8 NOV | How to Remove Locks and BraidsPosted: November 8th, 2007By: Treasured Locks |
Here are some tips on removing styles such as braids, weaves, bonding glue, hair extensions and locks. Contrary to some opinions, locks can be safely removed. You will probably experience some hair loss and will see shedding of the hair that is no longer attached to the hair but is still in the lock. You probably will have to cut off some amount. But, with patience the proper tools, you can remove your locks.Royal Roots Detangler, Softener and Remover can help men, women and girls who are damaging their hair and losing their hair when removing braids, weaves, bonding glue, hair extensions and dreadlocks. Many stylists and consumers simply do not know how to properly remove these styles or what to use.Tips to save your time and hair when removing Braids, Weaves and Dreadlocks- this will probably require several (2-4) bottles of removal cream
- Braided, weaved or locked hair can become dry and matted together. So, you must use a product that softens, oils and moisturizes your hair. Do not try to remove these styles while your hair is dry.
- Do not shampoo or relax your hair until it is completely combed out and detangled. If you try to wash out clumps/knots of matted or tangled hair, what happens instead is you end up with a big matted mess. If you try to perm or relax the knots and tangles out of your hair, you will end up with a similar result. Relaxers are not designed to penetrate through clumps of matted or tangled hair. When removing braids or twists, remove one at a time. Then comb through each unbraided or untwisted section of hair thoroughly before moving onto the next one. This is very important. If you do not do this, you will end up with very matted hair that will be very difficult to untangle.
- Before you begin to remove braids, soak the roots of your hair and the braids with a removal cream. Do the same for sew-inweaves. First, cut the extensions off. Then, soak the cornrows with a removal cream. This will prevent tearing and breaking of the hair when you are combing through it.
- Dreadlocks may be removed and do not have to be cut off. Locked hair can be unlocked. However, it cannot be done in one day. It will take patience and work. Removal cream can salvage your hair. You will have some shedding. But, for the most part, you can keep your hair.
- When removing dreadlocks that are 1-4 years old, all thatneedsto be cut off is the tip of the lock. If your locks are older than 4 years, then approximately 1/2 of the lock should be cut off before beginning the removal process. It’s very possible that you will require several bottles of removal cream to soak the locks enough to get them to loosen up. Also, it might take several days to work through all of your locks. Use the tip of a rat tail comb (the fine toothed comb with the pointed end) to begin working the braids, locks or twists apart. Use your fingers to complete the detangling. Work gently and slowly to remove the styles.
- Please do not use conditioner or oil sheen to remove bonding gluefrom the hair. It was not created for that purpose. Aerosol based products that contain alcohol are very drying. And,those products do not remove excess bonding glue from the scalp. Overtime, excess bonding glue builds up on the scalp and can cause damage, leading to temporary balding.
- If you do use oil sheen to remove bonding glue from yourhair, do not relax your hair immediately afterwards. Your scalp will be tender and vulnerable to damage from the relaxer.
- It takes time and patience to remove braids, locks, weaves or hair extensions properly. Many people think it’s too costly to visit a salon to “take down†a style. You can do this athome. But, do not pull and tug on your hair, ultimately damaging it. You cannot rush when removing these styles. Please take your time. It’s worth it to save your hair. Allow yourself enough time to take the style down properly. Most likely, this will be several days.
- Be patient with whatever type of hair you have. Take time to learn about your hair and what it needs.
November 10th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Will this also remove 2 year old locked sisterlocks- or is the only option to start from scratch?
December 19th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I notice this is the only area of discussion about dreads. Removing them. What about people who have them or want them and need advice or people who have them and just want a little omph! after all these years for them? Dreadlocks are a beautiful black hairstyle and should be also highlighted on a natural hair site.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I found braids to be the most liberating hair style I’ve ever worn.
It was quite by accident I began wearing them. My regular hair stylist in Chicago didn’t show up for an appointment I had with her. wasn’t that novel? The shop was closed when I arrived for my scheduled appt. I called but no one answered. After about an hour I gave up! As I was venturing down the same block I discovered an African Hair Braider…I entered, saw her book of styles..agreed on a price for braids and the rest is history. I did eventually learn how to remove my own braids after suffering through having them removed when I showed up to the braiding shop after 6 months worth of hair growth. Our hair has a spirit of its own! I probably lost more hair in the process of removing my locked down hair growth at the end of the braids then I may have lost during the 6 mounth time.
Yes, do braids out ONE BY ONE (I use either a pointed wooden finger nail stick or an extra large uphostery needle) to unbraid the hair. Take your time and comb each braid out, then proceed to the next. I usually start with the nape of my neck covering this section with the rest of the braids while wearing the braided style during the day. The take down process takes about 2-3 days but the results is new growth which is healthier because its had a rest from heat, chemicals,brushes, and combs.