Hi BronxDiva,
I'm wearing a "braid out" right now. I'm loving this style. This is my first one; I think it turned out pretty well. I'm beginning to create my "hair album"; a picture of this 1st braid out will be included.
This is what I did: hot oil treatment, shampoo, deep condition, added leave in conditioner, hot six oil, a dab of setting lotion on each braid. I made 5 french braids: 3 vertical in the back, 2 verticals on each frontal side (with a part in the temple area). I braided the hair downward, leaving approx 1" of end hair unbraided. With this 1" of hair, I wrapped a roller around the ends (using end papers). After 27 hrs, my hair was completed air dried.
As I prepared for church this morning, I released my braids & I simply loved the results. My hair is super soft, bouncy, moisturized, has a nice sheen; the ends are silky, and what's really blowing me away is my hair color...now it's a deep black...I have looooonged for this color; it's usually brownish-black.
Now, as for how to retain the waves....well, I'm experimenting; I'm thinking maybe I should re-braid it, but I don't like handling my hair too much, especially if I'm not styling it. So I decided to wear a ponytail; I have the hair gathered on top of my head, in a very loose ponytail, secured with a satin scrunchie, covered in a satin bonnett. I hope this keeps my waves; it works for my roller sets. We'll see.
.......... God Bless, Peachtree