won't let me live that one down, because I messed up her hard work.

Some people say your hair will break off as a result, but I've NEVER had that happen (when I properly took care of my hair).

 

[growinmyhair]

Ive been in braids for 10 yrs almost continuously. i use to get my hair relaxed and braid it the same day or the next..... ridiculous i know... i hardly ever moisturized while in braids in the early stages... and use to wonder why my hair was soooo dry and broken and i kept the braids in for 4 months. plus my hair would dred because of the new growth and the relaxed ends while trying to undo i would hear my hair been torn. Its only now in the last 2yrs 3 months that i've started taking care of my hair never slacking off well... hardly, i cut my hair off in frustration braided it and from about 2 inches of hair i'm nearing APL i have never been near that in my life. I spray my scalp with African Royale braid spray, saturate my hair with infusium 23 (only recently started using) i then moisturise my braids with ors moisturizing hair lotion, carefully squeezing the length of root to tip of were my hair ends then i seal with Castor or coconut oil. i do this everyday depending how much i used the day before my hair stays moisturised 24/7 but its not greasy everything in moderation, that might be too much for some, but it works for me. Also i wash and deep condition my hair once a week, also re-braid with human hair every 2 months i have not trimmed since i started taking care of my hair. maybe i should though my hair still very thick. It takes me ages to braids the more it grows and i have decided not to straighten my hair to do my braids. if you look after your braids well, its a great way of retaining length. i want to get to length were i feel confident enough to wear my own hair out which hopefully wont be long if i keep it up. whew sorry about the novel. my fingers couldn't stop typing.

 

[winnettag]

I don't know what you consider long, but my hair is about BSL now.
For the past 6 years my hair has been in individual braids or senegalese twists w/ extensions or cornrows with wigs over them when I go out.
Since finding LHCF and learing about ayurvedic hair care and deep conditioning I have noticed even more improvement in my hair recently.

I leave extensions in for about 2 months, sometimes a little longer.
I spray them everyday and bun them at night. I massage my scalp with mahabhringaraj oil every other day or at least 2x/wk (helped with my hair line and I don't see all the white bulbs like I used to!). I do tea rinses at least once a week, using real shampoo or a shikakai bar when I notice build-up. When I take them down, I DC 1-2x/ week before putting them back in.

 

[Kurlee]

I braided my hair for 18 months straight a few years ago when i went natural and went from 2 inches of hair to apl. I moisturized three times weekly with a braid spray and redid them every three months and did an aphogee treatment at that time. It was really easy. I was and still am learning about my natural hair and hair type and how to get certain looks and results, but it was the best thing for retaining length.

 

[missnurselady]

I'm thinking of doing the same exact thing Aggie! I just took down my kinky twist and I'm trying to decide if I am going to relax or get them again but I cant make my mind up

I don't want to transition but I think that I do want to do this to grow my hair out for at least a year. I already cornrow my own hair for 3-4 weeks at a time now and wear wigs over it. I just want to keep my hands out of my hair for a while. I have been having too much breakage as of late from all the touching.

 

[Zuhus]

great thread

 

[Lebiya]

This is what Im doing for 3 ½ to 4 years STRAIGHT… I talking about braids out then right back in the next day. So for I’m in my 2 year. While in braids, I apply my growth aid(s), saturate my braids, then baggy before bed. I keep my braids in for 8 weeks or less at a time. I wash every 2-3 days. I have wonderful growth. My hair has never been any healthier in my life. I’m going to try to do this until I reach waist.

..If you give your hair a lil TLC while in braids, you’ll reap amazing results!

 

[Aggie]

I don't know what you consider long, but my hair is about BSL now.
For the past 6 years my hair has been in individual braids or senegalese twists w/ extensions or cornrows with wigs over them when I go out.
Since finding LHCF and learing about ayurvedic hair care and deep conditioning I have noticed even more improvement in my hair recently.

I leave extensions in for about 2 months, sometimes a little longer.
I spray them everyday and bun them at night. I massage my scalp with mahabhringaraj oil every other day or at least 2x/wk (helped with my hair line and I don't see all the white bulbs like I used to!). I do tea rinses at least once a week, using real shampoo or a shikakai bar when I notice build-up. When I take them down, I DC 1-2x/ week before putting them back in.

How do you rinse your hair with the braids in it winnettag? I like ayurveda rinses as well but never thought of rninsing my braided hair with it. Help please.

 

[Aggie]

This is what Im doing for 3 ½ to 4 years STRAIGHT… I talking about braids out then right back in the next day. So for I’m in my 2 year. While in braids, I apply my growth aid(s), saturate my braids, then baggy before bed. I keep my braids in for 8 weeks or less at a time. I wash every 2-3 days. I have wonderful growth. My hair has never been any healthier in my life. I’m going to try to do this until I reach waist.

..If you give your hair a lil TLC while in braids, you’ll reap amazing results!

Which method do you use to wash your braided hair Lebiya?

 

[SandySea]

This was many years ago, but I went natural by wearing braids for a year. My intention wasn't to go natural, but I ended up cutting off my permed hair at the end of that year with a full head of SL natural hair. I took good care of the braids and kept them moisturized with braid spray. However, I noticed that a lot of my strands had splits up the hair shaft. I've never been able to figure that one out, but it was of no consequence because my hair looked healthy and didn't break. I'm contemplating transitioning and I'm sure I'll use braids once I get further along. I think you'll be fine as long a you moisturize, take breaks occasionally to give your hair rest and intensive conditioning, and watch your edges. I've never had a problem with my edges when I wear braids because I make sure they're not too tight and I don't pull them back tight.

 

[winnettag]

How do you rinse your hair with the braids in it winnettag? I like ayurveda rinses as well but never thought of rninsing my braided hair with it. Help please.

I just strain the tea really well with cheesecloth to get the grains out first.
Then you can follow with whatever you want. Sometimes I follow with a co-wash or a diluted shampoo or sometimes I'll use my shikakai bar depending on how my hair is feeling. Then, when I get out and let it dry a little, I spritz the braids and oil my scalp with mahabhringaraj.
HTH.

 

[jennboo]

Thanks ladies!! This is all very encouraging . I plan on wearing braids until my hair is shoulder length (my hair is currently around 2 inches). I am determined to learn how to retouch my braids so that i wont have to dish out money to professional braiders. I would honestly love to be able to wash my hair multiple times a week whilst in braids, but i am convinced that i will have that frizzy, fuzzy look way sooner than i would like to...I may have to just indulge though and look a hot mess for the sake of my hair health...LOL.

 

[Aggie]

I just strain the tea really well with cheesecloth to get the grains out first.
Then you can follow with whatever you want. Sometimes I follow with a co-wash or a diluted shampoo or sometimes I'll use my shikakai bar depending on how my hair is feeling. Then, when I get out and let it dry a little, I spritz the braids and oil my scalp with mahabhringaraj.
HTH.

Thanks win. So you don't cover your hair with a stocking cap when you pour the rinse, diluted poo and shikakai bar to prevent frizzies? I do think that the bhringraj oil is awesome.

 

[Casarela]

I started getting braids 4 months after my bc or so. My hair did grow out pretty well and I find that the more I leave my hair alone except for detangling my hair thrives. Too much manipulation is a nono for me and braids have helped for this matter. I am still in braids right now. My regimen is simple I spray my braids daily , apply my mt at night , wash once a week , and I tie my hair at night.

 

[winnettag]

Thanks win. So you don't cover your hair with a stocking cap when you pour the rinse, diluted poo and shikakai bar to prevent frizzies? I do think that the bhringraj oil is awesome.

You're quite welcome!
I've never used a stocking cap , but I know most braid wearers do........ I guess I don't mind a little frizz, lol.
Yea, it's one of the better smelling indian oils too!

 

[morehairplease]

subscribing to read later

 

[BlackHairDiva]

Oh yes!!,

My hair was its healthiest when it was in braids. How many years did I wear my hair in extension braids...well from the age of 7 to the age of 20. At 20, I was in university and thought braiding would be too much of a hassle. So I started wearing wigs and caring for my natural hair. Keep in mind, there was no black salon in my area and no one to braid my hair. So I wore wigs. That is when I did the most damage to my hair.

Stumbled on Cathy Howse Hair growth book in 2002. Started caring for my hair again. Then, in 2005 got braids again and joined LHCF. From that point , I was natural until Sept 2006. I relaxed my hair within the first week of September and I'm fully relaxed now.


My hair lenght when i wore my hair braided was Bra strap lenght . The key is to keep the hair moisturized. Remove it every 3 months or 4 depending of your hair growth speed.

I hope this was helpful.

 

[Misseyl]

I wore braids for 1 year straight, no breaks and I won't be doing that again.. Once I removed the braids, I waited 1 week before relaxing and I had trouble doing that because I had about 10 inches of new growth and it was difficult to know where my new growth ends and my relax hair begins.. I ended up w/underprossed hair in some sections which took me about 2 touchups to correct..I'm thinking about getting cornrows to help me stretch but no more box braids for me, at least , not right now

 

[bluwatersoul]

I have been wearing braids for about 5 years now - with extensions - prior to that I wore my natural hair in braids. I love it! In between I permed, decided I didnt like it, and grew it out with extensions. I use kanekalon hair - human hair I have found slips off of my fine 4b too easily. I rebraid various braids several time a week while relaxing. It has taken me a loooong time to get the pampering your hair while in braids thing down pat, but this year I am doing better and have some strands that are close to BSL, but the majority appears to be SL. I almost exclusively co-wash, I will be re-starting oil rinses soon, and I use ORS olive oil and aloe/glycerin/saa as my daily moisturizer. I am also using megatek and ovation as a growth aid.

Its alot of work to maintain a decent head with natural hair like mine. The ends curl up right thru the middle of the braid, so even when the braid is not loose, it can look like it is months old when it might be one day old. I rarely wear the braids down - usually I have them up in a bun, and I must wear a satin scarf to keep my unruly curls down.

 

[katblack]

I plan on keeping my hair braided up until it reaches APL, which is a little longer than my hair was before my BC. I currently have 1 and 7/8 inch of hair, and in APL for me is 13 inches so I have about 11 inches to go. I want to make a personal challenge and reach APL in 6-8 months. I know I'd have to average an inch a month but I am doing what I can to have optimal growth!

BK ^_^