Hey! I was hoping you'd come in here, I've been all over that fotki and I'm tryna get like you right before my next bkt...
Anyways, the last time I did it I don't think I touched my scalp at all honestly. My breakage was at the crown, and then my length was uneven, the right side being about an inch longer than the left. I spoke with my teacher about braiding straight back and then tucking the braids under by sewing them... I think that may have been a problem. But she in all of her infinite wisdom said that shouldn't have broken my hair.
My braids were really tiny also. I had about 20. Maybe I'll do the beehive pattern with a net next time?
** Overuse of the word "moisturize" coming up**
How much hair are you leaving out? Is the crown left out at all?
I'm sorry I'd probably never suggest a net to anyone.
Breakage is caused by dryness and/or agitation, something is causing your hair to break under the weave. I would say my best guess is that you're not moisturizing good enough or getting the moisturizer at your crown. Before you get the sew in, do a deep treatment and moisturize your hair as much as possible, it's getting sewn up anyway.
Agitation could be from the braiding pattern. I wholeheartedly believe the braiding pattern can affect the condition of your hair after take down. The direction you're brushing your weave hair could be causing breakage on your braids. Get a good paddle brush and when brushing your weave, hold it in a ponytail by sections and brush from bottom up and lean down when brushing the weave by your scalp so you dont too much brush your braid hair too. (i hope this makes sense). Try your BEST to not be letting that paddle brush rake against your braids.
During install, DC when you feel the need and remoisturize. Do your best, to get it in your braided up hair as much as you can, use a squeeze bottle if you need. If the oil/butters get in your weave hair, bend over in the sink and wash it out, no biggie.
I'll always ALWAYS tell people to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. It's the main way to rid yourself of breakage from dryness. I would also invest in some good moisturizing conditioners, moisturizers and shampoos. I'd recommend HE HH and Giovannis Smoothing Moisturizing Shampoo. I LOVE shea butter and I'll warm some up and whip it with coconut, castor, olive, and peppermint oil and rub that bad boy into my scalp, no regrets.
I always stress that while in weaves, we shouldnt forget/ignore our own hair for ANY reason. We tend to think: "Oh, it's weaved up and protected anyway." No ma'am. We're already diligent in our hair care, evident to us being on this site, so dont neglect it for a second because youre in weave.
