#braiding tips

It's always a challenge to do patternwork in the thong that matches the patternwork in the handle because the number of strands is different; in this case I just did some birdseye in the thong, since it pretty much goes with everything!

Hi, my name is KB and I am finally down with the #BRAIDGANG! I knew I was a baddie with my short haircut but with these braids - new number, who dis?

Okay, I got braids because I was sick of doing my hair during this Covid-19 situation. I was washing my hair every other day and nothing was lasting so I gave up. Giving up helped me tap into my baddie status. I love these braids. Before recently, I got my braids done the end of May and they successfully lasted until the 2nd week of July. That was a total of 8 weeks. Yes they were grown out but with some gel for my baby hairs - I was able to conquer this! I am putting you on to game girls!

Here are 4 ways to preserving your braids

SATIN PILLOWCASE / SATIN SCARF

Every women, every Black Women should have a satin pillowcase or scarf. This is essential and I do not leave my house without this. This is also a “ho-bag” essential. Not only does satin protect your hair from fizzing but it keeps your hair shiny, protects your lashes and brows and also great for your skin.

If you do not have one - get one now.

FOAMING MOOSE

The key to success is styling moose. If we don’t teach you anything let us teach you that foaming moose is an essential key to making sure that your hair is always laid. The short hair girls know when you need that perm but do not have have perm money some foaming moose will do it. Whenever I have plans for the next day, I make sure I spray some foaming moose on my hair in the direction of the hairstyle that I am going to do. Once I massage it all in, I put my scarf on tight. The next day your hair will look brand new!

HAIR OIL - COCONUT, TEA TREE, GRAPE SEED OIL ETC.

Making sure your real hair and braids are moisturized is essential. Just like no one wants a dry wash and set - no one wants a dry set of braids. Every night I make sure to not grease my scalp but also grease my braids. When I was a kid I hated getting my hair greased but now I can make this a date if any man is interested. Natural oils are best when doing this but whatever oil agrees with your hair is beneficial. Make it shine!

CO-WASH

Wash, condition and moisturize my hair prior to braiding. So my hair is healthy underneath and there’s no dirt build up.

Have my personal salon kit – combs, shea butter, scissors, clips. This helps to prevent transfer of dandruff and more hygienic

Soak the extensions in diluted Apple cider Vinegar. This prevents the extension from irritating my skin ( neck, back) , this is a good tip for those with sensitive skin.

Ensure to tell your hair stylist not to over pick and pull on your hair especially along your hairline.

Stick to Center parting braids . This helps to protect your edges. Minimise adding products like oils, conditioner to your hair while on braids, once a week preferably. Dirt can easily build up Always wear a silk or satin bonnet while sleeping . It protects your hair and makes the braids last longer.

Use soft bristle brush to style ‘baby hairs’

Apply oil sheen spray. To add shine to your braids

Ensure to wash and condition braids if you want wearing them for a long period of time.

These tips can be used by anyone with natural, relaxed or tex-laxed hair in achieving a healthy hair journey.

My Top Tips For Braiding

Today I was scrolling through Pinterest (obviously) and saw a tutorial on twisting your hair into a fancy looking half up do and thought to myself  “my hair would never stay if I did that.” And for some reason that made me think that I should do a post about my top tips for braiding because I’m sure that girl had some tips that made her hair stay in the cute twists on the back of her head.

Dry…

Glam Twirl Invites You to Jazz it Up!

Any parent with a daughter in sports knows how hard it can be to keep her hair out of her face, while still making sure she looks cute for the big game. Glam Twirl, your 2-in-1 hair styling tool can help you jazz up the boring ponytail or braid! Twirl or wrap a few sections of hair, and then add it to a simple braid, keeping her hair completely confined, but still looking fabulous!

For a video…