Caring for your braided extensions or sew-ins:

* All Chemicals - If you chose to wear braids you should definitely go natural. Because chemicals weaken your hairs natural texture. At Ultimate Braids & Naturals I do have a line of products to help aid in this transition. But if you would like to still have a chemical relaxer or color: avoid applying Individual extensions/braids in your hair at least, until after 2 weeks of any chemical input. Some hair braiders will tell you that relaxing your hair just before braiding will make your braids neater and more presentable. This is just not true!!! Neatness of any braided service depends on how good the braider is with parting the hair. And in all honesty the length of your own hair plays a major role in the over all look as well. Short hair and very short hair tends to come out of the braids. If your hair is a medium to long length, you rarely will deal with that problem.

* Before any braiding service- Start by deep conditioning your hair a day before applying the extensions. You could do a cholesterol treatment, hot oil treatment, or even doing a deep condition with a good conditioner. You should also continue to deep condition your hair when you have the braids in. I suggest you use a conditioner that is rich in protein. But only do this at least once in 2 week period. Because over conditioning your hair can cause breakage as well. Why? Because too much protein, is not good for your hair. Too much of anything is never good!

* Shampooing - Shampoo your braids once every 2 weeks. Too much shampooing your hair with braids in causes your braids to frizz. And if your hair is not dried well from the roots, you can get fungus and mold growth, as well as an odor. So make sure that with any braided style or sew-in your hair is towel dried very well at the roots. But shampooing is very good for your hair. Your hair has time to rest from the chemical contents of shampoos as well. Not all shampoo products will say that they also have a small amount of chemical contents. Shampooing your hair once every 2 weeks will allow the braids to retain it's strength, and reduce an early rough appearance. Braided styles are so much more than getting them done and then doing no maintenance at home. I would recommend a shampoo with a good lather, because braid extensions absorb most of the shampoo before you get a nice foam. Deep condition your hair according to the instructions for the product you choose. But because you have braids, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the original time. Focus more on the base/root of the braids, than the body of the braids. Again make sure your roots or completely dry to prevent mold, odor, or fungus growth.

* Take care of your natural hair below the braided extensions - You definitely need a very good strengthener for your hair. Virgin coconut oils or serums are very good for your natural hair. Especially if you are wearing braids or sew-ins. Some beauty stores may sell the virgin/original/unprocessed coconut oil. But I am positive you can find some online as well. Also shea butter, and jojoba oil are just as good as well. You should always want what is best for your hair. Why? Because the process and ending result will be stronger healthier hair. Shea butter is a very good moisturizer for your hair. There are a lot of different shea butters sold in stores and online. Be careful with your purchase. Try not to use a refined shea butter, because it has been chemically processed. Original Shea butter is cream in color. Several stylist will tell you that shea butter can come in different shades. Again this is very untrue. Pure shea butter is the color cream, and it is odorless. You should also oil your scalp at least 3 times a week. This will help your scalp to retain moisture and prevent you from incurring a flaky scalps or dandruffs.

* Nap/Sleeping Care - Prior to nap time or sleep time, cover your hair with a satin/silk scarf. This will help aid in the protection of your braids. And keep your hair style in place, while protecting your hair from damage from rubbing against the pillow/ bed .

* Individual braiding - PLEASE PEOPLE, if you meet a stylist who braids your hair tightly, tell them that the braid(s) feel tight. Ask them to avoid braiding your hair tightly. This is putting strain on your natural hair cuticle and is not healthy at all. You are stopping the chances of healthy hair growth before it has a chance to start. The old saying, “The tighter the braids the better” is so untrue. This is why so many people have broken or damaged hair and or forced to go natural. Or even why so many people have alopecia. If the stylist continues to braid your hair this way and will not stop or take it down, you can remove yourself from this situation. Or just take the style down. I know you have spent your money on the style. But your hair is so the bigger picture here!!! If you are not knowledgeable of the take down process or can’t find another stylist who will do it for you; dip your head in mild to hot water. This will loosen the braids. Even simpler, put your hair into a plastic cap and take a hot shower. The steam will penetrate your braided or sew-in style and immediately loosen some of the strain on your hair. Beware!!! The tighter the braid the stronger the chance of hair breakage and loss. Please know your hair sheds daily, this is normal. When you take your braids down you will have some shedding of hair. But you will know the difference between shedded hair and broken or damaged hair. Braids and sew-ins can aid in hair growth. But you have to maintain care at a salon as well as at home!!!!  Any questions feel free to contact Raven at (409)861-2299 or (409) 363-4823.