Taking Braids Down...Advice please?

[JazzyFLPeach]

Okay...

I'm 4a/4b relaxed and I've had individual (pony hair) braids for the last 10 weeks. It's been longer than I care to admit since I've shampooed/conditioned. I have an appointment one week from today for my first retouch since June 29th last year.

Question: Should I take my braids down and shampoo/condition now, then relax in a week? Do you think I need a protein treatment and deep conditioner before relaxing? Should I just leave the braids in and shampoo/condition then take them down a couple days before I relax? Or should I leave the braids, not shampoo/condition, and just take the braids down right before I relax next Thursday?

It seems like my stylist will have an easier time of finding the line of demarcation if I take my braids down and at least attempt to wash or something.

What do you think?

 

[Galadriel]

I would carefully remove them and follow with a wash and deep condition. Also, make sure to detangle with the utmost carefulness so that you don't have any bad tangles and breakage.

 

[Rapunzel*]

take your braids out
detangle carefully with a shower comb, wide tooth comb,or denman brush.
part your hair in four sections apply shampoo then detangle some more to each section. deep condition your hair(baggy) then apply a leave in/ moisturizer to scalp and ends then slowly comb through your hair to make sure there aren't any tangles or knots hanging

 

[diligence]

Because of the high amount of manipulation needed when coming out of braids, it is best not to wait until right before a relaxer. Take 'em out, shampoo and condition now!

 

[JazzyFLPeach]

Thanks, ladies!

I'll start tomorrow. I have a 9-week-old son so I hope he naps long enough to allow me time to make progress.

 

[cecilie]

It' s depends , if it's single braids I use a bread release lotion and a fine needle to be sure to remove all "knot" and after that I shampoo and deep co .
Cecilie.

 

[remnant]

I 'll bump the "How to prevent matting......"for you
Very very good tips

 

[LovedAlot]

Hi everyone. Even though I don't post much, braids are my specialty. If I were you I would take out the braids as soon as possible and schedule my retouch for two weeks later. I have learned from experience to wait at least that amount of time before getting a relaxer because the hair is weak from the manipulation. The last time I got a relaxer which was two years ago, I took my braids out and got a relaxer right away. Lets just say I am back on my natural hair journey. Thanks to all of the ladies on this board and braids, my hair has grown back much longer and healthier than it was before. I wish I had done some research here before relaxing my hair right after braids. Good luck on whatever you decide to do!!!!