Micro braids hairstyles – as the name implies, micro braids are very small, thin and delicate braids that are gently yet tightly woven into hair. Micro braids hairstyles are very popular these days, especially in the African-American community, and they involve hundreds of small single braids that can last for months, with a good hair care routine. Nowadays, both men and women are fond of the micro braids hairstyles, and although the creation process can take several hours (sometimes, it can take as much as half a day), the final result is certainly worth all the time and effort.

Prior to creating the micro braids style, the hair is strongly conditioned in order to minimize the damage – this is precisely why those with very thin hair are advised not to opt for micro braids hairstyles. If your hair thickness and density is not suitable for creating the micro braids, then your hairstylist may add synthetic pieces to help you achieve the desired picture, based on the micro braid pictures that you bring at the hair salon.

RELATED: Invisible Braids Hairstyles – How To Do IB, Hair to Use, Pictures

Micro Braid Hair – Types to Use

To make sure your micro braids hairstyles come out fabulous and turn heads, we recommend you use 6 packs or bundles of synthetic braiding hair. You can use real human hair if you so desire. However, you will accouter issues with the human hair and your natural hair tangling when you start having new hair growth. With synthetic hair, you will will not have any of those issues and it’s a lot easier to styles, maintain and take our when you’re ready.

How Long Should I Keep Micro Braids In?

Do not keep micro braids in your hair for longer than 90 days. That’s 3 months. Keeping micro braids hairstyles on your head longer than that will cause damages to your natural hair and will be difficult to take out without ripping your natural hair.

How to do Micro Braids – How Much Hair Needed?

How to do micro braids hairstyles and how much you will need? To this popular African hair braiding style you will need the following:

• (6) packs or bundles of synthetic braiding hair
• (1) a comb
• (1) a hair cutting scissors
• (2) a few hair ties bands
• (1) Hair Water Spray Bottle
• a few bobby pins

Micro Braids Step-by-Step Instructions:

Micro Braids Video Instructions:

PART 1:

PART 2:

PART 3:

PART 4:

PART 5:

PART 6:

PART 7:

PART 8:

Videos Credit: Breanna Rutter

How To Style Micro Braids

One of the main benefits of the micro braids is that they can be styled in tens of different ways, as you can see from micro braid pictures below. You can let them loose, you can try a half-up style that is very en-vogue in 2014, you can pull them into a bun or a ponytail, and such. Some people even prefer to use their micro braids for creating thicker French braids, although this style is more appropriate for special occasions, as some may see it as too sophisticated to be a casual look.

On the other hand, there are numerous micro braid pictures on the Internet that teach you how to style and accessorize your hair in many different ways. For instance, you can add colored beads or colored synthetic hair strains for a more cheerful and vibrant look. Jewels can be added as well, but once again, this would be more suitable for weddings and other special events.

3 Quick Micro Braid Styles Video

Video Credit: Jasmine Guitroz

More Micro Braids Hairstyles – How-to Video

Video Credit: Tanisha Jones

7 Simple Micro Braids Hairstyles

Video Credit: Jazzy Rachel

How To Style Micro Braids When You Have Fine Or Damaged Hair?

Depending on the quality of the hair, the micro braids can also be curled with either a curling iron or with coated electric hot rollers, for extra volume and texture. However, if you have fine or damaged hair, it is extremely important to carefully condition the hair and to apply a hot oil treatment beforehand. This will serve as an in-depth nourishing and moisturizing treatment, and it is important to make sure that the scalp is properly hydrated as well, give the fact that your scalp will be partially exposed when you wear micro braids.

The bottom line is that only a skilled and trained hairstylist can help you get beautifully woven micro braids while still protecting your hair and maintaining its quality intact. Also, the quality of the braiding job will determine how long the braids will hold. Your hairstylist will also give you useful tips and hints on how to style micro braids and how to choose the best micro braids hairstyles depending on your anatomy and your style, overall.

Pictures of Micro Braids Hairstyles

Interested in learning more about Micro Braids hairstyles and other braiding styles and how to maintain them? Follow us on: Instagram + Facebook + Twitter + Pinterest + Google+