Ur in the right place, coz I've done it the right way and the wrong way. You really don't wanna keep them in longer than 8 weeks. If you do, which is what I did a few years ago, your hair will dread on you and you'll get these knots and severe matting. It took me the whole day and a toothpick to undo the knots. Some areas needed a safety pin. Also, for your edges, don't pull them back tightly or you'll lose your edges. The tension will be too much. If you can, I suggest getting your edges redone in a size larger than the rest of the braids if you see them hanging by a thread. Hth.