White Girl Interested in Braids

Hi, I have pretty long (elbow length) extremely fine hair. I love long hair but can never wear it down due to horrible knots. I live in the Metropolitan NY area and was wondering if it would be possible to have my hair braided (either with or without extensions-whatever is less damaging). How long would I be able to keep them in? How are they sealed off at the ends? Is it very expensive? Where could I have this done? I would greatly appreciate as much info as possible on this topic.

Hello Andrea, go to this website. These people do everything from dreds to braids. I am black and wear braids sometimes. These people have shops everywhere and they do all types of hair.Good luck!http://hairpolice.com

I'm a White woman with also elbow length fine hair and occasionally wear my hair in braids. I do the braiding myself. It's not that difficult once you learn. I practiced on a cheap wig several times before doing my hair. And yes it does take a few hours, but I usually don't do it all at once. I can usually do the front without a mirror, so I do it while watching television. The back takes a little bit more work if you don't have any help. Sometimes if I get tired I wont do my whole head at once. To avoid looking too ridiculous I tie back all my hair in a pony tail. The finished braids kind of just blend in with the rest of the hair. I secure the ends with coated rubberbands, made by Goody.Black woman generally have their hair braided very tightly and close to the scalp. I have found that my hair will break if I try to mimic those styles exactly. Your experience may be different. As a compromise, I tend to braid my hair loser and in bigger strands. Using no extensions, I usually do about 20 braids for my entire head. I have suffered no hair breakage by doing it this way. Since I braid it looser, I can't keep them in too long without them looking very raggedy. Two weeks is usually the max, and usually less than that.I don't wash my hair at all during that time. I use a product called Braid sheen, made by African pride on my scalp to cut down on the itchiness. Every morning I smooth down the braids with extra strength styling gel.And I know exactly what you mean about knots - I was born and raised in NYC, and no hair product prevented those knots when I wore my hair loose. I live in North Carolina now and my hair still tangles but at least it doesn't knot up anymore. I don't know what it is about NY.