How to Loosen Tight Braids (Protect those Edges Gurl!)

Loosen Tight Braids
I know many of us already know that tight braids are not healthy for the hair but we still will not do anything about those tight braids. Duh right!Learning how to loosen tight braids around your edges is critical for anyone who regularly wears mirco. Very tight braids can damage the follicle and hair, sometimes irreversibly. For one thing tight micros can damage your edges really bad. Well the first step is try not to pull your braids back in tight pony tails. Instead aim for the sloppy look. :)

Try to unbraid and take out your edges and wear swoop to cover the braids that you took out. If you don't like the swoop idea them rebraid it with your natural hair. It may look ugly but imagine how ugly your edges will look bald. So its a choice you have to make. If you want to loosen braids without removing the hair style, if the the braid is too tight, choose a smooth object to push through the center of each twist to loosen them individually. A toothpick may be required for very tiny braids, whereas a pencil is a more appropriate size for larger braids. Remember to be careful and gentle. You do not want to have to rush to the hospital for a toothpick stuck in your scalp! Using a conditioner can also help soften and loosen tight braids, whether they are large or small. Take care not to use too much conditioner, however, and work it gently around the tight portions with your fingers for the best effect. I tend to take my moisture of peppermint oil and scurl with me to the braid shop. So after they finish I can spray my scalp. The peppermint oil gives it that cool feeling. It's great!

Removing Braids:
If you are ready to remove braids , it is essential to loosen braids first to avoid excessive damage. Using a generous amount of conditioner can help loosen the style, as well as sleeping with the conditioner overnight. The best way to remove braids, however, is simply to use a lot of patience: rushing through braid removal will only increase tangles, pulls, and overall hair damage. The braids stylists can help remove the micros but most Africans that do this will only take out the braids and not the knots at the base of the braid. So even though you sat up there for 3 hours for them to unbraid your hair when you return home you will have to do another 3-4 hours removing the knots Just be aware and prepared that it may take several hours to properly remove the style with minimal damage and discomfort. In the end you will thank yourself. :)