So I took my sew-in down after 28 days, this is the amount of growth I received:
July 8th 2011: Before Sew-In
August 8 2011: After Sew-In
The Experience:
This was one of the most high-maintenance PSes I've ever done probably. It took so much effort to moisturize the braids beneath the weave and wash it and blow dry it and blahblahblah. It also isnt the smartest PS for the summer time, but I already knew that which is why i opted for a very short weave. I used to C&G method to moisturize my braids beneath the weave-a combination of Infusium 23 and African Pride Braid Spray in a spray bottle added generously to each cornrow. I washed my braid once a week with diluted shampoo ( switched between Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo and Suave Coconut Shampoo). I Also conditioned my braids whenever I felt necessary.
The Take Down
I'm not sure how much growth I received in inches, but from what i can tell from the pictures it's much more than i usually get! I'm am going to continue using the C&G method to moisturize while in my braids, but I am going to add more into the mixture next time by including Sulfur and Hot Six Oil. I received about 4x more shedding than I have ever received with any other protective style. The amount of hair left on the floor after i detangled made my room look like the equivalent of a barber shop. I took the hair out on the 5th, overnight dced my braids w/Suave Coconut, then detangled in the morning. After detangling i twisted my hair into sections and washed using Tresemme Naturals Moisture Rich shampoo. I wash at least two times, trying tot focus on my scalp which had a lot of buildup. After the shampoo my hair felt pretty stripped. I was gonna DC with Silicon Mix but didn't have time so instead I just took down each twist then individually moisturized and sealed with HE LTR Leave in and Hot Six Oil Then let it airdry. The results were super soft hair for pretty much the whole day
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I may revisit weaves in the winter, but not anytime soon...waaay too much maintenace than I had patience for. Hopefully I can pick up more tips and advice on how to make the experience much easier. I also got a lot less build up form the sew-in than I usually do from my Box Braids and Braids w/extensions.
Not sure what PS to do next. Will update so...until then