After I big chopped I was desperate to find a protective style that I could wear, and keep in for at least 6 weeks, so after doing a bit of research and asking around I decided that I would try box braids for the first time.
After fiercely stalking google image searches of box braids styles and lengths, I then went to a shop that was recommended by a colleague.
Before going, however, I called just to double check on pricing, and I also sent a picture of the style that I wanted, just to ensure that the price would still be the same.
To prepare for the appointment, all I did was wash and blow out my little twa, and make sure it was moisturized and oiled in preparation for the braids.
Once I got there I was a bit taken aback by the fact that even though I had an appointment, and was early, I still had to wait about 30 minutes or so until a braider arrived.
Fast forward to when she did arrive, and finally got started on my hair- I showed her an image of the size and length that I wanted my box braids, and although she said she could do it and that it would be fine, she didn’t.
It wasn’t until she was already 10 braids in that I peeked into the mirror and noticed that it wasn’t quite what I wanted. I wasn’t sure if I should speak up or not, but I decided to since the price for the braids wasn’t just pocket change.
I think I may have offended the stylist in some way because she then told me that the length I wanted wouldn’t be possible because it would take too long.
By that point I was more than annoyed, but I felt as though there wasn’t really anything that I could do at that point, because she had already started. Also, I noticed that the braids were a bit too tight, but I didn’t feel comfortable speaking up again, because of how she responded the first time.
I ended up just sucking it up and sitting through the next 5 hours until she finished my whole head. I thought, okay well maybe the length I wanted was too long, and she was right.
I tell my clients all the time if it feels tight in anyway SPEAK UP, cause I don’t feel what you feel and I want you to be 100% confident and comfortable while wearing your braids. Healthy hair comes first.
Agreed… :
My sister said the same thing to me Christmas night doing my sew in.
Sweet
That braider’s behavior was all kinds of unprofessional. Speak up! Walk away!
This is a why I box braid my own hair – I don’t a so called ‘stylist’ to do it for me. I don’t want a hair stylist to jack up my hair and I certainly don’t want to pay for the privilege. To be honest box braids are fantastic protective style don’t allow the this bad experience to put you off.
Same here, I do mine myself, save my edges and money in one shot!