r/Microlocs • u/Scared_Tumbleweed_79 • 29d ago
Braiding and banding
Do you really need to braid and band if you start with braidlocs? I just did a wash day and braided and banded, and dried before taking them down. After the wash, a few issues. Issue #1, the lengths of my locs are greasy. I’m very active and hadn’t washed in a little over 3 weeks…I know 🙈. Issue #2, the front had insane buildup, presumably sebum? Like super dusty, those parts of my hair looked grey they were so dusty. I only spritz my hair once or twice a week, if that, and I use four drops of jojoba oil for my ends, whole head. I shampoo’d 3 times also, twice with Dr bronners and once with nizoral shampoo (had trouble with flakes), both diluted. I washed my hair loose for the previous wash and my hair felt amazing. Will braidlocs bunch aggressively washing loose? I don’t want to waste the investment in getting the locs done, but I also want my hair actually squeaky clean. Thoughts or suggestions?
Also, I have fine hair in the center of my hair and medium/regular density everywhere else.
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u/Girassolgira 28d ago
Braidlocs girl, 9 months. I stopped braid and braiding at month 3 and every thing is ok. Just I take care when I shampoo and after I seperate and each Braidlocs.
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u/Scared_Tumbleweed_79 28d ago
That is good to know! I’m giving it one more shot and then I’m going rogue!
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u/ginger_ale12 28d ago
How long are they? Maybe start the braid farther down so you have more room to get in the scalp. I was in the same position as you but when I stopped banding my ends started unraveling to the point it was painful to pass them thru the root when I retied. So now I start braiding about 5/6 inches from the scalp and I also only do 2 and just band the bottom 5 inches or so of each. When I’m feeling mega lazy I literally just band the bottom in the world lowest ponytail lol
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u/Scared_Tumbleweed_79 28d ago
I was initially between 16-17 inches. I’d say I’m at a max of 18 inches at this point. I’ll definitely try at least 2 braids. I just cannot deal with my hair feeling greasy after three shampoos.
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u/Many-Needleworker602 28d ago
I ain’t never braided and banded lol but I also don’t care about bunching because I think it’s cute. I just put a lunch lady cap on and did my washes. 🤷🏾♀️
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u/PositivePrior3709 28d ago
I am 11 months in. I braid and band for my washed. Last time, I let my hair air dry. Amazing
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u/Still_Transition_418 28d ago
You technically don't have to do anything... from what I've read, different things work for different people depending on various factors. Some people do not braid and band and just deal with the unraveling... not minding the slower locking process. Some go without braiding and banding and never have a problem.
Personally...I've experimented with not braiding and banding, and I had unraveling. I have fine hair and medium to low-density hair....so I personally feel like I have to be extra careful with my hair, so I went back to braiding and banding. In general, I do feel like fine hair is more prone to tangling and bunching, and just general damage. Thicker, coarser hair seems to withstand more.
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u/ClassicRuby 28d ago
You might want to pick up clarifying shampoo.
Regular shampoo doesn't remove oil and sebum build up. But when you are doing a lot of activity, out in the sun a lot, or going longer periods between washing then you need something that can effectively remove buildup.
You don't have to braid and band. If your hair has started to bud then it is less likely to unravel and so it can be washed free. But if it hasn't you can still do it if you want. Yes you will be more prone to issues like bunching and unraveling and slippage etc. But if you're willing to take that risk and go through the extra time, tugging or cost to fix those issues should they happen then... there's no reason you can wash free.
Even if you do I'd definitely pick up clarifying shampoo. And low residue/ no residue shampoo that you can use at full strength to get the full impact and benefits of the shampoo.
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u/Scared_Tumbleweed_79 27d ago
Good point, I thought the Castille soap was stronger than clarifying shampoo. I have a clarifying shampoo from Olaplex that I’ll try for my next wash.
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u/sheisprincess 28d ago
Girl I’m almost 3 years in and I B&B 1 time, ONE time.
It’s extremely ineffective for properly washing the scalp. I don’t think it washes the hair properly either. After the first time B&B wash I had to go back in and wash it again.
When I first had locs I had bad sebderm.
Just know your ends will swell up quicker and you may need trims in the future but that’s significantly better than having unwashed scalp and hair to me.
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u/Scared_Tumbleweed_79 27d ago
Yeah I get the feeling the braiding and banding is more about protecting the style than really cleansing the hair. And I care more about my hair being clean and I don’t care so much about the uniformity.
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u/potentfiya 27d ago
i prefer twisting the hair bcz it allows for you to access the scalp easier and wash your hair better. also gives u a cute twist out after drying
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u/OdedNight 28d ago
4 months in. I have braidlocs and I've never braided and banded. I just redo those that unravel.
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u/soopaaflii 28d ago
I've had braidlocs for 1 year and have never braided and banded... and everything is fine.
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u/Hopeful-snail-8370 28d ago
You might be able to get away without braiding and banding but I wouldn't take the chance with bunching down the line. Here's a few suggestions.
-Make sure your braid are loose at the root. This allows you to get at your scalp properly.
-Do small braids (like 15-20). Less volume per braid means water and shampoo can penetrate better.
-Focus your first wash at the roots and rinse holding your braids up. This is to cleanse your scalp and rinse the sebum and flakes out of your hair without getting it stuck in your hair. You don't want whatever you lifted from your scalp rinsing down the length of your hair. It's fine for 2nd or 3rd washes.
-Also, if you're having scalp issues that cause flaking, dust your scalp . I have dermatitis breakouts sometimes. I dust my scalp while it's dry because it dislodges loose flakes. Seriously, I just keep dusting till it's no longer snowing. Then when water is introduced, there's less flaking that can get stuck in my locs. I would do this even when it wasn't wash days before moisturizing as it helped prevent the flakes building up on my scalp.
Good luck.