Get The Facts: Of Taking Care Of Braided Hair
Braids they come in all shapes and sizes. Braid extensions will grow your hair beautifully if not put in too tight, too heavy, and kept moisturized and strengthened. The hair extensions protects, but also absorb an amount of your hair's natural moisture. I'll tell you how to keep your hair in good condition, even in braid extensions. You can grow your hair waist length with Braid Regimen Technique--regardless of your age, gender, or your afro-textured hair type(s). I invite you to follow the Braid Regimen to keep your hair healthy and long. Make parts an inch or a little smaller than an inch. If your hair is not as thick, you can make the parts even smaller, but not too small. Don't put the braids on too heavy if you have thinner hair.
Conditioning: Deep condition at least 4 weeks---once a week with a good protein conditioner or Paul Mitchel'sl" The Masque" or any Aveda hair conditioner.
How To Condition: Apply conditioner on clean damp hair, placing a plastic cap (processing cap) over your hair and sitting under a hooded dryer for 30-60 minutes. If you have no hooded dryer, then wrap a towel around the plastic cap for 2 hours, If you have a heating cap, put on the processing cap then the heating cap for 30 minutes. You can also use a hair steamer for 30 minutes, rinse and use a reputable leave-in strengthener. Infusium 23 is an excellent one.
Reminder: If you have a natural Afro--4a 4b, hair, do not use a heating cap unless you have Afro Detangler on hand or else the coil will be too tight to comb out--- without loosing strands.
Is My Hair In Condition Yet? Take the Strand Test. Test the strands in the most vulnerable areas: near the nape of the neck. right in the center back of your crown, right above the ears. Hold a couple of hair strands and slightly stretch. Allow the strand to slowly spring back.The strands should not snap. If these strands spring back, then your hair has elasticity. Your strands are in good shape. Your strands are healthy. If you want be sure.
STRAND TEST
*near the nape of the neck.
*right in the center back of your crown *right above the ear. Have a professional look at the condition of your hair and ask if your hair is in good condition for a relaxer, or hair color or any other chemical applications. Go to a hair stylist who has great expertise. Hair Used: 100% Kanekalon Fiber hair or. Human hair . Human hair retains more moisture, however you can't do the ends of the braid techniques. Kanekalon hair looks the absolute best for Braid Extensions. 100% synthetic hair does not hold well.REMOVING THE ALKALINE BASEYou have an option to take the alkaline base off the Kanekalon hair by soaking the extended hair in vinegar and water. A sink full of water, 1 cup of regular vinegar. Soak 15 minutes, rinse, air dry. Spray braid spray on this hair piece by piece when apply to your hair. The alkaline base irritate the scalp in some.
Cornrows that are extensions should only remain in your hair for 2 weeks at a time because they become severely matted if left in longer.
The Braid Extensions: Attach the braid extensions without tightly tugging at the scalp. If you put the braids in tight, you will not allow your hair its full potential of thickness and luster. The Braid regimen is to grow your hair healthy and full. If you'd like to Learn To Do Braid Extensions
Shampoo your hair in the shower the following day so that the style will fall into place naturally If you are using Extensions for Individual braids or Plaits. See The Shampoo Regimen for braids
Towel Squeeze Excess Water
Wear a towel around the braids until the excess water is absorbed or look into The Braid Extensions Shampoo Towel which holds excessive run off after shampooing braids. Absorb the excessive water before you've applied the braid spray.
Use braid spray that's not oily.Oil will make the braids harder to take out/down (matting at the base of the scalp) which may cause you to have to cut out the matted section. African Pride or African Royale are good brands. Include a hair strengthener such as Infiusium 23. These 2 products will help condition, soften, strengthen and keep the sheen in your hair and the Kanekalon fiber hair. You'll see the results when you take the extended hair out.
To saturate your braid extensions thoroughly with these 2 products, add Infusium 23 leave-in hair strengthener and African Royale Braid Spray--Or African Pride to a large ceramic bowl and sponge on thoroughly with a sea sponge. See saturation demonstration below.
Some do not need the 2 products on their braids everyday except in dry and humid climates. However, at least apply every other day.
BUILD UP
Since build Up is more prominent above the ears and the last row in the back/neck,
Every 2 weeks, redo at least 2-3 braids in these sections.
Build up is when you start to feel the base of the braid matte where the new growth is coming in.
The more silkier the hair, the more possible build up in these areas, but anyone who plans to wear extensions for 2 months should redo these areas every 2 weeks to avoid extreme build up.
Build up can become like dreads if put braid spray and Infiusium 23 on the Scalp/base of your braid every day.
Massage the build up to loosen, then take small amounts of strands from the sides of the matte.
Your hair should slip out of the build up if you have used the braid spray and Infusium 23 on your Braid Extensions daily. (not on the scalp daily)
Shredded hair along with the matte will be removed and healthy new hair remains.
Removing The Matte Technique Works On All Types of Afro Textured hair
You must make sure that you remove all dead strands or your hair will tangle excessively during shampooing. I know that some people will get overwhelmed and cut out their hair when it begins to tangle with the dead excessive hair. Make sure you comb out all the dead hair.
There are are some alternative ways to shampoo your hair to avoid excessive tangling and damage to your hair. Shampoo your hair the crown& Glory way. See the shampooing links below.
If you have natural 4a 4b hair see the Shampoo Regimen for shampooing natural 4a 4b hair
If you have 2a 2b hair see the Shampooing Regimen on shampooing relaxed or straight hair.
Shoulder length Hair
Hair that reached the shoulders is more vulnerable to breakage since it is sweeping against your shoulders and clothes. Protect your hair in this stage by wearing your hair up, in fashionable head wraps, scarves, braids, and hats that allows your scalp to breathe (straw hats) or a wig.
Cold air is to set
hot air is to curl.
Air drying is the better for your hair, however, if your hair is in good condition the heat will not harm your hair if not done often, once a week blow drying or heat setting.
Find a caring hair stylist.
You HAVE to deep condition your hair 60 minutes per week for 2 months or 4 weeks weekly by applying Le kair's Cholesterol Plus (or a good protein conditioner) all over the hair, placing a plastic cap on it and sitting under a hooded dryer. If you have no hooded dryer, then wrap a towel around the plastic cap for 2 hours, If you have a heating cap, put on a processing cap and sit under cap for 40-60 minutes. You can also use a hair steamer for 30 minutes---- then rinse and use a reputable leave-in strengthener. Infusium 23 is a good one, I think the older formula of Infusium 23 is better, however you can add a little spring water to the new formula since it almost as stiff as setting lotion now.
Hold a couple of hair strands and slightly stretch. It should not snap. Allow the strand to slowly spring back. Test the strands in the most vulnerable areas: near the nape of the neck. right in the center back of your crown, right above the ears. If these strands spring back, then your hair has elasticity. Your strands are healthy. Then have a professional look at the condition of your hair to see if your hair looks suitable to apply a relaxer, or even hair color or any other chemical applications.
If your hair is suitable, apply the relaxer ONLY TO THE NEW GROWTH. Never apply a relaxer to the old hair, it will somehow began to break off. (I prefer lye relaxers because they have moisture in them. Maybe the no-lye relaxers have more moisture by now but I don't believe they do yet.) I only apply the relaxer to the new growth. Don't relax your hair if you don't know how. Have a professional do so.
KEEP IN MIND TO DEEP CONDITION YOUR HAIR FIRST FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE YOU APPLY RELXER TO THE NEW GROWTH AND HAVE ELASTICITY IN YOUR STRANDS. Hopefully you will be eating healthy foods or taking a potent hair vitamin during your hair growing stages.
Always handle your hair gently, you will have fuller more healthier looking hair.
I continued this This regimen and technique until my hair grew waist length. When I had accomplished my length, I wore my hair out of braids and continued to deep condition weekly, wearing my hair in no contact styles, and keep my hair trimmed by a professional. My hair became easier to comb through wet or dry and it kept its proper pH. You'll find that when you do wear your long hair down, it will not dry out or break off onto your clothes anymore, instead you'll see long strands of natural shedding here and there. It is normal and healthy
Most of the time my hair is up or under a stylish scarf or in 2 large braids.
If at some point become anxious and over lap relaxers, add color too soon, avoid getting your ends cut which can make your hair thin out towards the bottom portion of your hair or have had a mishap with your hair....You CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO BRAID EXTENSIONS REGIMEN OR SIMPLY USE THE CROWN & GLORY TECHNIQUE TO HANDLE AND PROTECT YOUR HAIR---TO GET YOUR LENGTH AND HEALTH OF YOUR HAIR BACK. Use This technique for Life.
Conditioning: Deep condition at least 4 weeks---once a week with a good protein conditioner or Paul Mitchel'sl" The Masque" or any Aveda hair conditioner.
How To Condition: Apply conditioner on clean damp hair, placing a plastic cap (processing cap) over your hair and sitting under a hooded dryer for 30-60 minutes. If you have no hooded dryer, then wrap a towel around the plastic cap for 2 hours, If you have a heating cap, put on the processing cap then the heating cap for 30 minutes. You can also use a hair steamer for 30 minutes, rinse and use a reputable leave-in strengthener. Infusium 23 is an excellent one.
Reminder: If you have a natural Afro--4a 4b, hair, do not use a heating cap unless you have Afro Detangler on hand or else the coil will be too tight to comb out--- without loosing strands.
Is My Hair In Condition Yet? Take the Strand Test. Test the strands in the most vulnerable areas: near the nape of the neck. right in the center back of your crown, right above the ears. Hold a couple of hair strands and slightly stretch. Allow the strand to slowly spring back.The strands should not snap. If these strands spring back, then your hair has elasticity. Your strands are in good shape. Your strands are healthy. If you want be sure.
STRAND TEST
*near the nape of the neck.
*right in the center back of your crown *right above the ear. Have a professional look at the condition of your hair and ask if your hair is in good condition for a relaxer, or hair color or any other chemical applications. Go to a hair stylist who has great expertise. Hair Used: 100% Kanekalon Fiber hair or. Human hair . Human hair retains more moisture, however you can't do the ends of the braid techniques. Kanekalon hair looks the absolute best for Braid Extensions. 100% synthetic hair does not hold well.REMOVING THE ALKALINE BASEYou have an option to take the alkaline base off the Kanekalon hair by soaking the extended hair in vinegar and water. A sink full of water, 1 cup of regular vinegar. Soak 15 minutes, rinse, air dry. Spray braid spray on this hair piece by piece when apply to your hair. The alkaline base irritate the scalp in some.
- TIP: You can shampoo your scalp daily for faster hair growth in braid extensions. If you are concerned with your braids not looking presentable because of daily scalp shampooing, shampoo your scalp daily by massage and sponge wash your braids. Sponge washing will help keep your braid style neat. If your braids still aren't looking presentable, then shampoo at least weekly the scalp and the braids---massage scalp and sponge wash the braids.
- Braid Style: Plaits individual braids no smaller than a pencil. They are not too small but medium size and easier to take out. If you decide to add beads, add to the ends of the braid extension that are not part of your hair so that you'll keep your healthy ends--or put snag less rubber bands at the ends and put the beads over the rubber bands.
- Method Used: Plaits with the extended hair attached securely to the scalp. Not tightly pulled up from the scalp. No excessive products near the base of the scalp.
- Time It Takes: 7-18 hours depending on the size of the braids.
- How Long To Keep Style: From 2 months at a time if you're braiding to grow the hair.
- Type Of Extended Hair: 100% kanekalon Fiber hair.
- OTHER BRAID STYLES
Cornrows that are extensions should only remain in your hair for 2 weeks at a time because they become severely matted if left in longer.
The Braid Extensions: Attach the braid extensions without tightly tugging at the scalp. If you put the braids in tight, you will not allow your hair its full potential of thickness and luster. The Braid regimen is to grow your hair healthy and full. If you'd like to Learn To Do Braid Extensions
Shampoo your hair in the shower the following day so that the style will fall into place naturally If you are using Extensions for Individual braids or Plaits. See The Shampoo Regimen for braids
Towel Squeeze Excess Water
Wear a towel around the braids until the excess water is absorbed or look into The Braid Extensions Shampoo Towel which holds excessive run off after shampooing braids. Absorb the excessive water before you've applied the braid spray.
Use braid spray that's not oily.Oil will make the braids harder to take out/down (matting at the base of the scalp) which may cause you to have to cut out the matted section. African Pride or African Royale are good brands. Include a hair strengthener such as Infiusium 23. These 2 products will help condition, soften, strengthen and keep the sheen in your hair and the Kanekalon fiber hair. You'll see the results when you take the extended hair out.
To saturate your braid extensions thoroughly with these 2 products, add Infusium 23 leave-in hair strengthener and African Royale Braid Spray--Or African Pride to a large ceramic bowl and sponge on thoroughly with a sea sponge. See saturation demonstration below.
- Hair Strengthener: Infusium 23
- Braid Spray: African Royale
- Braid Spray: African Pride
Some do not need the 2 products on their braids everyday except in dry and humid climates. However, at least apply every other day.
BUILD UP
Since build Up is more prominent above the ears and the last row in the back/neck,
Every 2 weeks, redo at least 2-3 braids in these sections.
Build up is when you start to feel the base of the braid matte where the new growth is coming in.
The more silkier the hair, the more possible build up in these areas, but anyone who plans to wear extensions for 2 months should redo these areas every 2 weeks to avoid extreme build up.
Build up can become like dreads if put braid spray and Infiusium 23 on the Scalp/base of your braid every day.
- Taking Out The Braid Extensions
- Build Up From Braids
- BRAID EXTENSIONS LEFT IN TOO LONG
Massage the build up to loosen, then take small amounts of strands from the sides of the matte.
Your hair should slip out of the build up if you have used the braid spray and Infusium 23 on your Braid Extensions daily. (not on the scalp daily)
Shredded hair along with the matte will be removed and healthy new hair remains.
Removing The Matte Technique Works On All Types of Afro Textured hair
- After The Braid Extensions Are Removed
You must make sure that you remove all dead strands or your hair will tangle excessively during shampooing. I know that some people will get overwhelmed and cut out their hair when it begins to tangle with the dead excessive hair. Make sure you comb out all the dead hair.
There are are some alternative ways to shampoo your hair to avoid excessive tangling and damage to your hair. Shampoo your hair the crown& Glory way. See the shampooing links below.
If you have natural 4a 4b hair see the Shampoo Regimen for shampooing natural 4a 4b hair
- If you have a relaxer, straight or have 2 textures--or demarcation see the Shampoo Regimen on shampooing with relaxed hair. Or Try the Demarcation Creme coming soon.
If you have 2a 2b hair see the Shampooing Regimen on shampooing relaxed or straight hair.
- Allow Your New Growth To Breathe
- What Styles To Wear After Coming Out Of Braids
Shoulder length Hair
Hair that reached the shoulders is more vulnerable to breakage since it is sweeping against your shoulders and clothes. Protect your hair in this stage by wearing your hair up, in fashionable head wraps, scarves, braids, and hats that allows your scalp to breathe (straw hats) or a wig.
- Sleep Wear
- Wet Set Or Air Dry Your Hair
Cold air is to set
hot air is to curl.
Air drying is the better for your hair, however, if your hair is in good condition the heat will not harm your hair if not done often, once a week blow drying or heat setting.
Find a caring hair stylist.
- Ready To Apply A Perm (optional)
You HAVE to deep condition your hair 60 minutes per week for 2 months or 4 weeks weekly by applying Le kair's Cholesterol Plus (or a good protein conditioner) all over the hair, placing a plastic cap on it and sitting under a hooded dryer. If you have no hooded dryer, then wrap a towel around the plastic cap for 2 hours, If you have a heating cap, put on a processing cap and sit under cap for 40-60 minutes. You can also use a hair steamer for 30 minutes---- then rinse and use a reputable leave-in strengthener. Infusium 23 is a good one, I think the older formula of Infusium 23 is better, however you can add a little spring water to the new formula since it almost as stiff as setting lotion now.
- IMPORTANT: After your hair has been deep conditioned for 60 minutes for 1 week at a time, for two weeks, or 1 month (4 weeks) which some prefer, check your hair strands for elasticity.
- Test Your Hair For Elasticity
Hold a couple of hair strands and slightly stretch. It should not snap. Allow the strand to slowly spring back. Test the strands in the most vulnerable areas: near the nape of the neck. right in the center back of your crown, right above the ears. If these strands spring back, then your hair has elasticity. Your strands are healthy. Then have a professional look at the condition of your hair to see if your hair looks suitable to apply a relaxer, or even hair color or any other chemical applications.
If your hair is suitable, apply the relaxer ONLY TO THE NEW GROWTH. Never apply a relaxer to the old hair, it will somehow began to break off. (I prefer lye relaxers because they have moisture in them. Maybe the no-lye relaxers have more moisture by now but I don't believe they do yet.) I only apply the relaxer to the new growth. Don't relax your hair if you don't know how. Have a professional do so.
KEEP IN MIND TO DEEP CONDITION YOUR HAIR FIRST FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE YOU APPLY RELXER TO THE NEW GROWTH AND HAVE ELASTICITY IN YOUR STRANDS. Hopefully you will be eating healthy foods or taking a potent hair vitamin during your hair growing stages.
Always handle your hair gently, you will have fuller more healthier looking hair.
- FINAL
I continued this This regimen and technique until my hair grew waist length. When I had accomplished my length, I wore my hair out of braids and continued to deep condition weekly, wearing my hair in no contact styles, and keep my hair trimmed by a professional. My hair became easier to comb through wet or dry and it kept its proper pH. You'll find that when you do wear your long hair down, it will not dry out or break off onto your clothes anymore, instead you'll see long strands of natural shedding here and there. It is normal and healthy
Most of the time my hair is up or under a stylish scarf or in 2 large braids.
- THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
If at some point become anxious and over lap relaxers, add color too soon, avoid getting your ends cut which can make your hair thin out towards the bottom portion of your hair or have had a mishap with your hair....You CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO BRAID EXTENSIONS REGIMEN OR SIMPLY USE THE CROWN & GLORY TECHNIQUE TO HANDLE AND PROTECT YOUR HAIR---TO GET YOUR LENGTH AND HEALTH OF YOUR HAIR BACK. Use This technique for Life.
