Hairstyles of young women today can take on a variety of shapes and colors. There is a multitude of coloring options. And, the trends have created some amazing styles. Yet, following the fad can take it’s toll on your hair. A popular style for young black women is micro braids. Micro braids have gained in popularity because of the perceived ease in maintenance, as well as, the ability to achieve other styles while hair is in braids. Soon after young women were flocking to the salons and braiding shops they begin to experience the drawback to their newfound styles. The braids were causing hair loss and in significant amounts. Micro braids were given a bad rap and stylist, parents, and other women were warning teens and tweens about the dangers of braids. Yet, as a devout braid advocate, braids are not the enemy and when done correctly and maintained can actually cause hair to grow. The problem is most people don’t know how to take care of micro braids and they make the following mistake. They opt to save money in the short term and damage hair over the long run. Make no mistakes about it; micro braids are not cheap. And, this is not a decision that you make, if you are going to cut corners, because you will only hurt yourself.
You have to buy the top quality hair extensions. The lower grade extensions are not easy to work with during the maintenance. They produce a weird smell after every hair washing. The lower grades also start to look old and lose the luster of the style a lot sooner than the higher quality extensions.
Many people claim to be able to micro braid hair, but very few people can do it well. A lot of people try to save money by getting someone they know to braid their hair. This is a big mistake. Unlike cornrows that can be done by almost anyone, micro braiding is a technique. Those who are a skilled know that the roots of hair should be bound at a downward angle. This allows hair to cascade around head and grow naturally. Unfortunately, most unskilled braiders bind hair at side or upward angle. This places unnecessary stress on hair and pulls it. So, hair is more likely to fall out or be pulled out at the root due to the tension. Remember in comparison to your own hair, braids are pretty heavy. Believe it or not there is also a trick to making sure your natural hair stays unnoticed inside the braids. Unskilled braiders may be unfamiliar with the tricks of the trade and may end up tying hair in knots to achieve this. Some still burn the hair which risky and dangerous.
Micro braids require maintenance and upkeep, just like any other hair style. Many young women see micro braids like those infomercial cooking appliances, “they just set it and forget it.” But, that’s not how it works.
Micro braids require you to wash your hair often and very carefully. You need to use a good dandruff shampoo and rub gently in between braids. There are shampoos and conditioners that are specifically for braids. Yet, you should stick with the regular stuff. The braid shampoos don’t do much for dry and itchy scalps and braids are notorious for causing it. The heft and magnitude of micro braids cause your head to sweat more than usual. And stay away from the braid hair sprays the promise to reduce itching. They rarely work. Buy conditioners that are designed for dry scalps and do a hot oil treatment or a leave in conditioner frequently. Whenever you are not in a hurry, let your braids air dry instead of blow-drying.
Try to cut back on the excess heat and constant styling. Yes micro braids will allow to create numerous hairstyles, but thin of what that will do to your hair. Micro braids should be worn naturally. Stay away from styles the force you to use curling irons or other heating utensils. Also, cut back on the infamous ponytails that pull hair up or across.
If possible, do not attempt to take braids out yourself. I cannot stress this point enough, because this is where most of your hair will fall out. Taking micro braids out is just as detailed as putting them in. Young women attempt it for different reasons; some try it to save time, others money. Regardless, it almost always ends up being more than they bargained for. Removing braids requires you to clip the ends, then unbraids or remove the braided hair. This is a very time-consuming process. Most women get frustrated after the first two or three hours and start cutting more than they should. Or, many just don’t know what they are doing. The most common mistake it to wash or wet hair and then try to remove braids. This is a no-no. Unless you have purchased the braid removal solution from the beauty supply store, do not wet braids when you are trying to remove them. The best way is to have a braid shop remove them for you. Although it will cost more than doing it yourself, you will save yourself a lot of time, energy, and hair.
Despite what you may hear, braids are great idea. But, only if you plan on doing it right.
