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The Art of Micro Braiding

by: MarquettaBreslin
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Braiding hair is an ancient art that can be tracked back to early Egyptian times. The styles and looks of braids have changed greatly from their start in the hairstyle world. In Africa, the tradition of braiding has stood the test of time, and is still being passed on from generation to generation. This is also the case for braiding in America as well!

The ''basic braid'' is most commonly seen and is the most well known of all the braiding styles. A basic braid consists of separate strands of hair, three to be exact, that are criss-crossed over each other to form one braid. For the majority of styles, braids start from the forehead or crown area of a persons head. Be sure not to get microbraids confused with cornrows. Cornrows lay flat on the head, while microbraids are free flowing and hang down.

Here are few tips to keep in mind for Micro Braids:

*Micro braids can be stressful on the hair, so it is important that your hair is as healthy as it can be before braiding. A good idea for pre-braiding is a deep-conditioning treatment, followed by a trim of the split ends.

*If you have a relaxer, you should consult with your stylist before getting micro braids.

*Many people like to add extension hair to their natural hair to give their braids more length and volume. If you plan on doing this, make sure you match the extension hair with either the middle or ends of your natural hair. The root of the hair is always darker than the middle and ends.

*If you have micro braids, don't use any thick and heavy shampoos, conditioners, or pomades. These types of products can leave residue on your braids and could cause an itchy, flaky scalp. Try using a ''dry'' shampoo or astringent to clean the scalp.

*Micro braids can encourage growth; however it is very important to properly care for the hair before, during, and after getting Micro Braids. Before you get them, be sure to have your stylist give you a deep condition. While the hair is braided, be sure to keep the scalp clean and moisturized with a crme based moisturizer. Once you remove the braids be sure to wash and deep condition the hair as well.

*Having micro braids that are too tight or too thin can cause unnecessary tension on the scalp, and could result in hair thinning out or breaking off. This is why it is critical that your micro braids are always completed by a professional stylist.

*The most important tips in having great hair are to eat nutritious food, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and avoid unnecessary stress. Healthy braids take a healthy person!

Many people desire micro braids because they are very versatile when it comes to styling possibilities. They are also one of the easier styles to care for. You can't just leave your braids alone and expect them to look beautiful day after day. For beautiful braids, make sure you are moisturizing and conditioning regularly. If your styling products are too thick, you can dilute them slightly so they will be less likely to cause build up on the scalp.

Micro braids should be worn for a maximum of three months. Wearing them for longer than that could damage your natural hair. When you ready to take out your braids, snip the braid at the beginning of the extension hair, but make sure not to cut your natural hair. With wet hair, comb and pick the ends with a medium-toothed comb. Start doing this at the bottom and work your way up to the root. When this is complete, it's important to wash your hair at least once with a clarifying shampoo. Regular shampoos don't remove dirt and debris like clarifying shampoos do. After washing with clarifying shampoo, wash and condition your hair like you normally would. Then dry and style just like you always do!

About the Author

Marquetta, Braids By Breslin founder and owner, has been braiding and weaving hair for over 14 years. For instructional DVD's on micro braids, please visit Marquetta's website.

The Art of Micro Braiding

About the Author

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