Proper hair care and detangling technique is required when wearing braids or sew-in weave to ensure hair does not become matted or tangled upon take down. Many years ago before I started my healthy hair journey, I rocked dookie braids while on business travel. I left the braids in for two or three months without washing my hair whatsoever. My memory is a little vague at this point but I am pretty sure I did not even use moisturizer back then. The end result of having braids was matted and tangled hair. I suffered a huge setback and had to get the matted, tangled areas cut out! I don’t have pics of that moment but here is a good example of what my matted, tangled hair looks like.
If I could re-play the tape and do it all over again, I would have (1) properly detangled my hair before allowing water to touch it. (2) I would have done a very good pre-poo with oils, (3) finger detangled thoroughly before (4) using a wide tooth comb to further detangle. I now know, (5) detangling agents are my friend and would have used one pre and post wash to ensure all shed hairs were properly removed. Since I failed to implement these steps, my hair matted and tangled to a point where the only option was to chop, chop, chop.
Note: Hawaiian Silky 14-n-1 is awesome and have been used by many to remove dreadlocks! It is now my go-to when I have a knot that just will not budge.
I lost about 5 or 6 inches to the matted, tangled areas. I was scarred by my experience to a point where I walked away to never get braids again. When I see stories about matted hair, I am drawn to the story because it immediately takes me back to my experience of having matted, tangled hair.
Thanks to a hair salon by the name of Elite Strands, the two year old matted sew-in weave is trending on social media! Yes, you read that right. TWO YEARS OLD!
I am without knowledge of the full story as to why she left the weave in for two years. I can only assume which is totally unfair so I will keep an open mind.
Elite Strands posted the pics of the new client to social media and I assume – there I go assuming again – it was in an effort to bring awareness that one should NEVER leave in braids or a sew-in weave for that long AND likely to generate business by showcasing her master skills of dealing with such a situation.
I like how Elite Strands asked commenters to be respectful on Instagram. Yeah ok, that’s like asking a kid to a clean up their room. The commenters pretty much asked and/or stated what everyone was thinking, plus a minus a few colorful words –> why did she keep the sew-in weave for two years? Did she even wash her hair while wearing her sew-in? What was the end result? Well, the end result confirmed what I expected — a big chop of some sort.
The stylist that kept installing the sew-in weave should have his/her license pulled, revoked and buried. Then again, maybe the sew-ins were done at home by a relative or friend. Either way, professional stylist or family stylist, someone should have taken a stance and said, no more. I got to give it to Elite Strands, she did her thing and made it work!
We can discuss the two year sew-in weave until we have exhausted all possibilities but rather, I want our discussion to beneficial to help each other if we should opt for braids or sew-in weave. I am hoping for good participation so I consolidate your thoughts in an additional post….
– Discussion Questions –
How do you prep your hair for braids or sew-in?
How do you maintain your hair while in braids or sew-in?
Have you ever had a matting or tangling situation from braids or sew-in?
If yes, what would you do differently and/or how did you resolve it?
What measures do you take to ensure your hair doesn’t become matted or tangled?
What is your regimen for braids or sew-in take down
Chime in, I want to hear your thoughts!
Jennifer says
July 8, 2015 at 9:36 am1. I prep my hair weeks in advance by upping my moisture deep conditioning but right before the sew in, I do a protein treatment followed by moisture deep conditioning. I blow dry and lightly flatiron my hair. I moisturized heavily because I won’t be able to properly moisturize my hair while in a sew in. I had a setback due the braider not being smart enough to braid a proper base since my blowdried hair tangled too much.
2. I maintain by spraying my braided base with a liquid moisturizer and oily my scalp 1-2 a week. I wash my hair every two weeks using a applicator bottle mixed with water, shampoo and braggs acv (helps with the itches). I generally don’t use conditioner after unless I feel that my hair really needs it. Conditioner sometimes can cause unnecessary build up and mildew smell if not properly rinsed out.
3. Yes, I had but was because I was lazy to detangle my hair plus I had build up from constantly using conditioner. Another instance was my last sew in, I had an abnormal amount of new growth which generally is a plus but it caused some tangling at the root.
4. I resolved the problem by reducing the use of conditioner. Plus I don’t keep my sew ins more than 2 months now.
5. My take down routine (sew ins only) is have someone take the sew in out for me. Then I take down the braids myself only using my fingers…no combs or brushes. Every couple of braid take down, I would twist and pin up. After I take down all the braids, I slather conditioner and finger detangle then use a paddle brush to remove all shed hairs, retwist. The next morning, I would shampoo using a sulfate shampoo to remove all the build up. After that, I’ll do a light protein treatment and deep condition.
Jay (Divachyk) of RT says
July 9, 2015 at 8:59 amGreat recap. That’s an excellent regimen. I have never had a sew in out of fear of itchies and not having access to my hair. I do think sew ins are better options for me since my hair tangles which is horrible with braids. I never thought about conditioner causing building but I can see that since it’s creamy.
Tomes Edition says
July 10, 2015 at 3:47 pmI can’t handle the tension of braids so that’s a no no.
I think misting your hair with a moisturizing mix will help keep your hair moisturized.
After taking out each braid, detangle to avoid it matting.
JUst my two cents
nerline says
July 15, 2015 at 6:31 pmI love to give hugs and feel self-conscious about my hair smelling bad when hugging people, especially at church. So, I still wash my hair at least every two weeks when wearing extensions. I use wig spray in between to keep it smelling fresh. Great post!
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy says
July 20, 2015 at 8:23 amYeah, I feel you. I’m that way about body odor since I sweat a lot. 🙁