Hello, it’s been a while! Sorry for the long absence. To recap the last couple of years… Late 2018 / early 2019, I wore my hair loose (braid outs and twist outs) the majority of the time. In early 2019, I did a lot of protective styles with added hair. Later on in 2019, I probably wore mini twists the most.

This year, I’ve decided to focus on growing and retaining my hair. I’ve been natural almost 11 years and I want to maintain blunt waist length hair. To achieve this goal, I’m doing long term protective styling in my go-to style – mini braids. I started braiding my hair on the 8th of January and probably took 2-3 days to complete.

Something new I’m trying is keeping the same braids in for 6 months. My usual time frame is 4-6 weeks! The reason I’m stretching so long is it’s easy and I’m currently working from home so restyling is not a necessity. I know my hair grows at about a centimeter a month, so I’m certain that I won’t have crazy roots with a braid hanging off the ends. Furthermore (a fact that I’d actually forgotten) as the roots grow in the hair curls and creates a spiral so the new growth is disguised by shrinkage. I will constantly monitor my hair and redo any areas that look rough- especially the edges since they are most fragile.

I braided this set quite small, as I knew they needed to last a long time. I’ve also been to the gym 6-7 days a week since my hair was completed. Mini braids are by far the best hairstyle to wear while I work out. I’m able to wash my hair at least twice a week (one cowash, one shampoo) and still maintain a decent hairstyle without too much effort.

I’m currently in week 8 of wearing these braids. I will include progress pictures in posts later on and document my regimen.