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Braids … I haven’t willingly volunteered to wear braids since the hot Texas summer days of my tween years, being enrolled in a three week overnight summer camp in Marble Falls, TX. Ahh, Camp Balcones Springs, those were the good ol days.

Braids are reason #23o287 why I love being natural. So. Much. Versatility! Since the big 90s comeback this year in both fashion and beauty (how could you miss it?), I was moved to unleash my inner Solange, Khadijah, or whoever else this look reminds you of, and rock a braided bob (sans the beads).

 

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In search of a temporary protective style to wear for a couple of weeks, I scheduled an appointment with COLOUR (they are responsible for this uber cute halo braid I rocked a while back too), and stylist Ashley came by the crib and we decided to do some cute little individual braids.

 

braidscollage

 

She used a cool curved part technique so the braids didn’t appear too harsh, and we added braiding hair to give me a little bit of length and to be able to burn the ends to seal the braid.

I finalized the style by adding some cute silver hair rings to give it a different look, and I absolutely loved the way it turned out!

 

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Maintenance Tips:

  1. Take this time to show your scalp a little TLC! I used some coconut oil I already had and oiled my scalp every 3 days or whenever it started to feel dry or itchy. 
  2. You’ll need some braid spray to keep your real hair moisturized while braided up. The spray also allows for your braids to loosen up a bit so they don’t appear stiff. I used the original African Pride Braid Sheen spray for around $4 from the beauty supply store. 
  3. If you feel like being fancy like me, add some hair decor like silver or gold rings and place about 5 of them on each braid, focusing on the braids framing your face. 

 

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What do you think about the bob? Any protective styles you are looking forward to trying this season?