I'm never getting zillions again...

[MsSharee06]

Last night I decided to take down my zillions because I noticed some braids were starting to fall out with my hair attatched. Well, I removed them using the "quick method" that I seen on youtube ( you cut the knots, apply conditioner to the hair, then take a rattail comb and comb them out). Well, its kind of hard to detangle the hair when it's already saturated with water and conditioner. So I get in the shower to wash my hair, I decided to use a clarifying shampoo to remove the build up. After a few minutes of washing I noticed my hair starting to knot up and mat to my head. I began to freak out, so I immediately reached for my keracare detangling shampoo and gently began to detangle my hair (what a life saver). I didn't lose an enormous amount of hair actually my nape and crown grew out quite well. But my edges are another story, I have a serious bald spot on the left side of my edges and they are definitely thinner. Overall, my experience with microbraids was not good at all. For now on I'm going to wear half wigs and falls for protective styles. Why do you think my hair started to mat up after using the clarifying shampoo?

 

[ycj1]

I really can't say why the fallout except from my experience the front edges are the most sensitive part of the hair and are the most prone to break. And for this reason besides the obvious that you experienced with the zillions is why I don't believe in getting micros.

To me it is too time consuming not only having them in but the dreaded taking them out. I too have braids which I do myself but mine are a lot bigger because I have to think about re-doing them as they get loose.

I have always hated the thought of taking out such small braids, especially since I am so dog gone tenderheaded.

But overall I am glad you did find yr solution to taking them out even though it took a while.

All I can say is that's a lesson learned for you. Not such a good one, but now at least you know in the future what not to go through again.

I'm just glad overall it paid off well for you. I would suggest using some MT with pepperment oil in it for yr edges. It's done wonders for me!

 

[kmn1980]

I've been through that before and vowed to never again get synthetic braids. For one, they are way too time consuming to get and take out and they get on my nerves so soon that the time I leave them in isn't worth the money.

As for the knots and matting, the way my braider explained it to me is that sometimes the tightness of the braids and the texture of the synthetic hair is problematic for your curl pattern because of lack of continuity and as time goes on (1,2,3 months it gets worse).

 

[belldandy]

I have never had a weave, the last time I had braids I was little...but....from reading these thread and other hair boards I can say....NEVER NEVER NEVER wash/shampoo before you detangle after a takedown!! The majority of setbacks I am seeing people have either come from an inappropiate takedown, a scissor happy stylist or leaving their braids in too long!

 

[Foxglove]

I have never had a weave, the last time I had braids I was little...but....from reading these thread and other hair boards I can say....NEVER wash/shampoo before you detangle after a takedown!! The majority of setbacks I am seeing people have either come from an inappropiate takedown, a scissor happy stylist or leaving their braids in too long!

Amen! With any braids make sure you detangle thoroughly before washing (with conditioner/oil) or else you will cause breakage

 

[belldandy]

I have to stress that! Washing will not help you detangle your hair from a takedown! Your hair will likely just tangle more and matt. I only say this because I hate to see a setback, each time I hear of one I die a little inside. Can't they also use a detangling spray or some honey or something like that with a bunch of slip? aussie 3 min miracle? i heard cowboy magic was good too.

ON the bright side OP you can definately get the edges back with a good reggie ::hug:: I just say this to warn other ladies out there who are wearing braids or weaves as their protective style.

 

[beans4reezy]

I have to stress that! Washing will not help you detangle your hair from a takedown! Your hair will likely just tangle more and matt.

Absolutely agree. A few years back, I took out braids and went right into the shower, thinking that the water would magically detangle my hair. My hair ended up so matted, I had to get it cut into a super short Halle Berry style.

Always throughly detangle before washing with loads of conditioner and oil.