Theres been incredible progress made but clearly, theres still work to be done.
Keep reading to meet three inspiring women and the special bonds they share with their braiders.
Kayko and I met through mutual friends, and from Day One, I immediately knew Id love her.
Im the bang out of person who always has my hand in multiple projects at once.
Our first appointment felt just as expected, like an episode ofGirlfriends.
Ive been friends with Kayko for several years now, and shes someone who never ceases to inspire me.
Kayko is wake up at 5 a.m. and run a 5K jot down of tenacious.
Shes also just the sweetest soul.
In my experience, braid appointments can be anywhere from a couple hours to all day.
So, at default, I just prepare for them to take longer than expected.
Snacks are mandatory, as is music, and, in my opinion, good conversation.
My favorite way to get my hair done is in my home by someone I love.
Its Black sisterhood in its ultimate form.
About 90% of the time, Im usually just letting my natural curls run free.
Getting braids feels like a treat and, in some ways, a return to self.
My mom braided my hair every day for much of my life back in Nebraska.
My favorite protective style has to befaux locs, because of how stress-free they are to maintain.
But I feel like a little kid in a candy store when I get my hair braided!
There are so many styles and colors I want to try out.
Hair feels like another extension of that.
Theres something beautiful about the autonomy you feel when you step out of the braiding chair.
Kayko Donald
Sojourner and I met in our boyfriends apartment!
But the first hair appointment I had with Sojourner was magical because because we were friends first.
It was filled with songs from my chill mix on Spotify, and Sojourner singing along.
Its inspiring to be around her.
Ive known Sojourner for three years now, and doing her hair has brought us closer.
Theres something very special about styling someones hair its a sign of trust they place in me.
They believe I can execute their vision, so its my responsibility to meet that expectation with commitment.
Since styling Sojourners hair, I feel theres a new level of trust between us.
My approach is very gentle.
While I can braid tightly if needed, I prioritize thoroughness when caring for the scalp.
To me, braids symbolize something very intrinsic to my life and experience as a Black woman.
It left a lasting impression on me.
Its also an art form that can transform someones entire presence.
I remember telling Sojourner, OK… who is she?!
after she got her hair done last time because she exuded a new persona freshness and confidence.
Theres nothing quite like the feeling of the wind on your scalp with fresh braids it’s almost ticklish.
So, yes, for me, braids symbolize routine, confidence, and beauty!
My first appointment with Anta was back in 2016.
I had just graduated from college and was working as a beauty assistant atCosmopolitanmagazine.
I was exhausted from working long hours and needed a low-maintenance hairstyle.
Anta came over to my apartment, and I instantly felt at ease with her vibrant personality.
Beyond being a skilled braider, Anta exudes an optimistic aura that lights up any room.
Although we had just met, it felt like we were old friends catching up.
It was my first time getting box braids, and I was thrilled with the results.
I couldnt believe how easy it was to get up and go with this hairstyle.
I met Anta shortly after I moved to NYC, marking nearly eight years of knowing her.
Shes seen me through many of my New York phases: career transitions, new apartments, and more.
The relationship I have with my stylist is always special.
Over the years, weve spent significant time together over eight hours in one appointment.
Naturally, much more than hair braiding happens in one sitting its an energy exchange.
Its a very intimate encounter, especially during difficult moments.
Sometimes, getting my hair done feels like a therapy session.
It sounds like a long time, but I never get restless since Im so relaxed.
If Im on a work deadline, I can be on my laptop with no interruptions.
Other times, were laughing over a story Anta is telling me or enjoying TV together.
Ive even napped if Im too tired.
We go with the flow.
Braids make me feel free and liberated.
I can get up and go without having to spend time touching up my hair.
Braid season for me is always summer; its my go-to protective style in the heat.
It wasnt until 2016 that Iwore my natural hair in publicand startedexperimenting with braidsthe following year.
I love Antas knotless box braids because I can wear so many different styles within that one style.
The options are endless.
Ill add gold cuffs or beads to accentuate the style.
Anta
I met Maya in July 2017.
She saw triangle braids I made for one of her peers and liked it.
That was a fun thing to bring in the African hair braiding.
At that time, my motto was to introduce geometry to the scalp, partying and playing with it.
She said she had never done braids and was nervous.
Seeing that I had done braids on someone she knows made her more comfortable.
When doing it, the disconnect of the land, sea, and time gets bridged.
How would you describe your approach to braiding?
I was known by Mayas peers for not braiding with tension and understanding their generation.
People used to walk to the shop and negotiate to get their hair done right there.
I feel every Black girl is an African princess.
This question brings back so many memories.
And one thing about me if Im going on vacation, Im most definitely getting braids.
Its my vacation nonnegotiable.
And because this campaign was a huge deal, I knew my braids had to be on point.
I was in a bind!
When I reached out to Mudiwa, I couldnt believe she had an opening.
I remember feeling so lucky.
I was all, Look at God.
Mudiwa came highly recommended, and I had been following her work for a while.
I sent Mudiwa an inspo pic, and she assured me she could execute my desired style.
I started seeing her in January of 2020, so right before COVID got real.
Once restrictions opened up a bit, I was able to resume braid appointments with Mudiwa.
So in scanning nearly five years of several braid appointments per year whew, we have co-lived some life!
Mudiwa is also a mom, so we have found connection and community there.
She gives great advice!
When I first started visiting Mudiwa, I used to pick a lot of five-hour styles.
Now, I walk in and basically ask her to do whatever she wants in two to three hours.
I am always happy with what she creates.
She is lightning fast, and her precision is top tier.
Energetically, we always go with whats flowing.
Sometimes its wine and Tubi TV.
Sometimes its complete silence because we both need it.
Sometimes its a revolving door of clients coming and going… group debates, hot topics, fitness tips.
Just vibes on vibes on vibes.
First of all I feel free!
The freedom that comes with not dedicating time to daily hairstyling is unmatched.
Braids allow me to be ready in minutes.
So much of my lifestyle has morphed into what comes easily.
I got remarried recently, and Mudiwa did my braids for our civil ceremony.
The style was airy, light, flowy, really sweet.
Also, every style thats done in two hours is my favorite, because of the time!
We looked over her braids inspiration photo and the conversation began to flow.
I scheduled my skin care consultation with Felicia, and my skin transformation was beyond my expectations.
My approach has always been a form of expression for not only my clients, but myself too.
This guarantees the clients satisfaction.
The process reminds me of my very own art exhibition every time.
