Interview With Jay Natural 4a From The Mini Braid Method

Jay from the mini braid method shares her thoughts on her natural hair journey and regimen. I have cared for my own natural hair in mini braids in the past too. It is an ultra low manipulation style and it looks great too!

Introduce Yourself . . .

I’m Jay, a blogger and grad student. I have natural hair. My last relaxer was in March of 2009. I big chopped in August of that year. Since then, I’ve been growing out my natural hair and loving every minute of it. I wear my hair in mini braids often. I recently started blogging about my experiences in mini braids because it’s not a style I’ve seen often in the online hair community or in the real world. I thought I have a lot to share and maybe others will become more interested in this style.

How did you first get involved in hair care?

About 4 years ago I googled hair growth and stumbled upon the online hair care community. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of using the internet as a hair care resource before, but was so happy I found the wealth of information.

What made you come to the conclusion that being natural was right for you?

I went natural for the first time as an adult my sophomore year of college. By junior year, I was texturized. Years later, after finding online hair forums, it seemed like most members were natural or transitioning. I decided to give it another go and if I wanted, I could always relax in the future. During my time as a natural, I have fallen so in love with my hair and I know I will never relax it again.

Did you have support from your friends and family when you decided to go natural?

My friends don’t really care what I do with my hair. They wouldn’t feel any different if I were relaxed or natural.

How would you describe your texture?

I think my hair is majority 4a kinky* curls and coils. The strands are very fine, but the volume is dense. It’s also very porous hair which tends to make it appear frizzy.

Tell us more about your Mini Braid Method?

I refer to it as a method because it’s catchy and memorable. The method itself is a means for maintaining afro-textured hair in small braids over long periods of time. I, myself, wear a variety of styles but mini braids are by far my preference. My method suggests wearing mini braids for 4-8 weeks at a time with 1-4 week breaks over the course of the year. It’s meant to retain growth. Braids protect hair and for me, it drastically cuts down on split ends and single strands knots. In braids, I’m able to wear my real hair out, cowash often, and still style it in many different ways without manipulating it too much.

So do you braid your own hair?

I do. I’ve been braiding my own hair since I was in middle school. I’ve had many years to perfect my technique. I can do an entire set of mini braids without a mirror or comb…but for simplicity’s sake, I usually use both, lol.

What is your typical weekly regimen?

I wear mini braids for 4-6 weeks with 2-4 week breaks. While my hair is loose, I wear wash and goes mostly and occasional braid or twist outs. I DC my loose hair weekly, moisturize on wash day and seal with oil. I cowash once or twice between DC’ing and follow with a moisturizer and oil.

Most of my conditioners are protein or collagen based. While in braids, I DC about every other week using the same products. I cowash 1-2 times a week and as with loose hair, I moisturize and seal on wash days only.

Before and after braids, I clarify and do a protein treatment. Lately, I’ve used henna* as well. I follow the Curly Girl Method– meaning none of my products contain silicones and my shampoo is sulfate free. To detangle, I only use my hands. I use brushes or combs before straightening only- about twice a year.

How do you combat dryness?

My hair doesn’t tend to feel dry. Because it’s fine and porous, it’s most likely to be over moisturized. I cowash every few days and usually only moisturize freshly cowashed wet hair and I don’t do anything else in between cowashes. I DC weekly, but that’s usually with a protein or collagen conditioner.

Any favorite hair products?

My absolute favorite hair product is LeKair Cholesterol. I’ve used it for almost a decade and I always go back to it. Ecostyler* gel is probably the only other product that I must have on hand at all times.

Do you have a goal length and when do you hope to get there?

My goal length is a moving finish line. I think I will be content with bra strap length curly hair. With my shrinkage (50-60%) I think that translates to around tailbone length straight hair. I only set goals for the next length I hope to make. This year it was bra strap length, next year it’ll be waist length by December.

What is the best tip that you can share for natural hair?

My best tip for hair natural, relaxed, bkt’d, whatever is don’t obsess about other people’s growth. It can be really discouraging if you get caught up in comparing your hair to others. My tip for natural haired ladies, is really embrace your hair. Appreciate all the wonderful things it can do whether is form perfectly uniform curly coils or hold a braid or twist without a rubber band. Love your hair for everything it can do and don’t obsess about what it can’t do.

Where can we find you online?

My hair blog is minibraidmethod.com. It’s mostly about mini braids, but I occasionally post about other styles I’m wearing.

I have a personal blog (NSFW) that’s a catch all of random thoughts and hair inspiration at jayneofalltrades.tumblr.com.