Braid Chronicles Pt. 2
As promised, I came back with an update on my braid journey. Since the first part of the Braid Chronicles, I have taken out my box braids, and currently have knotless braids. I have a lot to say about both…
Starting with the box braids. I used the methods I’ve shared in my last post religiously. I kept up my braids very well - I’m someone who takes braids out after two weeks, but this time it lasted about a month and a half (a new record!!!). By week 3 I really liked how my braids looked because they’ve been a little worn in and not so tight, flowing a little more naturally. I refreshed my braids by dipping them in boiling water, conditioning them (all the way to the tips), and cleaning my scalp. What I did learn is by conditioning all the way down to the tips of the braid actually keeps the synthetic hair really soft (I used Xpressions pre-stretched hair). Around the 6th week, I started to get the itch to take them out. They didn’t look bad at all, and I probably would have kept them in a little longer, but I was bored and took them out by week 7.
Just a week after I took down my box braids, I installed my knotless braids. Now, knotless braids have been the look of the summer, but with many mixed reviews. I’ve heard they either don’t last at all or they last a long time and look better as they get worn in. My experience is unique.
The first day I got them I actually didn’t like them. They were so flat and I wasn’t used to seeing braids lie so naturally. They were so light I literally felt bald. They do tend to look a little scalp depending on the size you get them. Mine are a small/medium size and past the waist. The first and second week I loved them - I loved how they laid a little flatter, how they felt so light, and how easy it was to manipulate them. Another plus is that they didn’t pull at my edges the way the box braids did. By week 3 and a half I was kind of over them because of how frizzy the roots looked and in contrast my edges looked smooth. I tried to smooth it out and used some braid mousse from scalp to tip, and it worked for about a few days. I am currently in week 4 and want to take them out at this minute. They just don’t keep the neat look that box braids can maintain, and I did go swimming recently and after that my roots were just done and frizzy.
The question is, which do I like better?
Despite all the complaints I had, I don’t think I’ll ever get box braids again. The knotless braids did not leave my scalp sore, and did not yank at my edges. They are lighter, and as someone who has a strict workout routine, I can put them in a ponytail ten times easier, and not feel weighed down. I will say, if I go on vacation where I just know I’ll be getting my hair wet, I will opt for feed ins or something closer to my scalp.