New Mico Braid Maintinence

[ilah]

Yay! I got my micro braids in today (Human Hair 1B body wave) and I think they came out very well. Now I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to keep them looking nice and making sure that my scalp is well nourished durring the time I plan to keep them in.

So ladies, I have some questions about upkeep.

How often do I need to moisturize my scalp? (i've got vitemin E and tea tree oil for that)

How often should I wash my hair?

How do I go about washing my hair with out loosening any of the braids?

What do I need to do to the braids before I go to sleep? (should I wrap them up or what?) Pics below

 

[nakialovesshoes]

I haven't had micros in a very long time & back then there wasn't a LHCF. If no one chimes in, maybe www.growafrohairlong.com can help. I definitely think you should tie them up with a silk or satin scarf/bonnet at night just to keep them fresh.

 

[shunemite]

It's so pretty! I washed my micros twice a month, one time I went (gulp) three whole weeks.

Check out the crown and glory method on www.growafrohairlong.com

Generally, to avoid build-up, you wanna just saturate the scalp once a week with a braid spray, and on the ends sponge on a leave-in (she uses Infusium). To not disturb hair while you wash it, dilute shampoo and put it in a cup or bottle, pour over the head, then pour diluted conditioner over the head. Simple.

She's got videos on there too. Now what I know about body wave is that it can look kinda rough if it gets too wet- the crown and glory method is for the tree braids. Maybe I would suggest, can you pour the shampoo over your scalp instead of the hair, coz you wouldn't wanna mess up that Indian hair, I know it was very expensive. Another alternative is the dry shampoo. I've never used it, so maybe some ladies can chime in here.

ETA: DON'T PULL THEM BACK INTO A TIGHT PONY TAIL OR YOU'LL LOSE YOUR EDGES!!!! TAKE IT FROM ME!!!! Okay, I'm done shouting.

 

[Rapunzel*]

nice micros

 

[ms.lisab]

When I did not want to mess up my braids I did use the dry shampoo. The shampoo I used is called Herbal Cleanse and also the Shea Butter conditioner both by Organic Root Stimulator. This worked well for me no ichy scalp.

 

[Nonie]

They look pretty.

For your first directions on how to deal with braid extensions, I highly recommend www.growafrohairlong.com as others have said.

I have never had my braids not braided to the ends, so I'm not sure how to protect that, but I'm guessing if you can think of it as you would relaxed hair and do to it whatever you'd do to your hair to keep it looking fresh and not tangled, then you'd be OK. Hopefully someone with wavy hair can give tips on that.

I am not a scalp oiler so I am not keen on applying stuff to my scalp. I think that's just a recipe for build up and knotting but many have had success with it, so don't take my word as gospel. I think if you follow the advice of Robin at the link above, you will be a'ight.

 

[MizzBrown]

I know it sounds nasty but I wouldnt even wash the braids. As in do not go in the shower and let water run down the length.

Just concentrate on your SCALP. Get a sponge and diluted shampoo and go down each part of your SCALP washing/rubbing it.

Putting water on my braids and attempting to wash it like my regular hair is what made it hell for me taking them down. The water made it get matted and the beeswax and braid spray made it worse. Takedown was a nightmare.

That's just MY experience. I don't let any liquid touch the length of my braids and my braider used NO styling product to put the braids in.

 

[ilah]

Ladies - Thank you sooooo much for the info and complements!!! I will heed all the advice! You ladies are awsome

 

[Nouvelle]

Whoever did your braids did a wonderful job!!

 

[shunemite]

I know it sounds nasty but I wouldnt even wash the braids. As in do not go in the shower and let water run down the length.

Just concentrate on your SCALP. Get a sponge and diluted shampoo and go down each part of your SCALP washing/rubbing it.

Putting water on my braids and attempting to wash it like my regular hair is what made it hell for me taking them down. The water made it get matted and the beeswax and braid spray made it worse. Takedown was a nightmare.

That's just MY experience. I don't let any liquid touch the length of my braids and my braider used NO styling product to put the braids in.

You're right on that. Especially with wavy curly human hair. I know one lady had spent a ton on some Indian Remy, went for one swimming lesson, and it came out ruined. I do the crown and glory method myself, but I'm too broke to afford human so I use the Kanekalon hair, and that plastic can stand anything.