Naturals, do you ever wear microbraids? Are they damaging to the hair?

[Honey-Dip]

Any advice would be great! TIA!

 

[ThickHair]

No, I do not wear them. Everyone I know who has worn microbraids have had damaged hair even if they claim they take care of them.

 

[Sanndy]

Ive worn micros in the past, and it caused alot of damage- mostly to my edges... NVR AGAIN

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I agree with the above posters, they ate my edges up! I loved them but I would not wear them again...especially if your hair is more than 6 inches long.

 

[Lebiya]

Regular singles damaged my hairline, its still recovering- I’d never venture into micros! I’m natural

However if its not on the regular, for a short period of time - with a lot of TLC and moisture, I think you should be ok. Make sure it's not tight.

 

[Nonie]

Micros. I think you need to define what it is you call micros. Coz I call my extension braids micros but they are different from other micros I have seen in that I don't attach extension hair to 3 hairs of my own per section. I probably use the same thickness others might use for micros but I attach that extension hair to a sections thicker or the same size as the extension hair. The kind of micros I do do not damage my hair. I have worn them for years and my hair has survived. I think also the fact that I do them myself makes a difference because I am careful not to pull too tight, and also careful to redo them as soon as they get loose from new growth thus preventing any knotting and taking the strain from the original starting point of the braid and moving it to newer, stronger growth. I also don't apply conditioner to the base of the braids, further preventing build up that leads to knotting.

I believe it's all in how you do the braids and how you care for them.

 

[Tinkerbell19]

I have had micros plenty of times. The very 1st time I had breakage in the front because I didnt know how to take care of them. The last 10000 times that I got them I kept them super moisturized and I even applied vitamin e oil directly to my scalp and braids everyday and my hair grew like flowers, no complaints oh and I also never pulled them up tight in a ponytail and I would keep them loose at night with a scarf

 

[Junebug D]

I had them once. They were done too tightly and I lost hair along my edges. (It has grown back now.) Otherwise, my hair did pretty well. I took them down and my hair was so plump and moist and detangled and fluffy... it's never been like that since. I plan on getting some more done very soon, actually. Just watch your edges, and do not hesitate to take any down that are too tight. I took about 20 out during the first week or so and no one could tell. I chronicled my experience with them in my Fotki album.

 

[sydwrites]

I actually havent had them since i've been natural, but they can be good if you make sure they arent too tight, you moisturize your real hair, and you dont keep them in long. Since its all the weight of the extra hair on your real hair, the edges especially cant stay in long once it starts growing out. Trying to keep the style in longer because it doesnt look bad yet will eat up your edges for sure, I know. Lots of places will refresh your edges up for a reasonable price to make it last, but to do it right you will have to fork over the cash to protect your real hair.

 

[godsflowerrr]

I agree with this...
I wouldn't wear them anymore but if you do please make sure that they don't braid your edges too tight because this will DEFINITELY tear out your hairline if they do. I wouldn't keep them in for long either.

I actually havent had them since i've been natural, but they can be good if you make sure they arent too tight, you moisturize your real hair, and you dont keep them in long. Since its all the weight of the extra hair on your real hair, the edges especially cant stay in long once it starts growing out. Trying to keep the style in longer because it doesnt look bad yet will eat up your edges for sure, I know. Lots of places will refresh your edges up for a reasonable price to make it last, but to do it right you will have to fork over the cash to protect your real hair.

 

[prettybrowneyescutie]

I wore them while transiting, after my bc, and on/of last summer. I didn't have a problem with breaking/damage. I kept my hair clean, conditioned, and moisturized. I don't like a lot of people in my hair, so I had the same braider for four years now.

 

[IrisDaVirus]

I won't do micros. Most of the braiders I know that do them braid the edges much too tightly. Plus with the amount of hair I have it would cost me a major fortune to get them. So they're a no-no for me.

 

[Hairsofab]

I really want to get micro braids this summer. Last time I wore them was about 5 years ago, when my hair was relaxed. I had hairline issues too but nothing severe. I'm scared to get them again but I want that look.

 

[Nonie]

You can always not put the extensions along your hairline and just wear your hair in twists or braids, so there's no strain on your hairline. Just a thought.

 

[Honey-Dip]

Thanks ladies, I am going to Africa for a couple of weeks and was going to get them done in Ghana. I have a friend who has family there and she will be getting hers done, as usual. I am afraid of the damage, so I think, I'll pass :-(