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???