1. Wash and blow-dry your hair thoroughly before you go for your braiding. Having braids may make keeping hair clean more difficult, so it is essential to ensure the scalp is clean before braiding.

2. It is sometimes common to experience a slight headache after getting your hair braided. This may mean your hair has been braided too tightly. If you find the headache unbearable and wish to minimize the discomfort, try a hot shower. The steam from the shower will ease your pain by loosening the braids.

3. Avoid attaching heavy braids to short hair, as the weight of the braids may cause them to become detached.

4. Wash your braids with a moisturizing shampoo once a week to keep them clean.

5. To maintain your natural hair and facilitate its growth, keep your hair well-conditioned through oiling.

6. If you wish to clean your scalp, but do not like to create lather, soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply it the scalp. This is an effective way to combat dirt and reduces the itching associated with braiding.

7. If you are bothered by sunburn, place a few drops of sunblock on your scalp to reduce scalp burn.

Long hair has a greater chance of breaking than short hair when woven into tiny separate braids. Therefore, short hair may be more suitable for micro braids.

Here are some tips on how to prepare your hair before getting micro braids:

- Get a hot oil treatment, which replenishes damaged and dry hair.

- Moisturize and deep-condition your hair.

- Trim your hair of any split ends.

Some important things to remember if consider micro braids:

- If you have brittle or weak hair, avoid micro-mini braids which can damage hair further.

- Consult a professional and seasoned braider to do your micro braids (someone with at least 10 years in the business).

- Get a style that your hair can support, which means avoid putting a lot of weight on your hair. Overburdening hair causes breakage.

- Braids should not be too tiny or too tightly woven.

- Do not leave braids in for more than two months. Doing so may lead to thinning or severe breakage.

- Do not use thick and heavy shampoos, conditioners and pomades, as they may leave residue in the braids and cause your scalp to turn flaky.

- Use a light oil to moisturize your scalp.

Post braiding hair care:

- Regular visits to a salon professional are necessary to maintain beautiful braids.

- Keep your scalp moisturized and conditioned. Protein treatments should follow a good conditioner that rebuilds hair follicle and restores elasticity.

- Drink plenty of water.

- Get an occasional scalp massage. You should oil your scalp and hair once a week. This will keep the scalp and hair moisturized. Heavy scalp conditioners can leave unsightly residue in the folds of the braids.

- Your diet should be healthy and rich in nutrients.

- Avoid excess stress and get plenty of rest.