Why I Gave In and Got Box Braids After I Swore I Never Would

One Monday morning I was literally fighting with my hair to at least lay down, so I could leave and get to work on time, or at least not be incredibly late. On the drive to work, I knew that I needed to book an appointment for a protective style…. ASAP.

I wanted a protective style, but I was over my typical crochet braids because I didn’t want a lot of heavy hair on my head in the middle of the summer. My best friend recently got braids so I figured I would bite the bullet and get some myself.

I went back and forth at least 5 times before I finally booked the appointment and even contemplated cancelling. Even though me and my hair have a love-hate relationship some days, I am obsessive over who I let style it and what I do to it.

Before going natural, I got box braids and swore to never get them again after I was left with thinned edges because of the braids being done too tight, even after telling the stylist not too.

However, I did some research of some local braiders and read a ton of Yelp reviews before booking an appointment with a woman who I felt I could trust.

I got in around 8am that morning, and she was finished by 1pm! I was impressed, because I have long and thick hair, so I was expecting at least to be there for 9 hours.

It is now going on week 5 with my braids and I am actually thinking about getting them installed again after I take these out in 3 weeks.

If you’re like me and terrified of getting box braids because of a bad experience, here are a few tips that helped ease some of my anxiety:

Do your research

Yelp is your best friend when it comes to testing out a new braiding salon.

Thicker Sectioning

I came in with a picture of how I wanted my braids. I wanted the perimeter of my edge to be thicker sections of hair versus her braiding up every strand, including my fine baby hairs. That is crucial for me because I didn’t want tension and stress on my edges.

Pray!

This may sound silly, but I honestly said a quick prayer before going in. When my hair is in someone else’s hands, I take it very serious!

How has your box braid experience been?