Serious Question on Braids and Relaxing

[cocoberry10]

Dear Ladies:

I have a serious question about Braids and relaxing. I have not had a relaxer since March (18 weeks to be exact). I would like to get braids in about 3 weeks, but am not sure whether I should lighlty relax this weekend (to soften my hair), or just stretch another few weeks and then put braids in. I am not going natural (at least that's not the plan), but I would like to give my hair a break. I am somewhat concerned about the difference in textures. When I take the braids out in 2-3 months, I plan to relax about two weeks after (I know they say don't relax right away).

So, my question is... Should I lightly relax my roots to soften them, or should I keep the rough stuff and put the braids in? Thanks for any advice.

Cocoberry

 

[Nightingale]

I would advise you to not relax. I always had bad experiences when my hair was relaxed prior to braiding. I just blowdry and that smooths it a little.

 

[asummertyme]

dont relax..not worth it

 

[Neroli]

I would advise you to not relax. I always had bad experiences when my hair was relaxed prior to braiding. I just blowdry and that smooths it a little.

DITTO. Don't relax . . .

 

[CandiceC]

I agree. Do not relax.

 

[candibaby]

I agree with all the ladies that say don't relax. Blowdrying should do the trick.

 

[cocoberry10]

Thanks Ladies. I think I'll just hold out.

 

[HoneyDew]

As a braid queen, i must tell you, don't relax.

Good braiding hides the texture anyway.

I got my hair braided this past weekend and there was a girl there with all natural 4 a/b hair. She got semi medium micros with wet and wavy hair. It looked so good on her - no relaxing or pressing needed.

 

[ajargon02]

I would advise you to not relax. I always had bad experiences when my hair was relaxed prior to braiding. I just blowdry and that smooths it a little.

IMHO any good braider will wash and deep condition your hair before getting started. If they have you to do it before you get there, they should be fine braiding w/ 2 textures, again, if they are a good braider. I am a braider myself, and that's what I do.I wouldn't perm b4 braiding. Depending on the stylist, it may cause more dmg then help.

 

[locabouthair]

i remember my hairdresser telling a lady not to relax right before braiding because the hair is just going to break off.

 

[KathyMay]

I am co signing on not relaxing your hair before braids I used to do it all the time and it was not worth it at all. Just deep condition and moisturize your hair the night before getting your hair done

 

[joyous]

Don't relax before braiding, you risk doing serious damage to your hair.

 

[leontyneb]

Most definitely do not relax. Why don't you do a warm press just to look straight. My beautician does that all the time when I get braids and it turns out great. The press will make your hair look like you have a relaxer. It definitely made my hair look like and everyone thought that I had a relaxer and I told them that I didn't. So, definitely don't do the relaxer.

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