Washing hair in Braids-How many do you use?

[lonei]

I usually use six, 4 at the back and 2 at the front. Do you use more or less? what do you put on the ends? Why does this method work for you?

 

[Dannygirl]

my hair is in braids i treat it like its my real hair... i wash it every 2 weeks (slacked this week though) and deep condtioned it...

 

[happycakes]

Lonei,

You may want to check with redhotlala. I believe she washes her hair in plaits with barrettes at the ends of her hair.

BTW, you're hair is gorgeous!!

Pink-O

 

[lonei]

Oh, Thanks

 

[tffy2004]

Before I braided my hair I would do four baraids. 2 in the back and 2 in the front. This works for me because with the four braids the hair in the middle of my head gets dry pretty quickly this way and when I am done washing and applying my leave ins I can pull each section into a braid tight enough so my roots get a little straight. I use rubber bands on the ends I don't put them on too tight though if they come out in the shower I just leave them out.

 

[lonei]

Ok, any one else? Thanks

 

[locfreeme]

I do four braids (cornrows) two in front and two in back. I braid all the way to the end and re-braid the ends in between shampoo & condish if they unravel. Or, I might put an ouchless band on the end.

 

[sareca]

I braid my hair into 4 or 5. Either 2 in the front and 2 in the back or 3 in the front and 2 in the back.

 

[Doll]

I have started to use six braids instead of 4 due to being 4 1/2 months post relaxer. This makes it easier to detangle afterwards. I followed redhotlala's lead and use barrettes on my ends so they won't come loose during my poo/con.

 

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

I usually make 3-4 braids before I wash my hair, I dont use anything on my ends my hair is pretty thick so it doesnt unravel easily. Its a great method for detangling.

 

[naturaline]

i wash it in about 12 plaits and i undo it the nexst morning for a wavey style.

 

[planodiva]

I have tried washing my hair using this method before but my hair seems too short. I have been using about 8 braids. It also is such a hassle to undo the braids to apply the conditioner.

But I'm determined to make it work especially since I'm stretching my relaxer for quite a while this time. Any hints to make it less of hassle?

 

[LiLi]

Lonei, because of your length, I would suggest doing at least 10 braids (five on each side). It seems like a lot but it will cut down on your detangling time. I've been doing this for a while now and I never have any issues with detangling afterward; whereas before, I used to end up having to cut big knots out of my hair after each wash.

 

[lonei]

Lonei, because of your length, I would suggest doing at least 10 braids (five on each side). It seems like a lot but it will cut down on your detangling time. I've been doing this for a while now and I never have any issues with detangling afterward; whereas before, I used to end up having to cut big knots out of my hair after each wash.

Thanks, i think your right, 6, just isnt working for me, Ithink i will do 10...

 

[lonei]

I have tried washing my hair using this method before but my hair seems too short. I have been using about 8 braids. It also is such a hassle to undo the braids to apply the conditioner.

But I'm determined to make it work especially since I'm stretching my relaxer for quite a while this time. Any hints to make it less of hassle?

I make the braids very loose and they are no hassle to undo, i dont re-do them again after i put in the conditioner as it seems like the sections are already formed, this may help.

 

[JenniferMD]

I use four braids...two in the front, two in the back. They're secured with ouchless bands.

This works for me because I can make sure each section is getting the same amount of lather and it's easier to apply my leave-in conditoner afterwards because each section is getting the same amount.

If I don't wash my hair in sections, I feel like my hair isn't as clean. I think this is because I tend to take more time if my hair is in the four sections.

 

[gradygirl]

I was doing 4 braids but next time I wash I'm going to do 9 (3 in the back, middlle, and front) because my hair tends to tangle more the bigger the braids are. I think this happens because I'm texlaxed and not relaxed straight.

 

[babyblue]

2-4 braids with nothing on the ends.

 

[LiLi]

Thanks, i think your right, 6, just isnt working for me, Ithink i will do 10...

You might even find that you need more. It won't take any longer either; it will probably take less and less time because the comb out of each braid will be quicker.

I undo each braid and comb out each braided part instead of trying to comb the entire section that I unbraided at once (if that makes any sense).

Also, I used to just comb the sections without towel-drying and, lately, I have been wrapping the towel around all of the braids for about 2 minutes or so and then comb them out. It seems to work better because when my hair is dripping wet it just feels too fragile.

 

[lonei]

I was doing 4 braids but next time I wash I'm going to do 9 (3 in the back, middlle, and front) because my hair tends to tangle more the bigger the braids are. I think this happens because I'm texlaxed and not relaxed straight.

I think your right,I'm texlaxed too

 

[anatomicallycorrect]

I wear seven: 4 in the back, 2 on the sides, one in the front. I use those Goody ouchless bands to secure the base and ends of the plaits. I use the small bands for the ends.

Doing it this way works great for me. I am considering not taking them down and combing for my next wash, just leaving the braids in the whole time.

 

[Armyqt]

I just washed my daughter's hair using this method for the second time. The first time I left the hair braided during was and condish. But I didn't feel as tho this got her scalp clean enough. Today I undid each section and shampooed each one, conditioned and then rebraided. When I was ready to rinse, I unbraided each one and rinse separatelt and left it loose. Detangling was a breeze. I'm doing this forever. Question is, am I doing too much? Or is it sufficient to wash and consdition without unbraiding each section?

 

[sareca]

I just washed my daughter's hair using this method for the second time. The first time I left the hair braided during was and condish. But I didn't feel as tho this got her scalp clean enough. Today I undid each section and shampooed each one, conditioned and then rebraided. When I was ready to rinse, I unbraided each one and rinse separatelt and left it loose. Detangling was a breeze. I'm doing this forever. Question is, am I doing too much? Or is it sufficient to wash and consdition without unbraiding each section?

I was just going to ask about braiding and unbraiding each section for poo'g, conditioning, and detangling.

I pour diluted poo over my braids and squeeze. I don't unbraid until I'm applying the conditioner. Each braids is taken down conditioner is applied then it is rebraided. I unbraid again to detangling while rinsing the conditioner under the running water.

 

[Armyqt]

I was just going to ask about braiding and unbraiding each section for poo'g, conditioning, and detangling.

I pour diluted poo over my braids and squeeze. I don't unbraid until I'm applying the conditioner. Each braids is taken down conditioner is applied then it is rebraided. I unbraid again to detangling while rinsing the conditioner under the running water.

Thanks. Girl I gotta another window open reading the 45 page henna thread u started. Good info and the proof is definitely in the pudding. Love your shine.

 

[shawniegee]

I use six. It seems to make detangling easier than four.

 

[sareca]

Thanks. Girl I gotta another window open reading the 45 page henna thread u started. Good info and the proof is definitely in the pudding. Love your shine.

Aww, thanks.

Yeah, that henna thread is out of control. I have a shortened version in my fotki journal. But there's much more info in the thread.

 

[Blackbird77]

I use 4 braids - 2 in front, 2 in the back. I used to do 6 braids but it took too long to wash and condition. So I undo a braid, shampoo it, and put conditioner on each section. I do this for the next 3 braids and wash the conditioner out with the braids still in. I then put on my Turbie Twist hair towel and let it soak up the water before I gather my hair in an updo ponytail and put on a baggie. I repeat the process 2 weeks later.

 

[anniev2]

anyone else using braids to wash and assist with detangle? I'm a natural 4b so i'm very curious about this.

 

[jkamiel]

i'm natural and use 6-8 braids while washing; sometimes i unbraid to put conditioner in but i think i'm going to stop that.. too much effort and i dont like givin my hair the chance to knot..

 

[anon123]

i use twists, not braids, and usually at least 8 but sometimes up to twice that many.