When I decided to go natural, I quickly realized that braid extensions would be the easiest and most convenient way for me to grow my hair out as quickly as possible. Braid extensions are a great way of growing the hair because the ends are protected, there's very little maintenance or manipulation to the hair, they provide excellent access to the scalp, and they generally last for several weeks.  But, if braids are not applied and taken care of properly, they will definitely do more damage than good.

            Many people don't realize that braid extensions are coated with a chemical that may cause excessive dryness. Applying extensions to freshly relaxed hair constitutes double processing which may cause the hair to become weaker, especially since the hair is already at its weakest point immediately following a relaxer. Therefore, you should wait a minimum of two weeks after relaxing to get braid extensions. One way to combat the excessive dryness from extensions is to soak the entire braid in apple cider vinegar for 15-30 minutes and then rinse with cool water before braiding. This will strip the chemical from the extension, thereby making it safer for the hair. And, don't worry about the smell, it will go away.

            It is essential to find a braider that understands that when you get your hair braided, you only want the hair braided and not your scalp. Too many times I sat in the braiding chair and allowed the braider to squeeze and pull my hair so tight that I felt like my scalp was on fire.  I didn't say anything because I assumed that braids had to hurt to look neat and to stay in longer; this is a nasty myth. I remember spending $150 on braid extensions and taking them out in 3 days because my head hurt so badly.

            Although you should stick to your regular regimen of washing, deep conditioning and moisturizing your hair, when you have braid extensions you have to execute the regimen differently. Washing the hair should be done in the shower using luke warm to cool water. After wetting the hair, pour a squirt of Sweet Nature by Eddie's shampoo in a cup and then fill the cup with cool water.  Add a teaspoon of baking soda or apple cider vinegar to the mixture and then pour it directly onto the scalp. Massage the scalp only, being careful not to manipulate the braids. Now, mix the shampoo again and pour it through the braids, while gently squeezing the braids as you move down the length of the braid. Continue until all traces of shampoo are out of the hair. You can also pour the shampoo into a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the scalp and braids or apply shampoo to a sponge or towel, work up a lather and then squeeze the suds onto the scalp.

            Next you need to deep condition the hair, but you do not want to apply it the same way you would apply it to your loose hair. Deep conditioners are generally thick, so you will need to dilute it with water, or if it can withstand heat, microwave it to make it thinner. Put the conditioner in a spray bottle and add water if you choose to, and then spray the braids, starting from the scalp down to where your hair ends.

            Now it's time to process the conditioner to make sure it is actually penetrating the hair shafts. Cover the braids with a plastic cap, or you may need a plastic grocery bag if you tend to wear your extensions really long like I do. Your body heat should be enough to process the conditioner, if not, feel free to sit under a dryer or continue with a hot shower. Finally rinse your hair (you don't have to rinse all of the conditioner out) and wrap it in a towel, be sure not to rub or manipulate the braids.

            Applying a moisturizer daily is a very important step, especially if you did not soak the braid in apple cider vinegar. Sweet Nature by Eddie has an excellent moisturizing spray called Growth that will not only keep the hair hydrated, but will stimulate the blood flow in the scalp to help with growth. There is also a growth aid called Spirit that is packed with vitamins, minerals, herbs and sublime sulfur that will accelerate hair growth. (www.sweetnaturebyeddie.info)     

          Now...the take down process is just as important as the application process, in some cases, it may be MORE important. Now, if you haven't washed your hair while your hair has been in braids, there's a good chance there's some serious matting going on at the base of each braid; even if you have washed your hair, there's still some chances you have matting at the base. So, before you even start taking your braids out, wash your hair thoroughly! Make sure that your braids, especially the base is saturated with shampoo. Massage around the base of the braids, and let the shampoo sit for a couple of minutes. This will cut down on the build-up that may have accumulated. 

         After you take each braid out, pick out any build up or gently separate the hair if it's matted by using your two fingers. This will cut down on any stress and frustation once you get all of your braids out and go to style it. I personally take down 4 braids and then put a two-strand twist in its place, since my hair is freshly washed and conditioned, I don't need to re-wash it once my braids are out. Of course this takes a longer time, but is well worth i...to me!

            This process will keep the hair follicles strong hydrated, stimulated and healthy for optimal hair growth. It will also minimize the loss of hair once the extensions are removed.

 Click  HERE for the Sweet Nature braid kit. This kit comes with everything you need to care for your braids. Sign up for my newsletter to get an EXCLUSIVE offer of the New Supercharged Braid kit! This kit is packed with some secret ingredients that will have you growing new growth so fast, you might be a little upset with how often you have to get your braids done over!