A few weeks ago I posted a picture to my social media accounts of me wearing cornrows.
That was the first time I had ever worn them and I quickly realized they were NOT for me…lol
The one thing I hated was after I got them done they looked like I'd had them in for 2 weeks already.
This is due to improper preparation of the hair prior to braiding. Check out this email I received from a concerned mother….
QUESTION – I read this and was thinking about my daughter’s hair, it’s natural, but soft and spongy, I do the conditioner, but use hair mayonnaise, is that too much? Her hair doesn’t shine nor fall, it just look like a shrunken afro by the time the 2nd hour of doing her hair comes around; I braid it up, but it “pushes” out from the natural braid and looks like she got it done two weeks ago; I use to press it, but that is not but an hour for church and later, it is back to its spongy-root-acting self; I sometimes braid and crochet the s-knot into her head just to hide the “look-like-I-did-it yesterday look (LOL); can you advise????? Help!!!!
ANSWER: I understand exactly what you're going through. The “pushing out” comes from the hair being in its true natural state. Here's what I suggest:
1. Shampoo and condition the hair as usual
2. Section the hair to detangle and plait each section once you do this.
3. Once all of the hair is detangles you're going to blow dry the hair with the comb attachment. Before doing this be sure to add a heat protectant.
The key is NOT getting the hair bone straight, you just want to “stretch” the hair out and pull that tight curl out.
This is going to prep the hair for braiding and eliminate frizzies.
4. Use a tad bit of jam when braiding to keep those ends in place.
That's it! Simple and easy right? If you're a hands on learner like me check out my Learn How To Do: Cornrows DVD.
If you're really feelin frisky check out my Braiding Package. It's perfect for anyone who wants to braid hair and avoid making these type of common mistakes.
Be Blessed,
