Making a statement with your hair can be a whole lot of fun. Our hairstyles reveal how we perceive ourselves and how others view us. Recently, braided hairstyles have become more popular. Celebrities are sporting them and they have become quite a statement hairstyle. 

Braids can be so tiny that it’s difficult to tell the hair is even in braids, or they can be thicker and shorter. 

They can be accessorized with beads, combs, and stick pins or left plain. They are versatile, beautiful, and trendy no matter how you choose to style them. 

With winter right around the corner and before you get braided for cold months to protect your hair, we want to discuss everything you need to know before you get braids. 

 

Everything You Need to Know About Braids

Figure Out the Style You Want Before Your Appointment

Braids involve extension and if you have no idea if you want human hair or synthetic, do a little research on what your chosen hair salon carries and if it suits your hair. Synthetic hair is cheaper, but human hair lasts longer, and it’s all about how you take care of it and keep your hair moisturized. 

Don’t Braid Right After You Relax

Braids are great protective styles for natural and relaxed hair; however, relaxing the hair before you get braids is not a great idea. Relaxer stretches the elasticity of the hair, stressing the pH balance, and the weight of the braid will pull and cause breakage at the root. 

We recommend waiting about eight weeks before getting braids so you have at least half an inch of new growth. 

Make Sure Your Braids Aren’t Too Tight

As mentioned, braids are a protective hairstyle and are meant to avoid day-to-day wear and tear. However, if your braids are too tight, you’ll likely experience some moderate to serious breakage. Communicate with your hairdresser if that first braid tugs something or feels uncomfortable. 

Your braids should not pull your scalp or be painful. Some people think tight braids last longer, but it’s a lot of stress on the hair, which causes thinning. 

Keep Up With a Hair Care Regimen

One of the biggest misconceptions about braids is that you don’t need to do any regular maintenance. This is not true. You must keep your scalp clean and moisturized. 

If you don't have moisture, you will end up with dreadlock, which will inevitably lead to breakage when you try to get rid of them.

If you regularly care for your braids, you will be able to run a wide-tooth comb through your hair after your braid is taken out. Use a stocking cap to shampoo the hair without disturbing the braids, and for moisture, use shea butter to keep the hair growth and the scalp moisturized. 

Braids Won’t Last Forever

Exactly how long you can keep your braids is debatable because it is determined by how well your braids are put in and how well you treat your birds throughout. Typically 12 weeks is the absolute longest time your hair should be in braids, but 8 is what we typically recommend. 

If you take care of your braids, keeping up with moisture and scalp cleansing, you can keep your hair in for 12 weeks. Any longer and the hair starts to dread and break. 

Braiding Supplies in Fletcher, NC

As you know, braids are a great protective hairstyle that gives your hair a rest and allows it to grow while maintaining a trendy hairstyle that can be worn in many different ways with a variety of patterns and techniques. 

Klassi-La’Chiq Beauty Essentials is a beauty supply retail store serving Asheville and surrounding areas. Our South Asheville retail store has a wide selection of hair supplies to purchase including hair bundles, braiding hair, human hair, and synthetic blends. For more information, contact us today.