Two years ago, I saw this photo of a lady with her hair braided over to one side. I thought this was so cute. I decided to book an appointment with a natural hair salon here in Chicago and let them finesse this style on my long, thick locks. I remembered being offered tea and being seated at the shampoo bowl. Right before washing my hair the stylist asked what style I wanted. I then showed her a picture of the style, with natural hair braided over to one side. The stylist then responded that she couldn't do that style, and the person that could do this style didn't have an opening for 3 days. I was so disappointed. I had explained this style over the phone. I didn't realize that at a natural salon, there were stylists that didn't know how to braid. I still wonder if she didn't want to fool with doing so many braids on my hair in the early evening? I still feell like I should have asked what time she got off work to test this theory. Hump! If it wasn't off to the side on my own head, I could have braided it myself but was looking forward to being treated to a scalp massage on that day.
Lesson: When I want any braided style, it's best to go to a braid shop! They're the experts with braiding and they do it efficiently and quickly. I called the braid shop that I frequently visit, and she said that she could get me in later that evening. I went home, washed and conditioned my hair, moisturized it, put it in 4 large twists, sat under the hooded dryer and allowed it to dry. When my hair was completely dry I detangled my hair again with a large tooth comb, and then headed to the braid shop. Naturals know that you need to detangle well before heading to a braid shop, because they pull through your hair quickly, and detangling makes it less painful. Traditional braid shops are excellent braiders, however the client has to wash, condition, and moisturize prior to visiting most braid shops. Those extra steps are worth it, because knowing that the stylist can braid well gives me peace of mind.
When I showed the African braider my style, she braided my natural hair to the side, while leaving the ends of my hair loose. When the braider finished my hair, I headed home, wet it under the sink, and added a little more moisture and gel to enhance my curls. This was such an easy style to maintain. This is my second best braid style on my natural hair. I gave the natural hair salon another try last year and I had a stylist that was able to do the style that I showed her, which was twists instead of braids. Some times things work out better the 2nd time around. Either way, when I want my hair braided I go to an experienced braider, which for me means the braid shop!
Where do you go to get your hair braided? Have you tried any of the latest styles with the hair braided over to one side, like the lemonade braids? Do tell.
Check out some of my previous posts on braids and protective styles:
Ghana Braids My Go To Summer Style
Side Swept Bun With Braids
Beads, Cornrows, And Uniform Colors
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