It always bothered me that braiders (or maybe just the ones in Philly) don't really get licensed to braid. They MIGHT have a cosmetology license but they don't get taught how to do micros, Senegalese twists, etc at school. That's something they learn on their own. That's why I haven't had braids in years, despite the fact that I LOVE the look and low maintenance. But it's not worth losing your edges. I've NEVER seen anyone with fresh braids (except maybe cornrows) that weren't too tight.
As to her not realizing the braider nicked her scalp…simply scratching your scalp can create an abrasion deep enough for bacteria to get into. the cut in the picture may be the result of the infection, not how it started out.
My heart goes out to this lady. Yes, I agree with everyone above. We have to be mindful and careful with our bodies/hair etc. I was actually thinking of learning to do my own braids myself. Because many of the African salons do tend to pull it tight, and those little tiny bumps are no joke. If you see any type of bumps, that is definitely TOO tight. I am just speechless looking at the picture….:(
I am a physician assistant (PA) in a emergency department and I have had to lance and drain two abscesses from a young lady's scalp who had recently put in microbraids. While MRSA infections are no joke, often times little bumps pop up, get larger, and more painful before people realize what is going on. They often think that it is "just a pimple" and will pick at it, which makes the situation worse. If caught early, a course of antibiotics may eliminate the abscess. But often, draining these abscesses and then treatment with antibiotics is the most beneficial. Braiding too tightly even "clean" circumstances is unhealthy and can still lead to infection, as we all have bacteria all over our bodies.
Salutations,
My heart really goes out to Mrs. Carter. I wasn't completely convinced about the damage braids can do to your hair and scalp until my hair broke off. Sometimes it's true that you never truly think it can happen to you until it does. In the past I had the little bumps, but I didn't realize how damaging braids could be if you don't know what you are doing. Personally, I have decided to stop braiding my hair when I run out of extension hair, but I had to learn the hard way that micros weren't always best for my hair and how to make sure I have the correct ratio of human hair to extension. Learning how to take care of my own hair in order to have healthy hair is at the top of my list, and the relaxer conditioner cocktails to the braiders pulling your hair out at the root encourages me to be a self-sufficient diva naturalista. Live, Love, Peace. ~ Sweetsop
I feel so bad for this woman. I read this article and feel the salon is unprofessional for saying that the customer should have come to them about this sooner. Instead of handling the problem at hand, even if they feel she is at fault customer service and the reputation of the Salon is important. Especially if they want continued business. This problem wasn't diagnosed until she went to the Doctor weeks later therefore, why would she go to the Salon sooner if she didn't realize there was a severe problem with her hair. Thank goodness I know trained professionals and I do my own hair for the most part.
I recently had my hair braided and it was tight along the hair line. I did speak up but when I finally took the braids out I lost so much hair that I refuse to briad again. Really sad story.
This same thing happened to a young lady at my church but she is now in rehabilitation therapy because she has to learn how to walk again. I don't know if sanitation was another factor with the braids but after her trip to the braid shop she went to the hospital and has been there for a little over a month.
Thats why I whenever I get my hair braided I communicate with the braider. I let them know when they are too tight, and if they need to stop and start all over again. That is a shame that this woman has to go through this now.
the adage of beauty is pain never applies to my hair. This is crazy. I can't say i place more blame on the braider than Veronica Carter. Tight braids would have never stayed in my head that long and I would most definitely know if someone braiding my hair accidently nic'd my scalp.
It always bothered me that braiders (or maybe just the ones in Philly) don't really get licensed to braid. They MIGHT have a cosmetology license but they don't get taught how to do micros, Senegalese twists, etc at school. That's something they learn on their own. That's why I haven't had braids in years, despite the fact that I LOVE the look and low maintenance. But it's not worth losing your edges. I've NEVER seen anyone with fresh braids (except maybe cornrows) that weren't too tight.
As to her not realizing the braider nicked her scalp…simply scratching your scalp can create an abrasion deep enough for bacteria to get into. the cut in the picture may be the result of the infection, not how it started out.
My heart goes out to this lady. Yes, I agree with everyone above. We have to be mindful and careful with our bodies/hair etc. I was actually thinking of learning to do my own braids myself. Because many of the African salons do tend to pull it tight, and those little tiny bumps are no joke. If you see any type of bumps, that is definitely TOO tight. I am just speechless looking at the picture….:(
My goodness!! I'm so happy I learned how to braid my hair…. That's so scary!
I am a physician assistant (PA) in a emergency department and I have had to lance and drain two abscesses from a young lady's scalp who had recently put in microbraids. While MRSA infections are no joke, often times little bumps pop up, get larger, and more painful before people realize what is going on. They often think that it is "just a pimple" and will pick at it, which makes the situation worse. If caught early, a course of antibiotics may eliminate the abscess. But often, draining these abscesses and then treatment with antibiotics is the most beneficial. Braiding too tightly even "clean" circumstances is unhealthy and can still lead to infection, as we all have bacteria all over our bodies.
Salutations,
My heart really goes out to Mrs. Carter. I wasn't completely convinced about the damage braids can do to your hair and scalp until my hair broke off. Sometimes it's true that you never truly think it can happen to you until it does. In the past I had the little bumps, but I didn't realize how damaging braids could be if you don't know what you are doing. Personally, I have decided to stop braiding my hair when I run out of extension hair, but I had to learn the hard way that micros weren't always best for my hair and how to make sure I have the correct ratio of human hair to extension. Learning how to take care of my own hair in order to have healthy hair is at the top of my list, and the relaxer conditioner cocktails to the braiders pulling your hair out at the root encourages me to be a self-sufficient diva naturalista. Live, Love, Peace. ~ Sweetsop
I feel so bad for this woman. I read this article and feel the salon is unprofessional for saying that the customer should have come to them about this sooner. Instead of handling the problem at hand, even if they feel she is at fault customer service and the reputation of the Salon is important. Especially if they want continued business. This problem wasn't diagnosed until she went to the Doctor weeks later therefore, why would she go to the Salon sooner if she didn't realize there was a severe problem with her hair. Thank goodness I know trained professionals and I do my own hair for the most part.
This is awful! It makes me wonder why she didn't say something about the tightness of the braids though.
I recently had my hair braided and it was tight along the hair line. I did speak up but when I finally took the braids out I lost so much hair that I refuse to briad again. Really sad story.
Dace
This same thing happened to a young lady at my church but she is now in rehabilitation therapy because she has to learn how to walk again. I don't know if sanitation was another factor with the braids but after her trip to the braid shop she went to the hospital and has been there for a little over a month.
I am over here cringing at the pictures and the thought of how tight her braids were.
This makes me cringe! So sad…
What i want to know is ,why hasnt she take the rest of the braids out . There might be more damage.
Bless Her Heart!
Thats why I whenever I get my hair braided I communicate with the braider. I let them know when they are too tight, and if they need to stop and start all over again. That is a shame that this woman has to go through this now.
This was horrible
Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
the adage of beauty is pain never applies to my hair. This is crazy. I can't say i place more blame on the braider than Veronica Carter. Tight braids would have never stayed in my head that long and I would most definitely know if someone braiding my hair accidently nic'd my scalp.
So sad & horrible! We definitely have to be careful. Sheesh!
This is really sad, and she is very lucky. Please be careful. MRSA is nothing to play with and can literally kill you overnight, once symptoms show.
Naturally Zee
Goodness gracious! Very sad but I have to admit…not surprising. We have to be so careful out there. ~KF519