Welcome to Ace of Braids

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: How long does my hair have to be?
A: Your hair must be at shoulder length, if you can fit it into a low pony tail then it can be braided. see photo above.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Depending on what style you choose please check price list menu for time allocations required

Q: Do I need to wash my hair, or have it wet?
A: It is recommended to wash your hair a day before, and make sure all conditioners are fully rinsed out.

Q: How long does it last for?
A: Depends on what style you choose and your hair type. It will also depend on whether you do a high number of physical activities.
Cornrows and box braids can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks

Q: Will my hair fall out?
A: When you take out your style, a natural amount of hair will fall out due to not being able to brush it, we naturally lose 100-150 hairs per weeks, so don't worry you won't go bald.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: No! when the correct tension is applied it should feel like a head massage, however we all have tender spots especially when braiding near the temples and the neck line. 

Q: Do you have an age limit?
A: Yes! I will not braid children under 5 years of age, their heads are too sensitive.

Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: a booking fee is charged to secure your appointment, see details on contact page for policies.

Q: Do you take cash or card?
A: I can take card or cash however I do not hold change on site, please bring the correct amount when paying cash.

Q: Can I book in advance?
A: Yes! if you have a special event you would like to book for more than 3 months from todays, please message for availability.

Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: of course! my home is your home; however, we all have boundaries so would like children to remain in sight at all times.

How to Take Care Of Your Braids & Cornrows

1. 

Wash your hair by applying a diluted solution of shampoo to the scalp. Use the pads of your fingers to work the shampoo around the cornrows. Rinse thoroughly. It recommended that washing your hair no more often than every 7 to 10 days to avoid drying the hair too much.

2.
Apply a spray-in conditioner to restore moisture to your braids. You can use any leave-in conditioner, or one formulated especially for braided hair. The conditioner will also tame any flyaway hairs and help them lie more smoothly against the braids.

3.
Dry hair completely before going to bed at night. Cornrows can take a long time to dry. If you sleep on them wet and they fail to dry, you could end up with funky-smelling hair, due to mold in the hair.

4.
Oil your scalp to keep it from drying out. Apply oil with the tips of your fingers between the braids. Try olive, peppermint, coconut or argan oils. Avoid oils that contain heavy petroleum products, which can attract dirt to your hair and clog the pores of your scalp.

5.
Cover your hair at night to help prevent the hair from working out of the braids. Wrap your head with a satin scarf, du-rag or stocking cap before bed.

Are Cornrows Bad For My Hair?

Cornrows Done Right
Cornrows, and braids in general, require a lot of tugging and pulling on the hair. It’s a catch-22. A lack of tension makes for fuzzy braids that have no staying power, while tight braids mean a possible headache and broken tresses. To minimize hair breakage, the hair braider should be skilled enough to braid tightly without causing pain. Since experience is the only way to learn about correct tension, look for a braider who has a portfolio and knows what she’s doing. Otherwise, it’s a fair bet that the braider will plait the hair too tightly or loosely.

Effect on Hair Cleanliness
Don’t think that cornrows make for funky, gunky hair. Cornrows don’t make your hair any more dirty than normal, and should have no effect on hygiene with regular cleansing. Gently wash braids with a moisturizing shampoo, then pat dry. Make sure to rinse the base of the cornrow so that it doesn’t collect excess shampoo, then use a spray-on braid moisturizer to finish. Air-drying the cornrows is actually good for the hair, since blow-drying can cause extra frizz and damage.

Cornrows and Baldness
Remember that super-tight cornrows pull hair and cause breakage. Repeat the process enough, and the follicle gives up the ghost and refuses to grow more hair. At that point, you’d have to use hair growth products to rejuvenate hair production. The ease of cornrows make them a tempting repeat hairstyle, but your hair needs a break from the constant stress and restriction. Keep away the baldies by leaving a few months between braiding sessions. Your hairline will thank you for it.

Other Damage
Just like relaxing or weaving, cornrows can cause trouble if you’re not careful. If the braids aren’t moisturized on a regular basis, or stay in for too long, you’re asking for trouble. The hair will mat together and tangle, making removal a nasty process resulting in increased hair loss. If cornrows are simply too much to resist, stick with a skilled stylist, and don’t get lazy about caring for those pretty tresses!