Micro braids are tiny, thin braids that are usually created close to the scalp. They can be done in various lengths, from short to extremely long, and can be styled in different ways, such as wearing them straight down, in a ponytail, or even in an updo. The intricacy of the braiding process is what makes them stand out but also contributes to the time required for their creation.
Factors Affecting the Time to Do Micro Braids
Hair Length
The length of the hair being braided is a significant factor. If the client has short hair, say shoulder length or shorter, it may seem like it would take less time since there is less hair to work with. However, short hair can actually be more challenging in some ways when it comes to micro braids. The stylist has to be more precise with each braid as there is less room for error, and it can take time to ensure that the braids look even and neat. Generally, for short hair, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to complete a full head of micro braids.
On the other hand, if the client has long hair, like waist length or longer, the process will obviously take longer. There is simply more hair to divide into sections and braid. With long hair, it’s not uncommon for the micro braiding process to take 8 to 12 hours or even more, depending on the thickness of the hair as well. Thicker long hair will add more time to the process as it requires more effort to handle and braid evenly.
Hair Thickness
Thin hair can be a bit quicker to braid as the strands are easier to manage and separate. It may take around 5 to 7 hours for a full head of micro braids on thin hair that is of medium length (around mid-back length). However, if the hair is thick, it presents more of a challenge. Thick hair has more volume, and it takes longer to divide it into the small sections needed for micro braids. Each section needs to be braided carefully to ensure a consistent look. For thick hair, whether it’s short or long, it can add an extra 1 to 3 hours to the overall braiding time compared to thin hair of the same length.
Number of Braids
The number of micro braids the client desires also affects the time. Some clients may want a more sparse look with fewer braids, while others prefer a very full head of micro braids. If a client wants a relatively sparse look with, say, 50 to 70 micro braids, it will take less time compared to someone who wants a head full of 200 or more braids. For a moderate number of braids like 100 to 120, on average hair length and thickness (shoulder to mid-back length and medium thickness), it can take about 6 to 8 hours. But if the number of braids is significantly increased, it can add several more hours to the process. For example, for 200 or more braids on long hair, it could easily take 12 to 15 hours or even longer.
Stylist’s Experience and Skill Level
An experienced and highly skilled stylist will generally be able to complete micro braids faster than a novice. A professional who has been doing micro braids for years has developed techniques to work more efficiently. They know how to quickly and accurately divide the hair into sections, handle different hair types with ease, and braid at a steady pace. A novice stylist may take longer as they are still learning the nuances of the process. For example, an experienced stylist might be able to complete a full head of micro braids on medium length and thickness hair in 6 hours, while a less experienced stylist could take 8 to 10 hours for the same job.
Any Additional Styling or Customizations
If the client wants additional styling on top of the basic micro braids, such as adding beads, ribbons, or doing a specific pattern with the braids, it will add more time to the process. Adding beads to each braid, for example, requires stopping to attach the beads carefully, which can slow down the overall braiding speed. If the client requests a complex pattern like a zigzag or a crisscross pattern with the braids, the stylist will need to plan and execute the pattern carefully, which can add an extra 1 to 3 hours to the usual braiding time depending on the complexity of the pattern.
The Typical Process and Time Allocations
Preparation Stage
Before starting the actual braiding, there is a preparation stage. This includes washing and conditioning the hair to ensure it’s clean and manageable. This step usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. After washing, the hair needs to be dried thoroughly, which can take another 30 minutes to an hour if using a blow dryer. Then, the stylist will comb through the hair to remove any tangles and divide it into sections. This sectioning process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, again depending on the hair type. So, in total, the preparation stage can take between 1 hour and 3 hours.
The Braiding Process
Once the hair is prepared, the actual braiding begins. As mentioned earlier, the time for this process varies widely based on the factors we’ve discussed. But on average, for a medium-length and medium-thickness hair with a moderate number of braids (around 100 to 120), it can take about 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the stylist is constantly dividing the hair into smaller sections, braiding each section carefully, and ensuring that the braids are of even thickness and length. If there are any issues like a braid coming undone or looking uneven, the stylist will stop to fix it, which can also add some time to the process.
Finishing and Styling
After the braids are all completed, there is a finishing stage. This includes trimming any loose ends, making sure the braids look neat and presentable. This step usually takes about 15 minutes to 30 minutes. If there are any additional styling elements like adding beads or ribbons, as we’ve discussed, that will be done during this stage and can add more time as mentioned before. So, the finishing and styling stage can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what additional work is being done.
Tips to Minimize the Time Taken
Come Prepared
Clients can help minimize the time by coming to the appointment with clean, dry, and tangle-free hair. This way, the stylist can skip the washing and drying steps and move straight to sectioning and braiding, which can save up to 2 hours depending on the hair type.
Have a Clear Vision
Clients should have a clear idea of what they want in terms of the number of braids, any additional styling, etc. This helps the stylist plan ahead and work more efficiently. If the client keeps changing their mind during the process, it can cause delays and add extra time to the overall job.
Choose the Right Stylist
Opting for an experienced and skilled stylist can significantly reduce the time taken. As we’ve seen, an experienced stylist can work faster and more accurately, which means the braiding process will be completed in a more timely manner.
Conclusion
The time it takes to do micro braids can vary greatly from 4 to 15 hours or even more, depending on factors such as hair length, thickness, the number of braids, the stylist’s experience, and any additional styling requirements. It’s important to communicate these factors clearly to the client before starting the job so that they have a realistic expectation of how long the process will take. By understanding these aspects, both the stylist and the client can work together to ensure a smooth and satisfactory micro braiding experience.
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