How to protect your edges when you get braids 2

How do you protect your edges from breakage:

Losing your edges can be devastating. I’ve been braiding for years, and I also do my own hair.  People automatically assume there’s a high risk of breakage if the edges look neat. The truth is, in the absence of chemical damage, you should not lose your edges if the braids are installed, and maintained properly.

Baby Hair and Edge Control:

In many cases, the baby hair around the edges is best left alone. Laying it down with edge control will not only look better, it’ll also protect the thin, soft baby hair from the weight of the hair extensions. It must also be cared for with nutritional oils and moisturizers.

[See video tutorial below]

Simple Individual Box Braid Protective Style: Baby Hair laid with Edge Control 

Thick edges:

In other cases, especially with natural coarse hair with thick edges, it may be best to braid it.

First, it starts with your stylist/braider. The edges can look neat without causing breakage. As long as the extensions are not heavy and the braiding hair is not bigger than the parting.

The second stage is up to the client. The edges must stay moisturized,  and a retouch of the edges (take down and re-braid) should be done within 3-4 weeks, depending on how fast the hair grows. We do not want the braids hanging on the new growth.

Long Senegalese Twist with Xpressions Braiding Hair – Color 2 (Brown)

Alternating styles is also important. I advice my clients to alternate between braids and weaves. I typically suggest one (1) sew-in weave style after two (2) braiding styles. This way, the edges can rest. We must protect our hair from unnecessary damage. The purpose of ‘protective styling’ is to protect your hair from breakage, harsh weather and over styling. We can wear it in multiple styles and multiple colors, without changing the composition of our natural hair.

How To Slay & Lay Your Baby Hair

Video Tutorial by IAMTRAEH