They are an extremely low manipulation style
So as I’ve probably mentioned once (or maybe two or three) times , mini braids are an excellent low manipulation hairstyle. Mini braids are a very get up and go hairstyle.
Just wake up, fluff, maybe add a hair accessory and keep it moving. And as many of us know, this comes in handy during busy mornings or days that you just want to chill in the house and not have to work up early to remove braids or bantu knots for an out style.
Cons
It can take forever to install them
So one of the biggest cons when it comes to mini braids is that they can take forever to put in. Personally for me because I do them so often, they take me no more than 5 hours to install. But this can highly vary on your hair density, heir length, and how small you make your braids.
I have heard the time that it takes to install these babies range from 3 hours to 12 hours (Jeesh!). With this said, if you are not a patient person or do not like to spend no more than 2 hours doing your hair then mini braids may not be the hairstyle for you.
Can take forever to remove them
So if you have experienced the joys of putting in mini braids then you must have had a bounty full of joy when taking them out. NOT! I will be the first to say that mini braids are an absolute pain to take out. AN. ABSOLUTE. PAIN.
While I do love them, you will definitely need a movie and some snacks. I’ve heard many women say that taking them out can take just as long as putting them in, sometimes even longer.
This is no lie but I do have to say that the benefits that you can get from rocking mini braids can out weigh the taking down process.
There is no volume to be found
Last but not least, if you like rocking big hair mini braids may not be the style for you. Unlike styles such as mini twists, there is no volume.. at all, unless you happen to be blessed with super dense hair.
This is due to the minimal shrinkage that mini braids have. Basically the less shrinkage a style has, the more volume your hair loses. UNLESS you are rocking a nice blow out, then things are entirely different!
Would you ever try mini braids?
Latoya Aaliyah Small says
Never again! Did twice took 4 days at the time I had like 12 inches of hair super thick. The takedown was even worse took almost a week! Only pros was they last long time because I wore them 2 months and they last through washes…I washed normally once a week no issues and my hair grew fast in these but now with 16 inches of hair Lord no! Lol
Letitia Skelton says
I’ve worn zillions on/off for years. Never lost any hair. I remove my own braids moisturizer and condition my scalp regularly. I only use 100% quality human hair.
Sandra Morris says
I don’t like it this small
Lillianna Saraceno says
Pros and cons? You mean the fact it takes hours to put in or take out isnt enough to know?
Renèe Izzard says
These can be the beginning of braidlocs
Jesse Rebekah Robinson John says
Yes so true. I’m interested in doing that ?.
Christine says
Wearing MBs right now in 2019 for length retention and learning from the pros like Naturally Marked who has managed to grow tailbone length using MBs in 3 yes! She gives fantastic advise on removing without breakage, hair maintenance l moisturising, DCung, DIY products and some; I absolutely love them. I can’t understand why people complain about how long it takes to take them out but yet they will wear the hell out if weaves, box braids etc and still have to sit down for hours to remove then? It’s a small price to pay for length retention if you can get weeks and months if not having to do your hair and it doesn’t turn out right, or over manipulation. At the same time, do what works for you and what makes you happy. I just feel they get a bad rap sometimes. I’ve noticed a few more natural hair MBers with tail and thigh bone length that I’m in awe! Tailbone length here I come!
Kimberly Williams says
I’m currently in mini braids and love them heck I’m planning on taking them down and redoing my whole head over again. It’s all about having the patience to put them in and take them out.
Kimberly Williams says
I’m currently in mini braids and love them heck I’m planning on taking them down and redoing my whole head over again. It’s all about having the patience to put them in and take them out.
Feefee says
Nothing wrong with mini braids. My first time wearing them for two months and love it. The take down is very easy. After wearing them and washing once or twice. The braids loosen and gain volume over time. I could go for another month. I’m not sure yet tho. Learn to take them down properly by watching you tube videos