Before Getting Micro Braids

• Ensure that your hair is healthy before you consider braiding it. Get your hair trimmed and remove any split ends, and have a hot oil treatment to lend extra moisture to your hair. If you applied a relaxer recently, you will need to wait at least two weeks before you can get micro braiding done. Consult a professional braider, preferably someone with years of experience in micro braiding. With professional evaluation of your hair, you will be able to decide what kind of micro braids to get.
  
  

Understanding Your Hair's Needs

• The best kind of hair for micro braiding is thick and coarse. Thin, long hair tends to break, so your stylist will need deft hands to do micro braiding while minimizing damage. When you are getting your hair braided, ensure that the braids are not too tight or too small. If you feel any pain, tell the braider and ask that she loosen the braids to a point you feel comfortable with. Avoid getting extremely small braids done as you'll have a tough time removing them. In addition, they also cause more damage to the hair.
  
  

Regular Care for Your Braids

• Once your micro braids are complete, you need to spend time caring for them so they stay looking good. Don't forget to moisturize your hair with a good spray. It is important to keep your scalp well conditioned. At the same time, do not use shampoos, pomades or conditioners that are very thick or heavy. They may accumulate in the braids as residue and, over time, dry your scalp and leave it flaky. Instead, use a light oil to moisturize your scalp.
  
  

Removing Micro Braids

• Removing braids require a gentle yet firm hand. If you are unsure of how to handle removal, it is always best to go back to the salon to have your braids removed. If you are confident you can do it yourself, begin by shampooing your hair three to four times a day to loosen the braids. Spray the braids with a hair remover and go through them to see which ones are loose; check by tugging at the roots lightly. Once you have removed all the braids, give your hair a deep conditioning or protein treatment to restore any moisture that has been lost.