So as I stated in my last post I set my hair for the last weeks of my pregnancy. My protective style of choice was large box braids which I installed over 4 days. I took my time to make sure I didn't exhaust myself which I am very glad I did.
How many packs of hair did I use?
I used 10 packs of 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid Hair. Unfortunately I had to use two different brands which were also two different lengths (Outre & MotownTress). Hair still looks nice and full though so I won't complain..lol
How did I prep my hair?
I washed and deep conditioned my hair prior to installation. With the deep conditioner in my hair, I detangled. Once rinsed I did my newest combo for locking in moisture LOCB (Liquid. Oil. Cream. Butter.), the butter I've been using is the Jane Carter Solutions Nourish and Shine which I have to say has been working great for my hair in these winter months. (But back to hair prep) After moisturizing I used a blow dry my hair slightly (on the lowest setting) to get my roots dry. Being that my hair is a tight twa with lots of density I can section or try to section as much as I want but I simply clip the hair out of the way of the part that I am immediately working with and proceed.
The Process
Whenever I do a braided, twisted, or yarn wrapped protective style I do a "halo" which means I do the perimeter of my head first to ensure that if I need to I can pull the style up into a ponytail or bun and go out of the house without looking absolutely crazy..lol This is why I started with my edges. I also experimented with my installation process so no I won't give a detailed explanation or tutorial on how to do this style being that I'm still in trial and error mode!
Being 8 months pregnant I HAD to take my time in doing this style. I get tired very easily and I know when I shouldn't try t be super woman! Though when I'm not pregnant I'd probably do this style on a weekend with nothing to do and complete in two days (not two full days)..lol
This time around however, I completed my hair over 4 days. Making sure to take my time, get my groove since I haven't braided in awhile, and focus on neatness. Once braiding was complete, I used cold wave rods to curl the ends and dipped the ends in hot water (the hotter the better!) for a minute or two.
Maintenance
I've read on other blogs, websites and heard on YouTube that you should soak your extension hair in 50/50 water and acv (apple cider vinegar) to get rid of the alkaline coating that causes itching. I myself did not do that. Instead, after installing my box braids I did a 50/50 water and acv rinse on my scalp and about an inch down the braids.
I'm keeping my upkeep very simple. I have water and glycerin in a spray bottle to moisturize with minimal build up and grape seed oil to keep my hair/scalp soft and itch-free. At night I bun the hair up and tie a satin scarf around my edges.
Problems I Experienced
So like I said I'm still figuring things out when it comes to doing my own hair and though I KNOW I have weak fragile edges it seems I did not notice how tightly I braided. =( As a result I've experienced some pulling and soreness (no bueno). I have been oiling my edges (grape seed and JBCO*) and limiting the manipulation of my braids to decrease the pulling. Hopefully I don't experience breakage! AHHHHHH!!!
- 10 packs of hair ( I used 100% Kanekalon Jumbo Braid Hair)
- ACV
- Spray Bottle
- Glycerin
- Grape Seed Oil (or some other light oil for the scalp like jojoba)
- Cold wave rods
- Clips
- Water!!
- PATIENCE!!!
*JBCO - Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The Wrap-up
As always thank you so much for reading and I hope this info and my mistakes (lol) can help you! I plan to keep these braids in right through labor but I never make promises when it comes to protective styles. I'm usually a two week kind of girl! My thoughts are as long as I keep a clean itch-free scalp and clean moisturized hair I should be alright!
Stay Koily and Kute ;-)
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