Braiding is a cornerstone in the black household. Our mothers braided our hair, their mothers braided theirs and so on. While braids are a low maintenance style, micro braids are quite the opposite. Mismanagement and improper care of micro braids can cause permanent damage to the scalp and hair, so while you’re searching for a suitable style for your child, please take all facets into consideration before deciding on micro braids.
Micro braids refer to very small braids that allow for styling flexibility because of the size of the braids. They allow you to achieve other styles with the hair while the braids are in place. The braids need to be placed by a stylist who is knowledgeable about braids and can offer advice about caring for them at home. Do not attempt to place micro braids in your child’s hair yourself. Always make sure that the stylist is not pulling the hair too tight, as that will result in breakage. The braiding process can take anywhere between 5-10 hours, a very long time for a child to sit and get their hair braided.
Most likely, your intention is for her to wear the style over a few months’ time. My recommendation is that the time you allow the micro braids to stay in her hair does not exceed two to three months because the hair can become thin and weak after having been in braids for too long. While the braids are in place, it is crucial to properly care for them. You should wash your child’s hair often and carefully using a good shampoo and a good rinse, such as diluted apple cider vinegar that help to remove residue from the scalp. You should also continue to add moisture to the hair while it is in braids. Use a good moisturizer such as Jane Carter’s Nourish-n-Shine to keep the hair soft, moisturized and healthy underneath the braids. Moisturizing will also keep the braids looking great for a longer period of time.
Lastly, removing the braids from your child’s hair requires LOTS of patience. You have to be careful not to clip too much off the ends or to pull too hard on the hair shaft. The removal process can take between 2-4 hours itself, not including bathroom breaks or rest periods, so be sure you have the time and patience it requires. Otherwise, take your child to a hairstylist and have them remove the braids safely from your child’s hair. It is not unusual to see a lot of shedding after the braids are removed, but it does not necessarily mean that your child is losing her hair. Humans shed 100 hairs a day, but when the hair is kept in one style for a significant period of time, the loose hairs are not released until the style is removed. So, it is natural to see balls of hair after removing the braids. You should only be concerned if there are obviously visible signs of traction alopecia. Follow with a deep treatment of the hair to bring back moisture and strength to the hair before resuming daily styling.
Simply put, micro braids are a time-consuming and expensive style. When done right and properly cared for, they can give you the rest from daily styling that you need.
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I would like to say that all I have been known for is my micro braids. Whenever I take them out, people don’t even recognize me (I don’t know if that is good or bad)! I keep it in micro braids. I can’t remember the last time I had my actual hair out! I agree with you that micros are a lot of work but can be a beautiful thing in the long run.
I say after a couple of touch ups, it is good to get them all taken out and start from scratch again. It gives you the opportunity to get a protein treatment such as an Aphogee treatment, to reconstruct the hair and give it a breather. I have had micros in for 6-8 months at a time but by the time I get to the eighth month I will take them all down and give myself a treatment. I also get my ends trimmed and I wear a wig to keep the stress off my hair.
Living in Alaska is harsh on the hair because it is EXTREMELY cold and it is very dry. I have to keep my girls and my hair moisturized at all times. I don’t know I great deal about hair but my dream has always been to go to beauty school so that I can learn more about dealing with my own (ethnic) hair and texture. I hope this helps someone!!
Thank you for sharing Tocha! I know the weather conditions are harsh in Alaska, so I’m sure protecting your hair and the kids’ hair is a constant concern.
Hi i am 16 years old and i love to wear my hair up in braids i just recently had kinky twist in my hair and i kept that up for 3 months (taking them out and starting fresh) then i decided to do micro’s. Yes they are a cute style to wear when you are a up and going person always busy, not having much time for hair time,like me! this info has really taught me alot and im taken this for use, just wanted to say Thanks! : )
i always wanted micro, but never got them, cuz i was scared they’d take my hair out
The photo that you have placed on this website shows a girl with microbraids, that are all wavy. I have never used wavy hair to microbraid because I assumed it would not be noticed through the braid. I have also used on non-human hair, what product, technique should I be using in order to achieve the look of the hair on this website? Please and Thank You.
Hey! I am a fairly light skinned mixed girl(African American & Caucasion) My hair is in the in between stage of growing out my relaxer and it has so many different textures. I’m leaving for college next month and was thinking about micros & to make things easier. Could you give me advice?
Hi Brittany, keeping your hair braided will reduce manipulation, because you won’t be touching it and styling it as much. Very small braids do carry the risk of pulling at small sections of hair, and that too can cause damage. While braiding is a great option while transitioning, I’m not sure micro braids would be the best option if you are going for low maintenance. You can perform a search here and see other styling options while transitioning.
I really would like to get micro twists, but everyone says my roots aren’t “nappy” enough. I think the style would look great with my face, but im scared to take the risk of damaging my hair or it not looking right. Do you have any suggestions on how to get my roots thicker or know of other popular styles?
I am currently transitioning my med-long hair from permed to natural. I am currently a college student, but was thinking about getting braids over the summer to stop everyday stress from hair styling. I don’t know if micros are right for me or if I should try a different form of braids. I have never really had my hair braided before, but I think it’ll really help the growth process of my transitioning hair. Do you have any advice for me?
Hi DeAnna, congrats on your decision to go natural. I hope you have a lot of fun with your hair in the process. I used a lot of twists with extension while transitioning. I wore the extensions for 3-4 weeks at a time, and would alternate between them and loose styles. You can wear extensions over a period of time without them being micros per se. The reality of it is the smaller the sections of hair used when braiding, the more chances of breakage because the weight of the extensions pulls on the hair, and over time that can cause stress at the roots. Also, while protective styles do help with growth, wearing your hair in one style for too long can cause more tangles, which in turn means more chances of breakage. Essentially it is all about balance. I hope this helps! Again, best wishes with your hair!
Hi, im a 17 yr old high school student who wants to go natural but i refuse to do the “big chop”. I’ve researched the different hairstlyes to wear while transitioning but im also a cheerleader meaning ponytails on friday nights are a must! So what suggestive hairstyles do you have??
Omg my hair is damaged alot so my mom suggested I get braids. She was not refering to micro braids she was refering to the bigger kind. I really like micro braids but I hate sitting for a long period of time…are the micro braids worth it?