My first braidout attempt was a mess! Help!

[*ElleB]

I'm "this" close to slapping a relaxer in my hair if I can't find viable options for my hair during this transition.

My roots puffed right up even though I tried my best to get the braid close to the root--I can't cornrow that well but that looks like a better option. Also, I thought smaller braids would be the way to go, but that surely wasn't.

Any tips or suggestions!!

 

[FindingMe]

Sorry...I loved braidouts during my transition.

Two-strand flat twists may be a little easier than cornrows and will get close to the root as well. Can you do that?

 

[*ElleB]

I've never done them...u mean cornrow style?

 

[mscocoface]

Practice makes perfect. Remember this is all NEW. Keep trying, don't give up. Spend more time with it. You will get the hang of it.

Never ever change your hair or its texture when you are frustrated or feel defeated.

 

[FindingMe]

I've never done them...u mean cornrow style?

yep, the flat twists lay down on the head...leme see if i can find a pic...be back..it's like a 2 strand cornrow, so maybe a little easier

ETA: http://motowngirl.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=252

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRJv7F-n7H4

 

[Desarae]

I like bigger braids for my braidouts, Like 9 at the most, it comes out looser and wavier, instead of huge and crinkly.

 

[beans4reezy]

Braid outs are really tricky. I have yet to master them.

 

[tocktick]

I prefer using medium sized braids. If I do them on dry hair, I don't like how the braidout turns out. Also, I think they come out better when something is used to help define the texture such as aloe vera gel.

Tbh, I tend not to bother with braidouts now because I very much dislike the shape of them at the present moment. Plus they make my hair look so short and thin. I'm really looking forward to doing them when I'm around mid-back though. Keep trying and experimenting, if you're not happy with that style yet, just try something else in the meantime. I'm also going through a difficult time trying with figuring out styles that work for me because I wouldn't resort to a relaxer.

 

[*ElleB]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Qurlyqt]

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." It took me over a YEAR to finally learn how to do braidouts on my hair. erplexed It really does take some trial and error before you discover what products (if any) to apply, the size of the braids, how you take them down, to fluff or not, etc. Keep your chin up girl, I know you will work it out!

 

[Soliel185]

Did you roll/curl the ends? Your natural hair is going to make the relaxed hair look thin and weak by comparison so to disguise that try rolling the ends on perm rods, flexi rods or small sponge rollers. This will help them blend better.

 

[WorkInProgress88]

i agree with the phrase "practice makes perfect"

 

[blackbarbie]

Did you roll/curl the ends? Your natural hair is going to make the relaxed hair look thin and weak by comparison so to disguise that try rolling the ends on perm rods, flexi rods or small sponge rollers. This will help them blend better.

This is great advice and the only additional piece of advice I can add is to make sure you let your hair dry COMPLETELY. This makes all the difference in the world. When your hair is completely dry, you can take the plaits down and then decided if you want to seperate them even more after that. When your hair doesn't dry completely, you end up with a frizzy mess (or at least I have always ended up with a frizzy mess) and you have no choice - your hair seperates itself!

Keep trying; you will get it right. I really think the key is making sure your hair is dry b/c when it doesn't dry, your hair tends to take whatever shape it wants to (after you have taken it down). If it is 100% dry, it is going to take the shape of the plait.

Good luck!

BB

 

[ppp422]

I totally agree with blackbarbie! I have gotten my best results when my hair was dry before I did my braid out. Sometimes I even flat iron it first, then put a little coconut oil on each section. Keep trying! I was soooo frustrated with them at first. Bantu knot outs are another option too!