Jasmine Brown'S Hair Transformation Journey | Skin Deep | Refinery29

Posted on 11 November, 2017
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By Anonymous

In this episode of Skin Deep, Jasmine Brown, YouTube creator and social media influencer brings us along around L.A. on her journey of getting box braids done for the very first time. Having grown up in a multi-cultural household, experiencing the art of this process is a transformative moment for Jasmine. Not only does this journey educate her about her heritage, but about herself as well. Press play to join Jasmine on her hair journey!

ABOUT SERIES

Skin Deep is a docu-style beauty series, where influencers immerse themselves in different cultural epicenters of Los Angeles in order to uncover beauty traditions from around the world. Beauty is deeply personal and, at times, passed on through generations and cultures.

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Refinery29 is a modern woman's destination for how to live a stylish, well-rounded life. http://refinery29.com/

Captions

I’M Jasmine Brown., I’m a YouTube creator and a social media influencer. I’m biracial., My dad is African-American.. My mom is Mexican. And both of them gave me this big head of curly hair, which is a huge part of my identity. Beyond style. Hair has a lot of history and cultural relevance, especially within the African-American community., So today, I’m going to travel around L.A., exploring my hair further to show that beauty is more than skin deep.. Before heading out, I thought it’d be a good idea to start at the very beginning., So I decided to give my mom a call. Growing up. She was always the one doing my hair., Hey, mom, Hey Jas Whatchya doing I just got up. How’s California, It’s good.. So what are you doing? I’M actually going around L.A. today. I’m getting my hair done. I’m, getting boxed braids.? Oh that’s cool Can’t, wait to see them. I’ll, send you pictures.! Do you remember when you used to braid my hair Like the halfway braids every week? That was really cool, at least to me that was., I always had you, do the little two ponytails flipped under and it looked like little dog ears. And I was always like “Ooh. Can I do the puppy ears today? ”? I remember those.. I think that’s how your hair got so long, because I used to always keep your hair in braids. Yeah.. My eyes were always — it’s, like I had a facelift when I was a kid., It used to hurt — you doing my hair, because I was so tender-headed., But the more you did it, the less it started. Hurting. I had Tylenol for you.. How did you learn how to do my hair since your hair is straight? When I had you, you actually had straight hair when you were first born. And then as the older you got, your hair got curlier and it got fuller because you’re biracial., I can’t, use the same products on my hair that I use on yours.. So half of my friends were mainly black, so I used to always work with their hair and stuff., So they used to always teach me about how they would grease their hair, their scalp and products they would use.. So I was experimenting until I actually came up with the right texture. What’d work, for you sometimes didn’t work for your brother, even though all of you guys are all mixed. Your hair, textures they’re, all different. Mine’s straight.. I hardly ever put anything in my hair other than shampoo and conditioner.. Imagine doing my hair now, because it’s even bigger. No. I don’t think I would mess with your hair now. It’s too much.. I learned because of you. That’s what moms are for. Like mom and daughter bonding time when you do my hair., Alright well I’m about to head out, so I will call you later and I’ll: send you pictures., Okay, I can’t wait to see them.. Alright, love you! I love you too., You take care. —Bye, Mama –Bye. The next stop of the day is Mahogany Hair Revolution, a natural hair-care salon and trichology clinic in the heart of L.A.. I met up with Dr. Kari Williams, the owner of Mahogany, to learn more about protective hairstyles and get my hair braided by a pro. —Hello —Hello Hi. How are you —Good.? How are you —Welcome to Mahogany. I’m Dr. Kari.? Thank you for having me.. You are so welcomed. I’m, very excited about giving you your first set of boxed braids. Can’t wait.. So do you have any questions about the style and how you would like them done? I’Ve seen the little triangle, parted ones, and I really really liked those.. I think those are cute.. You have so much beautiful hair. Thank you., So I’m very excited.. So what I’m going to do? First is I’m, going to create sections in your hair.. Have you gotten your hair braided before in any type of style, I’ve had french braids cornrows, all of that. I’ve never had boxed braids. Like individual boxed, braids Individuals, Nope. I’ve twisted all of my hair before.. This is truly a first for you. Uh huh.. First time.. I highly recommend protective styling and it’s easy for you to maintain your hair as well., So protective styles are great for giving your hair a break and preventing damage and breakage. Oftentimes women have concerns about length, retention and keeping hair healthy.. So when your hair is a protective style, you’re, truly protecting your hair from damage from the daily elements. Hair is just one less thing. You have to worry about. With protective styles, you can literally just get up and go.. So, first, what I’m doing is incorporating three strands of hair to create your three-strand braid. And I incorporate it invisibly so that I’m not wrapping the hair around your hair, which, typically, when you see some braids it has that knot. And I’ve gotten away from that particular Technique because it causes damage to the hair and the hairline, because it adds weight.. So this invisible technique that I utilize helps to keep your hair healthy so that, as your hair grows out, it’ll grow out. Naturally. You braid quick., You got them fast fingers.. This is how we’re going to get you done so quickly.. How long do they stay in? You can wear the braids eight to 10 weeks, but I typically recommend, if you’re gon na, go that long, that you get a touchup. And a touchup typically includes getting the hairline rebraided. And that’s the area of your hair that you’re manipulating the most that you’re pulling Back and pulling up., And so it can still — even with my invisible method, you can still experience some stressed tension and weight, especially as the braids grow. Out.. The art of braiding started, of course, on the continent of Africa., So within a number of different clans and tribes hair is what signified a number of things.. You could look at someone and tell by their hair what tribe they were from. They status in society, whether they were single, married. And also widows, were instructed not to comb their hair during the time of grieving and mourning because they weren’t supposed to be attractive to other men. Wow.. And then the art and tradition of braiding actually was a way to pass down oral history.. So the elders in the community would take their time to braid the young girls’ hair — what I’m doing with you., And they would talk about the history and the culture.. And they would have the teenage girls watch and learn the art and technique of braiding.. And then, ultimately, those girls would eventually braid the younger girls within their community within their society, so that that history and that cultural tradition would continue to be passed down.. So this transition to embracing our curly hair to wearing it naturally it’s, not just trendy. It’s, not just a movement. It’s literally life. And black women are reclaiming their life. Yes. Life., Hello, Hi, Look, Hey You’re, getting your hair done. Hi! Look we’re on the last braid.! Oh it’s, looking so good. She’s, so quick. You look good in those Jas. Thank you.. Thanks mom.. She does so good. The best person ever. She braids, so fast. Her hands are moving like this…. You want Dad to look at them. Sure., Hey babe! You want to see them Huh, Look at your daughter’s hair. Whoa. Whoa.. Those are long. Yup. She’s on the last braid. Right there at it. It looks so good. Yeah it does. It’s, very good.. I think we both want our hair, like that., I’m gon na. Let my hair grow out too. Both of y’all want to get these braids Yes.. Thank you so much Dr. Kari for that.. She looks wonderful. You’re, so welcomed. Thank you.. So the final step in this process is something called dipping: the braids. So dipping the braids — if you noticed the ends are kind of frizzy I’m, leaving them this way, because the braids can technically unravel.. So we want to give it a more finished. Look and more importantly, we want to seal the braid. And the way that we do that is with boiling water.. Now remember this is a synthetic fiber, so it’s not going to burn your hair it’s going to smooth the ends., So I’m going to demonstrate and you’ll see., Oh wow, It changed the whole thing.. So now your braids are nice, smooth and silky. And, more importantly, they’re sealed. It’s, so smooth and soft. Yes. Ooh, I like that., So you ready to do some decorations Yes., I like to say, as I borrow from Kanye West “It’s, in a black person’s soul, to Rock that gold.” It’s no coincidence that we love to put this type of jewelry in our hair to remind us of who we are and who are ancestors. Are.. No mistake that when your hair is braided, you start to feel like a queen or we acknowledge one. Another as kings and queens., Because truly that’s what these braids represent.. So when it comes to hair jewelry, you can get as creative as you like., Okay, so baby hairs are back in style. And this is your official baby hair tool.. Have you seen one before Never.? Isn’T it amazing, I need one., I actually prefer to use the comb side first so that I could comb the product through. And I use that comb tip to direct the way the baby hairs going to go.. In the event, you cannot locate or find this very special tool for your baby hairs. You can always use a toothbrush. Unused, Very important detail., An unused toothbrush. Let’s. Do the final. Let’s take this off, so you can really get a look — a feel for your new do. First time, boxed braids., You are ready., I like them., Oh, you did such a good job. Thank you. They’Re amazing. Thank you.. They call me The Braid, Wizard. Uh… yeah, I’m happy to be a part of this process, of enhancing your beauty with your first set of boxed braids. Yay. Thank you so much. I love them.. You are so welcomed. It’s beautiful.. I can’t wait to see plenty of pictures. Plenty. I’m, going to be taking selfies everyday all day long now. It’s been a long day exploring my hair out here in L.A.. I feel like I’ve, dug deeper into a part of myself than I have before.. The best part of today was not only learning more about my own identity, but realizing that I’m much bigger conversation of loving your hair, no matter the texture or what other people may think.

Comments

Jasmine Brown: Loved filming this with y’all it’s such a good video i loveeee.

Kelly Boyce: The salon lady was AMAZING. I loved how she talked about the origins and culture.

divlnnityx: everyone talking about how happy they are that some history was talked about in the video but can we talk about how healthy of a relationship she seems to have with her parents?

artesianrhythm: The stylist, Dr. Karen, is a beautiful lady. Her hair/locs were stunning , they looked like flower petals. Plus, she gave in depth history on African braiding . Kudos for sharing this knowledge with the masses!

Caroline Teague: I’m white but I loved hearing about the culture behind braids and I’m glad I watched this!

Assata Makonnen: I'm glad that her mom actually took the time to learn about her daughter's hair and how to do it

Cassandra Shannon: Her mom is a great mom for learning how to properly take care of her mixed daughters hair

Emi Habte: Wow this is not just a hair dresser. She is a history professor. Love love how you talk, how you explain in detail how African hair signifies a lot of things. I wish I have a hair dresser like you who can discuss about African heritage, culture and other things that matter instead of talking rubbish over my ears. So much respect. And the end result is amazing.❤❤❤

luvsofia: I am not black but I feel like the black culture is so beautiful and rich! It’s so colorful ✊✊✊✊

TaeTae: That woman was braiding her hair at 30 miles per hour

Sly.X D: I really love how she gave her the whole history and the importance behind the braids.

The Love Finds: I️ love that her mom took the time to learn about hair that’s different to hers. I️ think that’s awesome that she took care of her hair properly.

barlovesnoop: I don't know what amazed me more - how perfect her eyeliner shape is, how beautiful her hair is, or how her father looks like he is 5-10 years older than her

Anevliona: This lady is so lovely and soulful <3 She was not just doing her hair, she went through entire history, benefits and caring tips, amazing. <3

Njeri M: It’s amazing how our hair unites us. I’m commenting from Kenya and I felt like I was watching my sisters. I loved that Dr. Kari understands the history of black hair. And, when she pulled out the toothbrush at the end I was like “welcome home sister!” ❣️

Ramona Samuels TV: I love her hair knowledge and the sound of her voice. I also love her nails, and her posture while braiding. This woman is amazing. What I love most, is the fact that she said she moved away from the knot braiding technique. UGH. I hate braids with knots sooo much. The invisible or knotless technique I live for. Need them now. Great job, love her hair.

Bee Bee: She looks amazing before and after! The braids are gorgeous, especially with the gold accents!

blue: I was skipping some parts of the video so I can see her final look but when the salon lady started talking about the origin of the braids and their culture I immediately stop skipping and watched that part until she finished braiding her. As a non-black person it was very informative, because not all people know about these and I also like learning other cultures.

edo27: This video was recommended to me by Youtube. I loved it. Their positivity and beautiful smiles and seeing them really enjoy making this video. Thanks Refinery29!

dimension: She looks gorgeous with those braids

Mari Soto: I just love the history behind black hair it’s so amazing how a hairstyle has so much history behind it!

Vince and Cristina: *_Nobody is gonna talk about the speed that she is braiding?_*

Z b c d E f g a: I thinking “How can you be a doctor in hair?!” Then I saw her technique and she started talking and wow... THAT is why she’s a doctor in hair.

SsjDeBusk: This is so sweet she really took the time to take you under her wing and kindly talk about things about your culture you may not have heard from your mom. And educating the audience in the process.

Manisha Singha: the hairdresser is so sweet... omg I love her aura

Rubyrock: The best part of this video (for me) was seeing her smile as she learned some of the history behind her culture and enjoy getting box braids for the very first time. Beautiful video! Props to the hairdresser on the speed at which she braided too!

thealybot: As a non black person this was super informative and interesting to watch. Growing up around black people I was always fascinated by their hair because they were done in so many different styles and braids and I just loved the details :)

PrincessSarah090288: This is my favorite so far. I love how she broke everything down and explained the reasons and history of hair braiding- cuz a lot of ppl don't know. Especially when it comes to the culture

Maja W: Black culture is so beautiful, I would love to travel and explore the different cultures and history backgrounds around the world ❤️

Kz C.Tezuka: I like how her hair drsser explained the process and also the hstry of each types of hair or design and how to take food care of it.She's such an amazing hair specialist..

Joy Mbugua: Been getting braids over the years and this is the first time I'm realising what a beautiful process it really is

R D: Ugh I wish there was quality natural hair salons where I live. I also love how she talked about the history of braiding in Africa.

Petit coquelicot Deschamps: I love her hair both after and before!! So beautiful ❤️

Kathleen Jordan: African history is beautiful and your hair is absolutely stunning! I found out that many of my ancestors were Ethiopian and from other regions of Africa through Ancestry DNA testing, which really shocked me because my skin is white as white can be . It's funny how we think we know who we are and where we come from, but in reality, we know very little about ourselves.

kisn pisn: „it hurt but i got used to it“ exactly my thought! also waiting for them to be done was a total pain in the butt (literally-mom would seat me on the toilet facing the wall, obviously lid shut but still ) but i was so happy with my braids and was looking forward to having long braids like my mom wore them, with long colored ribbons like they do in mexico. my hair didn‘t end up looking like her blueish black straight hair because i am mixed race and i had to find out what works for me. took me a few years though but i‘m more proud than ever to wear my tlacoyales now i now know what hairstyle to wear today

Muskan Kaur: I can relate to her soo much! My mom used to braid my hair alll the time, that made it grow so long! Ever since I started taking care of them, they've become shorter ☹️

otkud_ja: As a white girl I can say there is something so special in this culture. it is so full of love and pure amazingness.

Tracyann Martin - KINGDOM QUEEN: I've never had cornrows, and certainly never wore weaves, wigs, extensions etc. Her hair looks so awesome with the braids, and the” Hair Philospher’s” complexion is so regal. Maybe one day i’ll have the patience to embrace my African roots through hair styles and experimentation but for now I'll live vicariously. I didn't know all of that history, wow, it inspires me do my own research.

yan o: what an absolutely beautiful look! that hair texture is gorgeous and the braids were so sleek and quick, reminded me of when my mom used to braid my hip-length hair as a kid. really appreciated the bit of history in there too!

O Luz: Your box braids are beautiful! and the decoration too!

Bev Carr: The braids came out beautiful,I love them!!

Sharon Powell: What a great family. Your hair is beautiful. I learned so much from your stylist while watching her braid your hair

Aramatoulaye Dabo: As an African I'm so impressed at the hairdresser for knowing so much about the history of hair and braids in African culture

Khadiah: I love these braids! And the knowledge of the hairdresser was amazing

makeup lover: The most beautiful girl on planet i have ever seen.... She is truly beautiful

NC redbird: Your hair is gorgeous and I love the history your stylist told. I had to share this video with friends that I know this would definitely have more meaning to. It's good to see women lifting each other like this.

Simone Chèrie: Thank you mom for experimenting I can’t tell you how many of my mixed friends were forced into buzz or pixie cuts cause their moms didn’t get black hair and wouldn’t make the time

Missy P.: This was really fun to watch! What an art! Both of you are beautiful! Well done

beauty sfx: I loved when the stylist talked about the culture of hair! It was super interesting! And I love your hair mama!!!!

catgirljada gaming: I actually have hair like hers lol lots of volume and that length it’s curly tho but I flat iron it.mostly to get it braided. me and my mom loves this girl! I can’t even do my own hair yet and my mom complains it’s to much,but she puts so much time and effort to do my hair still ✨

Jessica Jardim-van Dijk: That stylist is so wise and well informed. I love it!

Daisy May: Omg those braids look sooooooo gorgeous on her! Love the hairdresser! She seems like a lovely person!

Ms. BZ: Jasmine is so beautiful and box braids came out so good. That doctor is a wizard—how quickly her hands moved I loved the cultural stories & idea of embracing your ethnicity.

Polite Reminder:: This was sweet. I feel like it was meant as an education for straight haired people who wanna know.

Liv Inuk Oldenburg Lynge: Also can we all just appreciate how skilled the hairdresser is?!

Tori Uptown: mom is smart for turning to her Black female friends for help! my mom has straight hair, too, having Black female friends def helped her with me

Sky: I would never be able to handle this much hair but it looks beautiful and healthy! I love hearing about African history and culture. Love this video

Tita Outré: So beautiful!!! I truly have hair envy!!! Such gorgeous hair and her braids are incredible!!! ♥️♥️♥️

sleepygirl: Some history facts around braiding for those who are interested: Originating in East Africa, the braid was worn as a form of communications. It symbolized whether the wearer was married, in mourning, of age of courtship, wealthy, or to show tribe affiliation. In 1950, A French ethnologist and his team discovered a Stone Age rock painting in the Tassili Plateau of the Sahara, dating back to 3500 BCE, showing a woman with African Cornrows feeding her children. In Ancient Egypt, Hair braids were reserved for royalty (i.e. Cleopatra and Queen Meryet Amun). The braids at this time were used for ceremonial rituals, such as, weddings and funerals. The Greek Goddess Flavian Period was from 79-81 CE. It consisted of lavish updos, complete with wire frames, twisted braids and curls. This style became very popular among the wealthy Roman woman. Roman Emperor Titus’ daughter Julia was a follower of this hair braid, often wearing extremely elaborate updos. Native American braids (PreCE-Present) varied from tribe to tribe, in style and cultural significance. In the Quapaw Tribe, married woman wore their hair down loose and braided if they were single. Braids were and still are worn my men of Native American decent. In 1066-1485, Medieval European braids were braided buns and crowns. It was considered socially unacceptable for a woman to let her hair down because it was believed that a womans long tresses were associated with sinfulness and temptation. The Mongol Empire began to grow in the 13th Century. Noblewoman wore an elaborate braided hairstyle and headpiece. The style was adorned with a “wing” in each side of the head. Two “wings” were said to evoke mythical beasts. Modern Cornrows (1970-Present) were developed during the “Black is Beautiful” movement”. This movement encouraged African-Americans to embrace their cultural roots and natural beauty, rather than using chemicals or relaxers in their hair to straighten. The cornrow braid and the afro became very popular as this movement progressed. Source: https://xquistesalonnj.wordpress.com/2013/11/11/the-history-of-the-braid/

Vanessa Lizeth: She is stunning! I wish the video was longer, I could watch her hair being beaded and learning about the history of it all day

Erica Love Love: I love how the hair stylist told her the history of braids. All women of every race should know this information and realize it's not just a hair style but a life style. Loved it

Tschandra Heinze: How absolutely stunning! I loved all the history behind them. So special

hubbabubba: I have similar hair, and I've always braided it or put it into buns because I was afraid of people seeing it, and from the age of 6 I used to beg my mum to let me straighten it, but she always refused and said it would damage it, and after watching this I might start to wear it out and embrace my poofy hair :D

Amy Conn: Love your natural hair and you look amazing with box braids especially with the decorations

DAT OBOE: I would love to be her friend! She just seems so kind and genuine!♥️

Tessa: When she was braiding her hair I thought it was in fast motion omg that’s talent right there.

Roya Keramati: I cannot be more jealous she look GREAT before and after. And the relationship between her family members is just amazing ♥️ U can feel the love

Toya Hill: I use to have hair down to my back it is short to medium I watched this 3 times I love the mixed hair using those smell good products boy . I love how the hair stylist took her time knowing the specifics of your hair braiding is professional love this and her shop!!! Those braids cute Jasmine.

Ally Hill: Wow! The braid wizard is definitely a braid magic note. Her voice and everything during this process was so comforting

Comment On this: Wow she’s a beautiful woman and the braids just bring out her beauty even more.

Madi Prado: 8:37, uh girl, she LOOKS like a queen . Both inside and out. Looks wonderful, Jasmine!!

Kimmy Casts: I love how the doctor educate.. I just want to listen to her all day

Myself Sruthi: This is amazing.. it suits her and thanks that salon girl found out her style and did her work perfectly❤️..

amber C: This is beautiful and made me smile. Love this!

cheterry17: What the stylist said is so true. I remember when I went natural. I'd gotten some faux locs and decorated them and I felt some type of way that I couldn't explain. I came downstairs and my (asian) husband said "You look like an African Princess." I was speechless and proud. A princess, is exactly what I felt like. Lol.

Rat King: The history of hair all over the world is honestly so fascinating. I feel like people don't take it seriously enough because it such a "feminine" subject but it's so important in the journey of self acceptance and love. It's especially important in understanding how hair has been used to tamp down minorities in America. I remember always worrying about if my hair was too frizzy or made me look too Jewish but after seeing so many videos from people with 4/a/b/c hair talking about how you should love your frizz really made me look at my hair differently and began to make me proud of having hair that was a mark of my heritage. It's a message that can heal so many people across backgrounds and help them embrace who they are. It's especially amazing to see how far afro texture hair has come. We're starting to see the change from "black women must straighten their hair if they want to be on TV" to "natural hair and traditional protective styles are beautiful". I really hope even more people take interest in the history of hair.

Killer Queen: Her hair is really beautiful and healthy! She’s like a majestic lion full of confidence and elegance.

Leanne Adams: PS anyone going to mention not only her hair but her eye shape is absolutely gorgeous!!! Perfect almond shape and so pretty !❤️

Nicole Marie: This was so beautiful to watch. Thank you for sharing.

Vasso Bloum: Before and after, her hair looks beautiful!!

Authentically Ana: Shes so beautiful! I love her hair and how she embraces her authentic self!

Kaushiki K. Singh: I love how educated the stylist is.

Daizy Zajac: Mothers of mixed children that take time to learn to braid and take care of there daughters curly hair is incredible

shay p: im not black but i loved hearing about their ancestors and where braiding came from and for them to embrace their hair. im out here happy crying.

S G: I wish I could have box braids without being guilty of cultural appropriation. They are so freaking gorgeous!

Isabel Gonzalez: It's so beautiful and she looks amazing with it.

T Will: So glad the Dr. took the opportunity to educate. Lots of people have no idea that braids are actually far more than a style and the origin is brilliant

Tainan Melo: Uma princesa, amei o resultado.

TwoLaLa: Shout out to Jasmine's mom. She's like our mom in how she kept our hair in braids when we were younger so that it was able to grow. Oh and Dr. Kari did an amazing job! Learned so much! ♥️

Mayelin Espino: Love it. I will try this on my natural hair.

Leanne Adams: Girl I can exactly relate !!! I had very thick hair when I was little and my mom gave me bowl hairs cuts and I was called a noy

Macarena Rios: I feel like a complete idiot. Because of my broken ass english i thought the title read “jasmine’s BROWN hair...” and i like, dude, her hair’s black tf you talking about? And then i came to the realization that her surname was Brown. Jeez Ps: this video was magical and she is GORGEOUS

Don't, Oops i did: Like,this is the best feeling for a girl. As a girl, I feel exploring your own beauty is much better than finding someone wrong and going through a heartbreak.

Javian Johnson: Damn she looks hella good with those braids!!

R W: She is looking stunning and must say that the Braid Wizard did a great job

rinesa nemanja: She looks absolutely gorgeous. Love that style ♥️

xhottestpink: this girl is so pretty! good for her. she looked amazing

Tara Johnson: I hope that more people see this video and realize that our hair is more then just a trend

Allana Marie: She's soooo gorgeous with her natural hair and her box braids. I absolutely LOVED learning about the history of braiding. This is an AMAZING video

Colleen Molley: Wow she looks beautiful and I love how the salon owner spoke about the braids and history of the braids

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Jasmine Brown'S Hair Transformation Journey | Skin Deep | Refinery29

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