Painful braids

When I began realizing that this technique was not hurting people's head when I did it, I wanted to share this with the world! To get some braids and not go through the pulling and medicine is something very special to me. At first I wanted to hold on to this form of braiding and only allow those who could pay for training get the benefit of it, but it left me feeling like I was being selfish with an idea that so many people who wear braids would benefit from. So after many years of developing this kind of braiding, I woke up one morning and said, "something has to change". I figured instead of me patenting and protecting this technique to be available to those who can pay for training, why not just give it to those who are willing to learn it from their passion? Everyone told me don't just give it away! But now people can't take it away from me because how can you steal something that is being given away? The world doesn't understand the severity of tight braids for those that wear them. They oftentimes endure them for the sake of beauty and this no longer has to be the case. This is an excerpt from a request I filed with the state of Colorado in trying to get the first painless braider's license in the state:

"All braided hairstyles place the hair and scalp under tension. The excessive tension caused by overly tight braids can cause scalp pain and swelling. Several websites provided by the Applicant relating to hair braiding/natural hairstyling emphasize that braids should never be painful. If a customer experiences pain during the braiding process, he or she should tell the braider to stop, or if the pain persists after the braids have been completed, the braids should be loosened or removed.23 This suggests that consumer education might be helpful in reducing the frequency of too-tight, painful braids."

This is easier said then done. The gap in understanding that it is not easy to just 'get' up from getting some braids is where the problem lies, because I'm sure that if a person knew they had an alternative then it would not be a problem to get up and find someone that braids painlessly.

Locks gone Wrong!

I just want to know what a person should do when they grow long locks and they start to pop off. I grew locks 3 times in my life so far and I have came to the conclusion that I do not like the composition of them. They are made of 1 part dead hair, 1 part lent and the remaining is particles from the atmosphere. I know this because I combed out a few of mine that I had been growing for 8 months (YES they can be combed out) and when I finished that is what I had in my hand. Your hair is dead anyways, the only live part is the follicle it comes out of. Don't get me wrong, I love them just because of the natural twist they take on at the root, and there are people that have beautiful, long locks. I just want everyone to have a clear understanding of what they are committing themselves to. Do you agree?

old braids, take them down!!

I am a braider and I am used to taking down braids that have been up for months. Since we can be open in the nappy head party, well how do I say this......some of these braids have such a build up!!! and smell!!! and its the part about braids that I think we need to discuss. I know that braids sometimes get messed up when you wash them, and even then...they don't get all the way clean (which is why you get that light brown build up that looks like paste) Now as a braider I would rather you come and let me take them down, especially if you think you are ganna damage your hair if you take it down yourself, but oh lord! Am I alone in this?? Any thoughts???