Re: Which is better?
 

I think it depends on what kind of style you are looking for - from what you described-it sounds as if human hair is the best. When I kept my hair braided I went back and forth between using human and synthetic hair. I personally find that synthetic hair always made my hair itch more and I can't do cornrows with added hair at all - the most those last are a week -with extreme itching and flaking.

As my hair has gotten longer putting braids in was too much work - takes too long to put in and take out. I longfully look at others with braids from time to time then I read posts and remember why I don't want to do it anymore.

Braid sizes - the stylist will have a sample to show you the different sizes the braids can be. I don't recommend that you get them too small (micro) if this is your first time getting braids on top of a relaxer and you only have a few weeks growth. This can lead to extreme breakage-especially around your hairline.

If you want to get a little more growth or an alternative to giving your hair a break try my fake out twist out (for those of us on creamy crack) - wash and deep condition your hair - then use a leave in conditioner (I use Infusium) and cornrow your hair all back (a la Alicia Keys). If you can't manage to braid while its wet towel dry a little to braid but then wet again before sitting under the dryer. Roll ends with rollers. I then oil my scalp with Kemi oil and sit under dryer until hair is bone dry, about an hour (I can't emphasize this enough-if its not dry it will look a hot mess when you take it out). Only when it is dry do you pick out (or sleep in braids until morning). When you take it out your hair will look really curly, kind of like a straw set - depending on how many braids you put in. For some people it can last two weeks but I personally prefer to only keep it a week and then redo. But it will give your hair a rest-tie with scarf at night and spray a little sheen in the am to go.

hey
 

i have microbraids too,i just got em 5 days ago.n its starting to itch n noticed a dandruff building up on the roots.the braids look so good but i want it to last especially for the money i paid for it.i tried the sulfur spray for the braids,but the more i spray it..the more it itches!!:mad: so i tried sea breeze.n it helps a lil bit just to ease the itchiness.n im noticing that my braids arent as tight enough.i think thats a good thing..but i dont know.i havent washed my hair yet cause i dont want the braids to fall off.do u guys have anymore tips on how to take care of microbraids??? thanks!!! :D

I used the waterless shampoo. It was a foaming, spray-on shampoo. I would spray my scalp and wipe my scalp and braids with a towel. I never washed with regular shampoo and water because I felt that it would be too much. I have heard about folks covering their braids and scalp with a stocking and shampooing that way, but I would be afraid that would become a knotted mess. Keep your scalp moisturized and don't pull them too tight so that you don't break your hair. Be careful with the sides/temples.

Micro
 

When I washed my hair when I had micro braids in I never lost a braid. I would put the shampoo on my scalp and massage it around and then jump in the shower and let the shower do the rest. No problem and nothing lost, ever.
The convienence(sp) of the braids can not be beat.
:)

I do my own braids. They do come out when washing, but sometimes the itching may also have to do with the type of hair you purchase (synthetic vs. human). I find that synthetic can make your hair itch as well as it just being from plain lack of moisture. Good luck with the braids all.

I am so glad I saw this thread! I have been contemplating braids for a minute now but I am afraid because I have relaxed hair. I have worn micros before(cornrows once) and I would like to get them again. I found the flaking to be a bit much and I already have a dry scalp. I was to the point that I thought folks who were growing out relaxers got microbraids. If your hair is relaxed, how long do you let your braids stay in? Also, how do you care for them in regard to getting relaxers?

I also braid my own mirco...actually just did them 2 days ago. For the itching they have this cream Called "NO More Flakes" by organic root stimulator it works really well. I haven't had a problem with dandruff since i started using it.

I used to get micros all the time. For me, I never washed them under water because I saw too many of my friends who did that and the braids would come out. I tried the washing them in the shower under a stocking cap and that left my hair a tangles mess. After learning that lesson, the next times that I got micros I would just cleanse my scalp using the Organic Roots Stimulator Herbal Cleanse with the lavendar in it. That always made my scalp feel refreshed and clean like mint was in my scalp. My hair was relaxed when I wore braids so I would also use the Profectiv Root Health daily Anti-Dryness Strengthener. This prevented me from having any breakage AND it kept my scalp from itching. I first apply it on the first day of getting the braids. Afterwards, I applied it every other day and that kept the itchies at bay and kept my hair from breaking especially around the edges. I would cleanse my scalp once a week with the Herbal cleanse. These is what kept my hair healthy and itch free.