I braided my hair for the summer. I needed a hairstyle that was convenient for my workout routine. I’m at the gym 4-5 times a week and I sweat a lot. I’ve been co-washing my hair after every gym day and shampooing on weekends. It just made sense to put in my mini braids. I started on a Friday and finished by Monday (I think). Prior to braiding, I shampooed with a Joico product and deep conditioned with Giovanni Smooth as Silk. I used Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk as a leave in and put my hair in large braids to dry overnight. I usually don’t use a comb to part my hair for the large braids, but this time I did so I could stay more organized when putting in the mini braids. I also used the rattail comb to make my parts for the braids. See the explanation of my parting method here. As usual, I only used my hands to detangle (no brushes or combs).
My ebook on mini braids explains my method for putting in and maintaining my natural hair in mini braids. I took pictures after each day so I could show how much I usually braid each day. I only braid my hair when I feel like it. I work on the perimeter first so I can hide the hair that’s unbraided. I did have to cancel some plans that weekend because I wasn’t in a good stopping place, but it’s all good.
Day 1 & 2:
Day 3 & 4:
Final Look:
I’m not sure how long I’ll keep these in. I’m getting really serious about working out consistently every week. I’ve set a few weight loss goals. I’ll probably keep my hair braided all summer at least… As long as I’m in the gym 4-5 days a week, I’ll be in mini braids or twists because they’re the best option for me.
I’ve worn these in a bun pretty much every day since I did them. I only styled them once. I used foam rollers to put big waves in my mini braids. I braided my bangs and pinned it to the side. Here’s what the waves looked like after a night out- Preview of Mini Braids. I’ll try to take some better pictures and come up with some styling tutorials while I have them in. If you have any questions, comment below!
Good job Jay! Still don’t have my mini’s yet….new meds caused alopecia & I had to shave my head yesterday! 🙁 Getting new meds this week so hopefully hair will come back soon. Your braids look really good though!
I’m sorry to hear that. Wishing you good health! I hope everything works out and you grow back a beautiful head of hair. Thanks for your continued support! 😀
Thanks Jay. And I’m not sorry about having to shave my head…it is WAY better than the waking up and finding hair all over my pillow or running my hand through my head and coming away with clumps that I’ve been putting up with for a month. I’m hoping that once it does come though, it’ll be healthier than it has been. I have seriously regretted cutting off my locs but then again, given what’s happened, they might’ve all fallen out too. It is what it is and can’t be anything different. This too shall pass. BTW: Saw a pic of you on Tumblr with your hair out: GORGEOUS!
I’m glad you’re happy with the fresh start. Sometimes a haircut can be cathartic. Enjoy your hair while it’s short and easy to do. 🙂 And thanks for the complement!
Hi Jay! first time commenter, long time reader 🙂 quick question, the bottom (last) picture is it a comparison of your braids last year to this year? or is it a comparison of your braids after you have washed them and they have shrunk?
also, i put braids in the friday before memorial day. i usually put them in myself but unfortunately due to time constraints, i had to pay $70 to get them done. i am hoping they last longer than my usual two months since (1) someone else did them and (2) she started each braid with a small cornrow braid.
anywho, thanks again for your blog and providing methods on maintaining and retaining natural hair!
Hi Ro! Thanks for the support. All pictures are from a few weeks ago. The last side by side pic in the blueish grey tank top was taken when I completed this set of mini braids. I wet the ends and added shea butter so they would curl up. The left side shows where they hang with shrinkage and the right side shows where they reach when I pull down. My loose hair is about 2″ longer than the braids (and I had my hair cut 2-3″ last month). I hope that makes sense.
I used to braid my sister’s hair with cornrows at the roots. It was so much faster. I haven’t done that in a while, but thanks for reminding me. I might do that next time and see if I can get my hair completed in a day or so. Let me know how your braids turn out!
Edit: I looked through the “My Mini Braids” tag- http://minibraidmethod.com/category/my-mini-braids-2/
Here’s the post from the last time I wore mini braids (Aug 2013) for comparison- http://minibraidmethod.com/2013/08/my-mini-braids-first-mini-braids-of-2013/
You and your hair is beautiful. Sigh, the thickness and length!
Thank you! 😀