Braid Care
Tips For Beautiful Micro Braids
By Marquetta Breslin
Sep 20, 2005, 13:02

Micro braids - also known as "invisible braids" - and cornrows are two popular styles of braiding. Not only are micro braids beautiful, they are versatile and fairly easy on your hair. Unlike cornrows, you can wear micro braids for up to two months without any risk of serious damage to your hair.

Long hair has a greater chance of breaking than short hair when woven into tiny separate braids. Therefore, short hair may be more suitable for micro braids.

Here are some tips on how to prepare your hair before getting micro braids:

- Get a hot oil treatment, which replenishes damaged and dry hair.

- Moisturize and deep-condition your hair.

- Trim your hair of any split ends.

Some important things to remember if consider micro braids:

- If you have brittle or weak hair, avoid micro-mini braids which can damage hair further.

- Consult a professional and seasoned braider to do your micro braids (someone with at least 10 years in the business).

- Get a style that your hair can support, which means avoid putting a lot of weight on your hair. Overburdening hair causes breakage.

- Braids should not be too tiny or too tightly woven.

- Do not leave braids in for more than two months. Doing so may lead to thinning or severe breakage.

- Do not use thick and heavy shampoos, conditioners and pomades, as they may leave residue in the braids and cause your scalp to turn flaky.

- Use a light oil to moisturize your scalp.

Post braiding hair care:

- Regular visits to a salon professional are necessary to maintain beautiful braids.

- Keep your scalp moisturized and conditioned. Protein treatments should follow a good conditioner that rebuilds hair follicle and restores elasticity.

- Drink plenty of water.

- Get an occasional scalp massage. You should oil your scalp and hair once a week. This will keep the scalp and hair moisturized. Heavy scalp conditioners can leave unsightly residue in the folds of the braids.

- Your diet should be healthy and rich in nutrients.

- Avoid excess stress and get plenty of rest.



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