I was asked this question on the hair forum I belong to (shout out to LHCF). Here’s what I said in a response to a question on whether parting matters when it comes to matting.

Parting doesn’t necessarily matter. I like to use a grid parting method because I’m less likely to have stray hairs that miss being braided or random strands criss-crossing my head and feeding into other braids. The parting shouldn’t matter when considering how long it takes for braids to get fuzzy. If you choose to use organic parting (not square and done with your fingers) make sure there is no hair left behind without a braid. The braids should also be roughly the same diameter.


Look for additional articles on how to part hair for braids. I do not brush or comb my hair unless I plan to straighten it. I’ve flat ironed (therefore brushed or combed) twice between November 2011 and now (June 2012). The only tool I use to do my hair is the end of a rat tail comb or a mechanical pencil (with no lead in it). I’ll do a tutorial on exactly how I do my parting and get it so straight.