How to Avoid Breakage Damage With Kanekalon Braids

Kanekalon braids are made from light weight fiber.

Properly caring for your Kanekalon Braids makes the difference between a glamorous and lackluster hairstyle. According to Hair Style City, Kanekalon is a well known synthetic fiber used in many standard braids. While Kanekalon braids are used in many salons and available for over-the-counter purchase, improper handling of the braids, for example, can result in the tearing of hair fibers that can damage your scalp and the growth of additional follicles. Consequently, avoiding hair breakage -- natural or otherwise -- is essential for maintaining the health and style of your locks.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup distilled vinegar
• Sponge
• 1 tablespoon mild shampoo
• Silk bonnet

Instructions

1. Fill a sink full of fresh water. Add 1 cup of distilled vinegar to the water. Soak the braids in the water and vinegar mix for 15 consecutive minutes. Soaking the braids removes the alkalinity from the synthetic hair. Removing the presence of alkaline reduces the chances of an itchy scalp and the breakage of hair due to excessive scratching. Cleanse the braids by blotting the hair clean with a sponge filled with 1 tablespoon of mild shampoo.

2. Attach the braids to natural hair that is free from chemical treatment. In other words, avoid chemical hair treatments -- a perm, for example -- before attaching your braids. Chemically treated hair can reduce the strength and stability of your natural hair; thus resulting in breakage.

3. Grab a 1 inch clump of braids by the root at the dome of your head. Pull on the root of the braid clump with light to medium pressure. Watch the pull in a mirror. Release the pull. Notice the elasticity of the recoil. A slow recoil means the braids are correctly attached to healthy hair; thus reducing the chances of breakage. Quick recoil indicates braids that are attached too tight. Repeat the pulling and releasing process behind the back of the ears and the nape of the neck, respectively.

4. Drape your braided hair in a silk bonnet before going to bed. The bonnet helps keep the hair in place and prevents tangling or breakage while sleeping.

5. Remove each braid by pulling gently apart from the sides of the hair. Removing braids from the side helps reduce natural hair shedding and separates the natural and synthetic follicles without inadvertent breakage as a result of a direct pull.

References

• Hair Style City: How to Get Extensions for African American Hair
• Mill Resources: Braiders Corner
• Grow Afro Hair Long: The Braid Extension Regimine