Taraji P Henson's Box Braids Were Out of the Box on The Tonight Show.

During her 14th appearance on The Tonight Show, our beloved Taraji P Henson rocked an intricate assortment of box braids during her internet with Jimmy Fallon. She made a funny mention about how how " Black women need a warning before wetting their hair".  On the show, she spent a considerable amount of time on her first love, which is hair. 

Photo: Allure

Watch the full Interview here

Her ultra-affordable hairline, TPHbyTaraji, created by her during the COVID 19 Pandemic, is focused on one thing and one thing only: healthy hair.   Before winning the Golden Globe or before we came to love her in roles such as Cookie Lyon in Empire, Katherine Jonson in Hidden Figures and Shut in Hustle & Flow  Taraji has always had a love for hair. 

According to Allure magazine, the actor stated,"I was in a salon every week getting a different hairstyle. I understood hair, and I started doing my own at a really young age. I got my first Marcel curling iron and a hot stove when I was in ninth grade. I remember getting my hair done without my mother’s permission; up until then, she was doing my hair in the kitchen. But I went off one day and got it all chopped off."

She has always had a love for hair.  In college, she would do wet sets for $20. That was what she called " her little side hustle". Once she began the acting business, she started wearing weaves in order to protect her hair, but she didn't really like them at first. "I'd heard so many horror stories about people losing their edges and the wear and tear [weaves put] on their hair. When I had to wear my hair straight for movies, it became stressful to keep straightening and putting heat on it to match whatever scene I was in. So I started weaving my hair.

Wearing a multicolored checkered dress, she promoted her new StagePlay, Jaja's African Hair Braiding on stage at the Samuel J Friedman Theater in New York. While her dress was unique, so were here below the waist box braids. She wore them with a braided side bang and a full ponytail.  Her look was stunning and fun. She was a total braided beauty. 

Braids are always a hit. They are classy and elegant. They are the go-to for the red carpet, the beach, the boardroom and so many places in between.  When looking for the best place to get these and other braid styles done.  Take a look around the web pages and do a deep dive into the stylist you are considering when getting these types of braided styles. Strands of Beauty provides box braids and other protective styles to help you on your hair journey.  

Box Braids - All the Ins and Outs

 All the Ins and Outs of Box Braids

- Ethena Profit

In the realm of defensive styles, there's one that has been worn in the media for no less than thirty years—we're discussing box braids!. Janet Jackson unquestionably assumed a part in promoting the style statewide with her introduction film Poetic Justice in 1993. 

All the more as mainstream big names like Beyoncé and Solange have worn the style, just as Gabrielle Union, Zoe Kravitz, Tia Mowry and numerous others. However, box braids along with a plethora of other plaited styles started in Africa as far back as 3500 B.C. Furthermore, in case you're a genuine history buff, you may be satisfied to hear that specialists say the braided interlaces of today are not too different from those worn by individuals of Namibia and the Nile Valley many moon ago. 

Keep reading because we've gathered key information you need to help plan your hair appointment at Strands of Beauty, along with master tips from many trusted master braiders (also known as a hair subject matter expert 15+ yrs experience). Here is what you need to know to prepare:

👤 Meet The Experts:

   

     Ethena Profit: Master Braider with more than100k hours of braiding and over 50k hours of instructing braiders.  Owner of Strands of Beauty, Strands of Beauty Institute of Braiding and Beauty Business Development, The Braid Boss Podcast and The Greatness International Hair & Beauty Expo. Her time is divided between her salons and beauty schools in Atlanta, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. 

Kisha L: Master Braider with more than 35 years experience in braids, color, cutting, weaves, extensions, and instructing.  Owner of Kreations by Kisha and regional manager of Strands of Beauty South. 

WHY BOX BRAIDS?

    Anyone heard of "long hair don't care"?  Box braids give that long hair, cute & urban vibe.  They are healthy, affordable, and long lasting. The best part of the why, is longevity.  You can easily get a good 3+ months wear out of box braids, depending on the size.  

WHAT ARE BOX BRAIDS?

For the newbies, box braids are constructed using three strands of hair braided off the scalp.   While not all box braids are equal, the construction of the braid is basically the same.  What's more, not at all like cornrows, box braids are braided off the scalp—hair is divided into correctly molded squares, arches, or triangle, or free part also called "boxes". The braid is started on the scalp, incorporating the client's natural hair and braiding hair.  Then the combination of the hairs are braided until the end of the length the extension.  o you can shake your detached plaits however much you might want. 

Kanekalon, Spectra, Toyokalon and other engineered fibers are primarily used in most box braid styles.  Interestingly, human hair can also be used for a more natural look, however it is not the most popular or affordable option. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL BOX AND KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS?

Well, well, well, the famous question:  What is the difference and why the price difference?

First, the main difference is in the way the completed style looks.  Knotless box braids will give a flat look as if your natural hair has been braided without extensions.  Knotless box braids are started with natural hair only, then the extension hair is added as the braid is created. Traditional box braids give a fuller look because the box is started with the extension hair.  

They are both healthy options.  This choice is simply a personal preference.  Knotless Box braids tend to cost more because they require more skill and more hair to create the style properly.  Traditional box braids will give a bit more longevity because the extension hair tends to cover new growth better.   

HOW TO CHOOSE THE LENGTH AND STYLE

The hardest part about getting box braids is deciding on the size and length.  Kisha recommends, "when setting an appointment it is best to have a picture of the braids you want as a point of reference. Knowing the size and length you want prior to your appointment allows the salon to prep for your desired look. "

Always consider your lifestyle and the reason for getting box braids.  If you are planning on a cruise or beach vacation, ask yourself,  "if you want a ponytail or bob"? On the other hand if you know you are the team mom and will be super busy, even to the point of only have 4 hours or less for your hair appointment, then a larger, mid back length will be the way to go.   

Beside considering the environment you'll be in, Ethena reminds us to think about the strength of your hair.  Be honest with yourself and your expectations.  If your hair is thin or you any hair loss issues/concerns, consider a larger shorter braid. Braids help your hair grow and you should always focus on the health of your hair.  If you have any hair issue, I recommend that you choose a medium size box ( two finger tips or larger) and avoid micros. 

DOES IT HURT?

The saying that beauty is pain is a myth.  Braids should never "hurt".  Yes, you may feel some discomfort, but you should never be in pain.  Anytime you fee serious pain you may be at risk for the infamous traction alopecia.  This occurs if the braids are too tight or if braids are repeatedly placed in the the same pattern over many many months.  It is best to talk to your braider and say when something feels too discomforting.  

At Strands of Beauty, our motto is " we do it right and not tight".  That means, that we listen to the client and adjust grip according to the comfort of the client. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

The length of time you will be in the chair depends on several factors:

1. The speed of the braider
2. Style you choose ( length & size)
3. How many breaks are taken throughout the service
4. Type of hair used

"I'm JUST BEING HONEST" (said in my best Andre3000 voice):  Please, if you choose a long, small, micro, ect box braids be prepared to sit for 8+ hours. Also keep in mind that the smaller they are, the longer the last. In essence the longer you sit, the longer they last. 😉

The standard time for medium, mid back length traditional box braids is 6 hours. 

HOW DO I CARE FOR BOX BRAIDS?

Box braids are best cared for with a leave in conditioning spray, a consistent night regime and scalp care. It is most important to keep the scalp healthy and moisturized when wearing this style.  

Using a growth oil for the scalp and braids are the best way to maintain a smooth look.  Each night, place the braids in a ponytail, moisturize, and place in a braid bonnet. 

How to: Braidless Sew-in

More Hair Options For You

Are Protective Styles Enough?

Protective styles can assist with growing healthy hair and retaining length. When we think of protective styles Tree Braids, Crochet Braids, Sew-ins, and Correct Wig Installations come to mind.  Most of us love protective styles because we don’t have to worry about brushing, combing, or styling our natural hair.  Protective styles saves time !  Although, protective styles are great and very easy to manage during our day-to-day life, we still have to remember to take care of our crown underneath.

Here are some great hair care tips:

1. Try to drink at least 64oz (8 glasses) of water daily. Our body is made up of 70% water. Water also supports vitamin intake, aiding in efficient and healthy hair growth. Our hair grows amazingly in a moisture-rich environment, meaning simply drinking water is one of the best ways to quench the thirst of dry hair.

2. It is perfectly okay to shampoo or co-wash and condition your hair while wearing a protective style. In fact, keeping your scalp clean will help with the dirt build up and it will make you feel refreshed. In line with keeping yourself healthy, you may be working out while wearing a protective style.  The way to combat the sweat is with a handy product called Blue Ice. Blue Ice can go inside your gym bag... you just spray after your workout to keep your scalp smelling and feeling clean.  If you do decide to shampoo your hair while wearing a protective style, we recommend that once you finish shampooing and conditioning your hair, make sure your hair and braids are completely dry.

3. MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE!!! Moisturizing your natural hair and scalp is very important and can’t be stressed enough. Although your hair is protected, moisturizing is a critical part of maintaining healthy hair.

Strands of Beauty specializes in protective styles, particularly tree braids, crochet braids, correct wig installations, and sew-ins. Our motto is, " We do it right, not tight!"  Each Strands of Beauty team member believes in the philosophy of making sure each client's hair is moisturized and protected WITHOUT too-tight braiding or unnecessary pulling. Feel free to contact us with your questions about how to reach your hair goals! 

How to have the "Hair" talk with your child

The Talk::


 It is a good thing to embrace our natural hair. All of our hair is beautiful, but it is all different. How do we explain this to our children. You may have two or more children, their hair texture could be completely different. You could have one with flowy curls like the lady in photo A or have  kinky curls like the  lady in picture B.

Some styles that we give to our children they may think things like: Why cant i get my hair like that? When mommy puts my hair in a ponytail its not curly like hers? or  Mommy puts the same things in our hair but mine doesn't do that?. We have to let them know that their hair is just as a pretty as anyone else's. When we do our children's natural hair, we give them styles that are cute for their age. When they see the little girl with the super straight hair in ponytails. Just let them know that their hair is just as important  and as pretty as hers.

3 "things to do" to show off your new style in Charlotte, NC this weekend

Braid &Weave Season is officially here! Charlotte has the weather, events, and attractions that demand flawless hair. The weekend starts on Thursday, June 9th, 2016  and ends Sunday June 12,2016, when Strands of Beauty takes over The Queen City!  This time it is not just Tree Braids. The team is bringing beauty in the form of Tree Braids, Crochet Braids, Braid-less Sew-ins as well as lashes, brows and makeup!

Here are three things to do in Charlotte this weekend after your Strands of Beauty hair appointment.

1. Show of your best moves at Mint to Move. Dance the night away and swing your Tree Braids or Crotchet Braids with no worries!

2.  Flawnt your Braidless Sew-in at the  Bars &Bites South End Food Tour. This natural looking style will have everyone looking and asking how you keep your hair so healthy!

3. Go to Paint & Dine Uptown in your flattering Tree Braids with body wave hair. They supply everything, all you have to do is find the perfect outfit, you hair will already be perfect!

Call Strands of Beauty at 770.882.8156 or click here to book your appointment for Charlotte!

Strands of Beauty is not affiliated with any of the above events. We are not  receiving any advertising or monetary compensation for mentioning these events on our blog.

Braid School: Hands-on Training for Protective Braids, Weaves and Extensions

STRANDS OF BEAUTY BRAID SCHOOL

Have ever found yourself so excited and empowered after “learning” how to install a new hairstyle after watching a “how to” video online? Has that excitement led you to the nearest beauty supply store to purchase everything the nice person in the video told you to get? Have you then found yourself either frustrated in your bathroom mirror or quietly puzzled while standing behind your new “client”? At that point you give yourself the pep talk and you just go-for-it!  You start doing the style only to  realize it is not as easy as it seems or it is going to take forever.

Now, you are in a mess... if only you could contact that person's video you watched and ask a question... That nightmare is over.  The Strands of Beauty Institute provided training in a salon environment where you get training and are able to ask your questions and get feedback on your work. 

Whether you are a fashionista, diva, mom, single, married or other, we are always staying informed and even go as far as “trying to learn” how  to do these styles. Whether on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook the process of doing these styles always looks as though they are super quick and super easy.

What if you could go a class where they show you everything the video did not. A class where you can get the truth about how to install the styles properly complete with hands on help. A class that fills in the blanks, shows you how to make your work look professional, and explains how to take care of the style. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Hands on training is the most helpful and beneficial way to learn to braid, weave and install extensions.  Especially when you are learning a new technique, you want someone physically standing by to help guide you. Watching videos is a great way to introduce yourself to new techniques but if you are looking at a video you are gaining knowledge however you do not gain the skill. 

This is where Strands of Beauty fits into the puzzle.  The Braid School at Strands of Beauty offers hands-on-training on techniques such as Tree Braids, Crotchet Braids, Sew-in with lace closures, braidless sew-ins, micro links and much more.  We even offer continuing education credits on some classes. So, when you are ready to obtain knowledge AND skills visit www.strandsofbeauty.com or call us at 770.882.8156.

Happy Braiding & Weaving
-Stay Beautiful

6 Time Saving Hair Tips for the Holiday Season

 6 Time Saving Hair Tips for the Holiday Season

It all seems to come at the same time, the change in weather, the holidays, family coming  together. It’s as if you now only have 15 hours in a day instead of 24!   We understand, and are here with 6 Time Saving Hair Tips for the Holiday Season to lower your stress level and heighten your swag.

1. Select a style that is low maintenance and protective.  There are several hairstyles that are protective, meaning they do not use heat, glue or harsh friction to be installed, but above all, promote healthy hair or maintain healthy hair at the least. When selecting a protective style, keep in mind that it is a style… so you should feel stylish when wearing it.  Many of these types of styles require  LESS than 10 minutes to your hair each day.  Some styles, e.g Tree Braids, Crochet Braids and Wigs are considered “shake and go” the next morning if a proper night regimen is followed.  
2. Select a style that is promoting hair growth AND compliments your features.  We want to look pretty, flawless, like we have been in the mirror for hours at this time of year.  The best kept secret that will allow you to have that feeling without the time spent are braided extensions.  These are great because your natural hair is braided and protected while your look screams red carpet!
3. Low maintenance  means, “ easy to handle at night” and “ I do not need to be in the salon once a week”.  The best styles that provide this type of low maintenance are: Tree Braids, Crochet Braids and Sew-ins ( with nylon thread - not cotton). Other options are Full lace units and lace fronts with your natural hair braided and well moisturized underneath.  Your salon should be taking care of your natural hair while wearing a unit, meaning they should braid your hair and install the unit for you to ensure the health of your hair.  
4. Easy transition .  Holiday hair must be able to transition from dropping the kids off at school, to the office, to the grocery store, to the gym. Our best clients rave at the “get-up-and-go” lifestyle they have when wearing these protective styles.  Again, Tree Braids and Crochet Braids allow you to transition VERY WELL while looking like you just walked out of the salon.
5. Holiday hair must have you looking your best at a moment’s notice.  It is inevitable  that during the holiday season you will be visited by some unexpected guest. Imagine, lounging at home, the doorbell rings and it is someone you DO NOT want to see you in your old sweats!  These styles allow you to shake and go.  The curls remain and you look amazing.   
6. Love your Look.  Wearing a style that makes you smile is always the best option for any occasion. Your smile shining through a beautiful head of hair is priceless and the ultimate accessory you have.  Make a point, on purpose to spend some extra quality time with the people you love. Choose a style that enhances your beauty and gives you more time.

Before & After Crochet Braids by Strands of Beauty

No-Knot Part on Crochet Braids by Strands of Beauty

Before & After Lace Unit and Lash Installation by Strands of Beauty

Extra Small Tree Braids with Body Wave Hair by Strands of Beauty

Ex-Ex Small Tree Braids - Custom Technique -with Body Wave Hair by Strands of Beauty

Before & After Tree Braids with Human Hair Straight by Strands of Beauty

Before & After Tree Braids with Spanish Curl Hair by Strands of Beauty

Guess who won $300 towards a Royal Caribbean Cruise!

Who Got on Board with Beauty?

We are soooo happy to announce the winner of our 2015 Get on Board with Beauty Drawing!  Before we get to the winner, we want to say THANK YOU to all of our clients who took the time to enter.  

We were so excited to work with Royal Caribbean and Book-A-Trip-Travel to make this happen. The winner receives a $300 gift certificate toward a Royal Caribbean Cruise AND a $100 Strands of Beauty gift card.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAKIESHA T. of POWDER SPRINGS GA!

Check www.strandsofbeauty.com for upcoming events, contest, and give-a-ways !

Back to school hair

This time of year everyone is thinking about pens, pencils, and composition notebooks.  Believe it or not, along with school supplies, hair is near the top of the "must have" list or in this case "must do" list .  The "must wear list" include Tree Braids, Crochet Braids, Sew-ins  and Twist.  While we have the neon colored supply list at the door of almost every store to guide us on what to get for the school year, here is your guide for Back to school hair;

1. Classic Sew-in
This layered look is  classic and easy. This Virgin hair can last up to 3 more installs and it is timeless and easy to style.

2. Crochet Braids
This cute look is protective and fun! Can be completed with several hair types including pre-twisted hair ( see below)!

Crochet Braids with Deep Wave Hair in Color #4

Before and After Tree Braids with Body Wave Hair

Crochet Braids with Pre-twisted Senegalese Twist

We are happy to help you decide on the best Back-to-School look. Leave a comment with your questions!

Strands of Beauty

Why risk damaging your natural hair, when you can get Tree Braids or Crochets?

Hello Strands of Beauty Cuties,

THINKING ABOUT A NEW HAIR COLOR?

   By now you may either be a Protective Style veteran or still skeptical of Tree Braids and Crochets.  These styles by far, are the best option when it comes to a protective style for growing and strengthening your hair.  I have been natural for about 9 years and I grew out my relaxer and grew my hair with Tree Braids. We have hundreds of clients who have done the same with Tree Braids or Crochets.  The best part  about these styles is that you have direct access to your scalp so you can nourish your natural hair while wearing this style.

Did you know you can wear any color, texture or length with Tree Braids?  Did you know that Crochet Braids are best to give you a full "natural" look? Well, now you know!  So, if you are thinking of trying a new color so you do not have to color your natural hair think about these options.  Test it with Tree Braids or Crochet Braids in the color and length that you think you like. 

Still have questions? We also provide video, email, phone and in-person consultations.  Give us a call at 770.882.8156, email info@strandsofbeauty.com or leave a comment. 
Until next time,
Stay Beautiful,
Ethena

Tree Braids by Strands of Beauty with Human hair (light brown)

Tree Braids by Strands of Beauty in black with platinum streaks (body wave hair extra long and extra thick)

 Tree Braids  by Strands of Beauty in brown with blond ombre (body wave hair)

Crochet Braids with Marley Curls

Crochet Braids with a custom curl

Crochet Braids with Water Wave Hair

Crochet Senegalese Twist

Tree Braids with Extra Long Deep Wave Hair

Tree Braids with Body Wave Hair 1b/99j

Tree Braids with Body Wave Hair Toy- Streaks

Before & After Tree Braids with Body Wave Hair 

Partial Tree Braids