Products for Hold

Hi Ladies, recently my braid outs have not been lasting as long as they used to, I can generally save it by re-braiding just the front every 2-3 days. But I want it to last as long as it used to . I've been using Motions light styling foam for about the last 5-6 months of my journey, but coming up on the 9th month it's not working as well anymore. Anyway, I tried some ecostyler yesterday on just the front section and it came out really good. But when I think of gel on my hair from root to tip, I think breakage, especially on fragile transitioning hair.

So in your opinion(s) is it okay to use gel for my braid outs? Do any of you ladies use gel to hold a braid out or twist out with/without consequences?

Alcohol free gel is fine my opinion. I use Eco styler for my braid outs, your don't need a whole lot. I put a moisturizer and an oil on before the gel. I also wash my hair out every other day, or every day. Eco styler comes off very nice with just water, but I condition too after. Some ladies have noticed dryness after a year of using Fantasia IC everyday. If used sparingly any alcohol free gel should be fine.

Rebraiding hair at night can just take a few minutes, just take a clump of hair, wet/moisturize it (don't make it soaking wet) so it can set over night, and put on a silk cap. This can save you from using gel every single day. I'm not a big fan of letting things like gel stay on my head for more than 2 days.

Thanks for your input... It looks like you just did your BC 3 days ago? Congrats!!! Your hair looks really good

But anyway I do use the methods you mentioned for re-braiding at night, but I'm thinking that seems to defeat the purpose of low manipulation, also it takes me much more than a few minutes to re-braid my SUPER THICK and tightly coiled hair. I guess its partly my own laziness but I just want to throw on a satin cap and go to bed, like I used to....

Thanks for the compliment. And you're welcome, I tried to help.

Have you tried just 2 large braids or twists? if your hair can fit. I know what you mean about being lazy though, sometimes the night can get away from you and then you're too tired. I haven't tried pinning my hair up at night (and I think it's too short) but that may work??

Maybe some other ladies can come through with more thoughts.