avaanstar

Hello,
I had braids with synthetic hair earlier this year. http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...7b3f5ec417.jpg.

It broke my hair and it was too heavy. Because my hair is very short now, I want to braid my hair so I don't have to worry about it for awhile. Should I use human hair instead so my hair doesn't break anymore? Is this the solution?

Did ya'll have the same experiences with Synthetic braiding? Have you tried braiding with human hair? How did it work with your hair? And what are tips to take care of your hair while it's braided?

Thanks a bunch!!

cclark1

Your hair is long enough to cornrow your own hair. Why don't you do that? That's my staple summer hair style. Your hair will grow like crazy.

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Dare to be......remarkable!!!

avaanstar

I would have loved to, but I just got a hair cut and it's really short... that's why I wanted to use fake hair with my hair.

Have you ever tried braids with fake hair?

Hakim Nuraldin

I saw your pictures and watched your videos. You have lovely hair at any length. I agree with the other poster, you could probably squeeze some braids out of what you have now, although it's short. I've seen folks with hair shorter than yours with cornrows in it. You could maybe try that and see. Good luck!

cclark1

I've never done braids with fake hair.

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Dare to be......remarkable!!!

pulchri2dinous

I've used both types of hair, but I've never really noticed a difference (or maybe I wasn't paying attention?)

I suggest you tell whoever is doing it not to braid too much braid hair with your own hair, because that can cause breakage. That's probably why your braids felt heavy too. Also tell them not to do it too tight and if it is too tight don't be afraid to say something (it is your money and you're head).

I don't put braid extensions in my hair unless my cousin does it, because I trust that she will use the right ratio of braid hair to my hair so that it won't be too heavy (or break off). She has her own shop, so I guess you'd be safer going to a professional? But, then again some professionals don't do it well either.

Good luck =)

ps: I agree, you should try things with your own hair, but if you're uncomfortable with the length then braids are cool. Just make sure to keep them moisturized and clean. Any pics of your new cut?

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MissKinkyCoily

I used to wear braids all the time. I've tried both synthetic and human hair. Synthetic hair is harder on your real hair. Once you remove them you will definitely have split ends. Human hair may or may not cause split ends. My hair grew a lot while braided, so trimming the 1/4 inch of split ends wasn't a big deal. But I never experienced any extreme breakage. Synthetic hairstyles last much longer than human hair but can be heavy. Human hair feels more natural and is lighter, thus less chance of breakage. Either way, you must remember to spray moisturizer on your hair daily. You can even co-wash them. HTH. Good Luck!

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5 YEARS OF FABULOUS NAPPYNESS


Last Relaxer: August 2003
Final Chop: October 2004

Photos: http://public.fotki.com/MissKinkyCoily/ : December 2009 Updates

TwilightEyes

I'm getting cornrows in August before I have my baby. I plan on using synthetic hair but I won't leave them in any longer than 6wks. I think you've been given great advice. Make sure your braider knows what they are doing and make sure they use the proper ratio of hair and don't braid it too tight.

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3c on top and 4a all over
acv rinse once a week; co wash twice a week
still experimenting to see what works for me.

springyhead

Your hair is gorgeous!

Synthetic hair can be harsher on hair than human, so maybe that contributed to it.

I just grew my hair out with a braid/twist hairstyle using human hair extensions (pics in fotki). It was in there for 9 months (redid them, of course!) Overall, it grew my hair, but it was very dry when I took it out despite me trying to condition and moisturize it daily. Adding hair--whether synthetic or human--can rip hair of moisture so be careful of that. And be sure not to get them braided too tightly or too small. If you're in a lot of pain afterward, it's too tight.

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4a, fine coils. low/med porosity. "It's springy. Like a slinky."--My Lil' Cousin

I use products on 90% dry hair.
Wash: Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castille Soap.
Conditioner: Tigi Bedhead Moisture Maniac/Suave Humectants
Moisturizers: Long Aid
Styler: Ecostyler Clear/ Vitamin E Oil