Self Braiders: I have an idea

[SweetNic_JA]

...for preserving your edges.

Remember when your mom plaited your hair as a child? Did your edges ever break off? Most likely the answer is no. This method will just incorporate what your mom always did with the synthetic braiding method.

I gave it a try and it looks official. Depending of the thickness of your natural hair, the braid wont be as thick as the other braids in your head.

Braid your natural hair (at any desired thickness) to about 3 inches (or less depending on the length of your edges) then, add the synthetic hair to your own braided hair. This may be difficult for you if your braiding skills aren't very up to par. Try it and if it doesnt work try again until you've nailed it.

This should really help reduce the chances of breaking off your hair line.

good luck!

 

[Ipanema]

Well, I'm officially a self braider as of this weekend. All I did was make a little part diagonally, and cornrowed each side along my hairline (like a thin headband). The rest is individual extension braids. I refuse to have my hairline destroyed again.

The method you described, though, sounds like it would look more natural.

 

[Nonie]

That's how I've been wearing my hair since October. Although I didn't have hairline breakage, I got a little concerned when everyone talked of traction alopecia due to braids so I decided to take the extensions off along the hairline (ie reduce any strain) and do mini-cornrows going back using only my hair and then blend the ends in with the micro braids.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

Ipanema and nonnie, I like that style. I usually do that for my sisters when I braid their hair. Maybe you can give this method a try if u decide to have u r whole head in singles.

I wish I had thought of this sooner, it seems much safer.

 

[cutebajangirl]

Sweet- My braider does what you suggested and it has preserved my edges.

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

That's a very good idea. Thanks for posting!

 

[melodee]

Good idea. Another idea is to leave the very short hair at the hairline unbraided or do small cornrows at temples if the hair is longer. I took my braids off at the edges after having mine done at a salon, as they were tight and I feared they were excessively heavy. I had loose hair in that area that was curly, but it was not too noticable and much better than having those tight braids in that delicate area.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

Cutebg, it sounds like your braider has a heads up on this braiding thing. I 'm glad you found her. As for me, I'm a late starter but I'll be incorporating this method from now on.

DSD, thanks. I'm always thinking of new ways to beat breakage.

Melodee, that sounds similar to the method that Ipanema and Nonie use. I may give it a try one day should I ever decide to get cornrows.

 

[ellemoe22]

Ive been doing this for a while. It is cute and preserves my precious hairline. But on occassion I would like for someone to braid my hair.

Cutebajangirl
Can u tell me where and with whom u get your hair done .