How Long Does It Take to Do Micro Braids? What to Expect at the Salon

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: September 18, 2022 References

Do you want a cute, easy hair style? Of course you do! Micro braids may make all your hair dreams come true. Not only are they stylish, micro braids also last a long time and are easy to style into other popular ‘dos, like buns and ponytails. Just in case you’re still on the fence, we’ve answered all your micro braid questions.

Question 1 of 9:

How long does it take to do small braids?

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Expect to spend around 3 to 12 hours getting your braids done. Micro braiding takes a long time because each braid is so small. Ultimately, how long it takes depends on the length and thickness of your hair and the length of your extensions, if you’re using any. Plan ahead so you have something to occupy your time. Chat with the stylist, watch your favorite show on your phone, or read a book.^{[1]
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- It’s common for multiple stylists to work together to finish micro braids, so you may need to tip extra.
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It may take more than 1 day to finish your braids. Some salons schedule braiding appointments over 2 to 3 days. This way, you don’t have to sit in the salon chair for an entire day, and your stylist can take breaks or see other clients. Talk to your stylist ahead of time to find out how many appointments you’ll need.^{[2]
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- You’re more likely to need multiple appointments if your hair is very thick or you want long braids.

Question 2 of 9:

Are micro braids bad for your hair?

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They're not bad for your hair if you take care of them. Micro braids are a protective hairstyle, so they can be a great way to keep your hair healthy as it grows. Be gentle when handling your braids, and apply leave-in products and oils to keep your hair moisturized. At night, wear a silk or satin scarf to protect your braids from tugging and friction.^{[3]
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- If it’s your first time getting micro braids, ask your stylist for tips and tricks to keep your hair healthy.
- Micro braids are typically a low-effort hairstyle, so don’t stress too much about hair care.
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They can be bad for your hair if they're too tight. Tight braids can cause a problem called “traction alopecia,” which means your hair could fall out. In some cases, traction alopecia can cause permanent baldness. Ask your stylist to loosen your braids a bit to prevent this problem.^{[4]
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- Don’t be afraid to go back to the salon if your braids are feeling too tight. Do what’s best to protect your hair.
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Keep the braids moisturized to protect your hair.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Healthy hair needs hydration, so add conditioners and hair oils to your beauty routine. When you shampoo your scalp, always use a conditioner afterward to add moisture. Additionally, spray a leave-in conditioner on your braids and apply oil to keep your hair lubricated.^{[6]
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- Use a light oil like olive oil to moisturize your braids. Steer clear of shea butter, as it’s too thick for micro braids.^{[7]
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Question 3 of 9:

How do you do micro braids at home?

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Divide and clip your hair into 4 even sections. Start by dividing your hair down the middle to create 2 big sections. Then, part each of the sections from your temples to the back of your head. Clip up the top 2 sections and 1 of the bottom sections.^{[8]
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- This will make it easier to create small, even braids.
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Take a tiny section of hair and braid it. Separate the strands into 3 even pieces. Then, cross the right piece over the center piece. Next, cross the left piece over the center piece. Repeat this process until you reach the end of your hair. Tie the end of the braid with a slipknot or apply braid sealer to secure it.^{[9]
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- If you’re using extensions, add a small piece of the extensions to each section as you braid your hair. When you section off a new piece of hair to braid, mix a piece of the extensions with your natural hair when you start the braid. This will secure the extensions to your hair.^{[10]
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- Don’t braid your hair so tightly that your scalp hurts. If your braids are uncomfortable, they may be damaging your hair.^{[11]
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Continue braiding section by section until all of your hair is braided. Finish the first section of hair before you let down another section. Go slowly so your braids look neat and even.^{[12]
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- If you’re in a hurry, you might only braid your hair part way down, leaving your ends loose. This can look super cute, especially if you used extensions. You might even curl the ends of your extensions!

Question 4 of 9:

How long do you keep microbraids in?

Keep your braids for up to 3 months, but most experts recommend 2. Your micro braids will last for several months if you don’t wash them too often.^{[13]
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Research source} However, leaving your braids in for too long can damage your hair. Schedule an appointment to get your braids removed at around the 2-month mark.^{[14]
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- Your braids could start to unravel early if you play with your hair a lot or wash your hair often. If this is the case, it’s best to remove the braids early to prevent breakage.
- Get your braids removed by a professional to minimize damage. While micro braids are protective, your hair will still be weak when you first take them out.^{[15]
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Question 5 of 9:

How long does it take to remove micro braids?

Expect your braid removal to take about as long as the installation. Taking out micro braids correctly is a time-consuming process. Talk to your stylist in advance to find out how long you’ll spend in the chair. Remember to bring something to the salon to entertain yourself if you don’t plan on chatting with your stylist the entire time.^{[16]
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- It may take longer to get your braids removed. Some stylists take as long as 12 to 24 hours.^{[17]
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Question 6 of 9:

How much hair do you need for micro braids?

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Micro braids work on any hair length, even very short hair. It doesn’t take much hair to do micro braids if you plan on using braiding hair to add length. Schedule a consultation with your stylist if you’re worried your hair is too short. They can help you choose the right style for your hair.^{[18]
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- In fact, you might use micro braids to grow out your hair. Since they’re a protective hairstyle, micro braids can help you transition to a natural hairstyle.
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You’ll need 4-5 packs of pre-stretched braiding hair for added length. Ask ahead of time if your salon sells hair, and pre-order it so it arrives before your appointment. Alternatively, purchase your braiding hair from a hair store or online.^{[19]
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- It’s a good idea to check with your stylist to make sure you order enough hair.
- If your hair comes with any instructions, bring them with you to the salon so your stylist can review them.
- If you have extra hair, your stylist will give it back to you.

Question 7 of 9:

How do you take care of micro braids?

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Shampoo your hair once a month. Washing your hair too often will damage your micro braids and make them fray faster. Keep track of when you wash your hair so you don't do it too often.^{[20]
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Research source} Be gentle when washing your hair so you don't accidentally damage your braids.^{[21]
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- Don't use heavy products like silicone, waxes, or shea butter on micro braids because they're too thick and will leave a build-up over time.
- If you have product build-up on your braids, you can use an apple cider vinegar rinse between washings.^{[22]
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Moisturize your hair using conditioners and oils. Use a conditioner every time you shampoo your hair. Additionally, apply a leave-in conditioner between washings to maintain hydration. As an alternative, apply a thin layer of oil on your braids to lubricate them.^{[23]
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- You can use a hair oil, but olive oil and aloe vera gel both work well.
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Sleep with your braids wrapped in a silk or satin scarf. Fold your silk or satin scarf to create a triangle, then place the folded edge at the nape of your neck.^{[24]
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Research source} Wrap the sides around to the front of your head and tie a knot. Then, bring the ends of the scarf back to the nape of your neck and knot it again. Tuck in the exposed tip of the scarf to finish the wrap.^{[25]
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- When you sleep, friction can damage your microbraids and may make them come out early.
- Don't sleep with wet braids, as it can cause them to smell. It could also damage your hair.

Question 8 of 9:

Do micro braids hurt?

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No, they shouldn’t hurt. Tell your stylist immediately if your braids start hurting, even if it’s after the process is complete. Follow their directions for caring for your braids. In some cases, you may need to go for a follow-up appointment to get your braids loosened.^{[26]
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- If your braids hurt, it means they’re too tight and could damage your hair or scalp. Fortunately, your stylist can make your braids more comfortable.
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They might hurt if you don't let your hair rest between installations. Take a styling break for at least a month before getting braids again. Over-styling your hair can cause damage, like traction alopecia. Go natural for at least a month to give your hair a chance to rest.^{[27]
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- If you miss having a style, play around with hair accessories, wraps, and wigs to show off your personality.

Question 9 of 9:

How much do microbraids cost?

Expect to pay between $150 to $450 at the salon, plus the cost of extensions. Because it takes so long to do them, micro braids are fairly costly. The price can vary depending on the length of your hair, how many stylists are working on you, and how long your appointment takes. Talk to your stylist to get an estimate before you book your appointment.^{[28]
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- Some salons sell braiding hair and can add that into your final price.

Expert Q&A

Question

What type of braids is good for natural short hair?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

For short natural hair, the type of braids is called "chou" meaning cauliflower. It s not one of the popular styles yet but it's great at grabbing short hair from the base and puffing the remaining as cauliflower structure. Life imitates art. It's half protective style as the roots of your hair only are protected from tangling and the top is free. It must be conditioned periodically.