I recently read a story of a woman name Veronica Carter. Ms. Carter went to get her hair braider, and it kind of put her in the hospital. Here is the Complete Story.

Well, according to the story, she got MRSA. Which is according to google health is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial infection that is highly resistant to some antibiotics.

The causes are according to Google Health >>

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. S. aureus is a common type of bacteria that normally live on the skin and sometimes in the nasal passages of healthy people. MRSA refers to S. aureus strains that do not respond to some of the antibiotics used to treat staph infections.

The bacteria can cause infection when they enter the body through a cut, sore, catheter, or breathing tube. The infection can be minor and local (for example, a pimple), or more serious (involving the heart, lung, blood, or bone).

Serious staph infections are more common in people with weak immune systems. This includes patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities and those receiving kidney dialysis.

MRSA infections are grouped into two types:

• Healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) infections occur in people who are or have recently been in a hospital or other health-care facility. Those who have been hospitalized or had surgery within the past year are at increased risk. MRSA bacteria are responsible for a large percentage of hospital-acquired staph infections.
• Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections occur in otherwise healthy people who have not recently been in the hospital. The infections have occurred among athletes who share equipment or personal items (such as towels or razors) and children in daycare facilities. Members of the military and those who get tattoos are also at risk. The number of CA-MRSA cases is increasing. (Sited from Google Health)

So, my point is, how is this women blaming on hair braiding when she has personal healthcare issues?

I feel sorry for the salon. I mean, she must have gotten her hair braided numerous times. You can see that by looking at her edges. Why blame the hair braiders?

In Illinois, Gov.Quinn signed a bill stating that professional hair braiders may obtain their license through 300 hours of training. Full Story here

By Ronnie Williams

Pomade/Gels may be used for a better hold.

Here are the most commonly used forms:

Box-Braids: Using your fingertips you will create a free-falling braid. Section the hair into 3 parts. Label these parts left, middle and right. Hold the left portion between your pinky and ring fingers. The middle section should be held between your left index and thumb while the right section is between the index and thumb fingers of your right hand. Use your middle fingers to control the flow of the braid. To execute the braid, place the middle section over the left and the new middle
section over the right section. Repeat this process until the braid is complete.
Pull the hair gently and apply due tension to create a neat braid.

Corn-Rows: Using your fingers, from the tips to the knuckles, you will create a braid along the scalp. Part hair into the direction you want the braid to follow.
Start at the tip of the braid and section the hair once again into 3 parts (left, middle and right). Hold the left section between your middle and ring fingers of your left hand. The middle section should be held between your left index and thumb fingers. The right section should be held between your right index and thumb. To start, place the middle section over the left section, and then the new middle section over the right, gripping hair from under as
You braid downward and repeat. Be sure to apply tension as you go down for a secure braid. At the end of your braid, commence box-braiding and seal.

Fish-Bones: Grab 2 handfuls of hair, or part hair into halves. As you grip the 2 sections (left and right), pull hair from the outside of the left section and apply it to the right section. Pull hair from the outside of the right section and apply it to the left section. You should see the hair forming ‘X” formations. Pull tightly and do
NOT let go of the sections. When pulling hair, hold the sections tightly in between fingertips. After joining new hair, pull tightly and continue.
A rat-tail comb can be used for assistance. Repeat this process to the end of the braid. This same method applies for free-falling fish-bone braids and fish-bones along the scalp.

Inward/French Braiding: To begin this braid, section the hair into 3 sections (left, middle and right). Like the corn-row, this braid will run along the scalp.
The left section should be held between your left middle and thumb fingers. The middle section should be held between your left index and thumb. The right section should be held between your right thumb and index fingers. Place the right section over the middle and then the left section over the new middle section.
Remember to grab hair from under your fingers as you braid downward.
Apply tension and repeat this process all the way to the end of the braid.

**Decorate your braids with anything from glass beads to cowry shells**

By Ronnie Williams

Micro-braids are miniature (think the thickness of a spaghetti noodle) box-braids done with human or synthetic hair. Depending on the look desired, this hair can range from bone-straight to a wavy or curly pattern. Another form of micro-braids is Tree Braids. Tree Braids however incorporate more of the client’s natural hair, and the percentage of actual braiding is less, leaving more of the braiding hair exposed. In micro-braids, the braid percentage can vary greatly, depending on the look desired.

One of the major concerns with micro-braids is the depletion of hair around the edge-line of the scalp after time. The reason for this is simply; hair holds weight. Oft times, the hair around the edges is neglected and/or not kept properly lubricated, making it dry and susceptible to breakage. The weight of the braid then begins to pull downwards, and over time this leads to breakage. If the hair is continuously pulled back tightly away from the edges or over-manipulated in styling while in micro-braids, gradually the hair will begin to succumb to the tension and break off.

When speaking of prevention, it is very important to keep the scalp, particularly the edges, well lubricated and free from undue tension and friction during active hours as well as sleep. Olive oil, aloe-Vera gel, and liquid vitamin E work well alone, in combinations with each other, and as based in products. If hair tends to itch often, witch hazel can be applied with a Q-tip or mixed in with an oil based product. Excessive or tight pulling in any direction should be done very sparsely while wearing micro braids. Another option with braiding could be small cornrows in the front of the head instead of box-braids to relieve some tension. Care should still be exercised, no matter the style.

Take care of your hair; it will in turn take care of you.