Patra, aka Dorothy Smith, has been a thorn in my you know what for that entire time that she was hot, here is why. My first name is Petra, but I use Emily my middle name pretty often.
Can you imagine how it was for me in high school with Patra being the dancehall queen and little old me with a name so close to her’s? “Dance for me Patra, I mean Petra *snicker snicker*” they would say, “Oh you know who has your name?” I know I know, Patra! ~ SMH
Regardless of my troubles I could appreciate her music and moves, after all reggae music runs through my veins and she did her thing. Patra is known for her contribution to dancehall artistry (smile) but she is also known for her braided hairstyle.
She always wore classic jumbo braids, and when Janet Jackson sported hers in poetic justice, it was over, everyone wanted those braids back in the day. Like a blast from the past, imagine my surprise when I saw a tutorial on how to do patra braids( aka dookie braids, aka box braids) from start to finish on youtube.
Let me warn you, this video by How To Black Hair is 43.57 minutes long because of how comprehensive it is, so carve out some time grab some water if you are interested in learning how to do these gorgeous braids.
Braiding your hair generally, whether it is a specific style like this one or micro braids can be considered an awesome protective style, and as always you want to make sure your hair underneath is protected and healthy.
Make sure that your extensions* feel comfortable and not tight, even if you think it will loosen up after a couple weeks, it should never feel tight at any point after your initial install.
Your edges are very sensitive and even the slightest pull can be the last pull for your hair follicles so it is very important that your braids are installed just right and not lead to hair loss.
Make sure you hair is clean and well moisturized before you install your braids, this does not mean wet, greasy or slippery. Typically you should moisturize with a light spray spritz (home made of shop bought) every day or every other day in between your weekly washes.
Tracie Chiromo says
I like that but i like micro braiding better
Ebony Odoms-Harbut says
I just hate that the hari costs so much more!! :'(
Tejal Gooden says
Those look amazing!!
Dorianne Gail Campbell says
doesnt this take like forever???
Khloe Martinez says
I really like her hair but what style of braiding does she have it likes smaller than a mirco braid and the hair looks so natural I wonder what kind of hair did she use
Lia Smith says
niceeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Crystal Hayes says
They look Beautiful but I couldn’t do it. The time & cost who kill me. Especially the time in taking them out.
Kim VeryBlessed Carmichael says
Uniquee’ AnBeautiful, wow, beautiful….
Marsharena Lee says
PLEASE TELL ME WHERE TO GET THESE IN TAMPA, FLORIDA!!!!! PUULEEEEASE!
Regina Stevenson says
I could use some braids this winter
April Jenkins Torres says
Wow to those micros. Sheesh but very nice. Are patra n box braids the same?
La Sandra Curlett says
I am the ladie that braided Tracie Chiromo its diffrent from box braids and regular Micros its called natural micro fusion braids …its braided no glue or knots ..its a real hair grower..
Lozette Clemons says
Ebony Odoms-Harbut go to aliexpress.com and order your hair online, they have deals like Brazilian virgin hair for 30 to 50, there’s another website you can go to i think it’s called blackhaircare.com or something like that. You end up paying 25~50% less online than at a beauty supply
L Danielle Franklin says
Aren’t these the same as box braids?
Tracie Chiromo says
NO totally different…….
La Sandra Curlett says
Totally diffrent I am the only one in the world that does this
Walter Lindsay says
Nice
Nadia King-Barnwell says
Thanks- just when I needed it!
Marks Brandy says
lol. actually put some in my hair yesterday!
Tracie Chiromo says
No I am the lady in the picture.
Jenai Matlock says
So whats the difference b/w the patra braids, box braids, and poetic justice braids? Can someone tell me
Alexis Vincentmartinswife Flowers says
♥ these wanted them but can’t find anyone here the chi to do’em so I gave up ..
Kenya Kiki Greene says
Never try that b4 I might need it
Monella Rankin says
I remember this style