Finding A Good Braider

How to find a good hair braider

The first thing to care for your braids is to make sure your braids are put in properly.
Find a good braider.
Although you can find many braiders working from home, I recommend going to a professional who works from a shop. Because this is what she does for a living, she will most likely get started on your hair on time, will have few interruptions other than lunch or bathroom breaks, she will complete the work in one day. Another advantage is that you can go back to the shop if there is any problem. A good braider should guarantee her work for 7 to 14 days, should you need any braids put back in, it should be done free of charge. Braids that are put in properly should not become undone within two weeks. Beware of salons that put signs stating that they are not responsible for any repairs once the clients leave their shops. This is not good customer service.

Surfing through the phone book can be a good way to find a good hair braider. Many braiding shops are operated by African braiders. Look under “Braiders “ or “Natural Hair Salons” in phone listings. The internet makes it easier to find a braider, many stylists now have their own websites to showcase their work, be sure that the pictures shown are the actual stylist’s work . Another great way (probably the best way) to find a good braider is through referral. Ask someone whose braids you admire to refer you to their braider. Be sure to get the braider’s name and not just the shop information.

Once you locate a braider, always stop by for a face to face person consultation. During the consultation ask all the questions that you might have. If satisfied with the consultation, you can then schedule an appointment. Be sure to ask the following questions:
1. How long have you been braiding?
2. Do you have pictures of your work?
3. How many people will be working on my head?
4. Do you offer maintenance services : shampoo, touch-ups ?
5. If I loose some braids within a week or two, would you put them back in free of charge? Do you guarantee your work?
6. Will the service be completed in one day?

Removing Your Braids

Many people often cause severe damage to their hair while attempting to take out their braids. It is normal to experience shedding while removing your braids, keep in mind that your hair has not been combed or brushed for a significant period of time and hair that normally sheds, remains in the braid. Therefore, it's important to be careful comb out all knots out of your hair before washing or relaxing the hair.

To start removing your braids. First reduce the length of the braid by cutting the hair extension to the length of your natural hair, this will make your work easier and faster. Most removing sprays work well with human hair, or simply use some leave-in conditioner to soften the braids. Divide your braids in several sections and work each section individually until you have successfully removed all the braids.
Be sure to hold the hair close to the scalp with one hand and beginning at the ends, GENTLY comb your hair with the other. Continue to undo, spray and comb the hair until the first section is complete and then move onto the next.

Depending on the size of your braids and how long you have worn your braids, you may have knots in your hair (this often happens when the braids are been worn for a long time and have not been washed, conditioned and oiled). It is VERY IMPORTANT to comb all knots and tangles out before shampooing or relaxing the hair. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to your hair.


Removing your braids yourself can be frustrating, very often you will get tired and impatient. It is best to have your stylist remove your braids if you have micro braids to avoid damage to your hair.

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