Braid Hair Make More Beauty

Braids are more than just a hairstyle to Seynabou Seck. They are art, a way of life.

She braided her first head of hair at the age of 13 in her native country of Senegal and has never tired of her childhood passion.

Three and a half years ago, Seck opened Khady's African Hair Braiding Salon on McFarland Boulevard to share her native tradition with the Tuscaloosa community.

She admits braiding day after day can be monotonous. One must be passionate to take on the profession.

"If you don't like [braiding], then don't do it," she said.

During the past 10 years, braids have saturated the hair world.

Braids come in many forms, shapes and sizes. Cornrows, dreadlocks, micro braids and twists are the most popular braiding techniques.

In recent years, Grammy award/swinning recording artist Alicia Keys and NBA star Allen Iverson catapulted braids into the mainstream with innovative styles.

Seck said micro braids, generally referred to as micros, are the most popular style requested by clients. Micros involve incorporating hair extensions with natural hair to create the illusion of long flowing locks.

Depending on the length of the braid, micros range from $210 to $260.

Carol Thomas said $260 is worth the benefits of having micros.

She gets her hair braided three to four times a year when she tires of the daily upkeep of her own naturally wavy locks.

"When I have a little extra money to spend, it's worth it," she said.

Time can be an excruciating factor for braiding clients. Depending on the style, clients could be in the salon chair anywhere from 45 minutes to nine hours, the end result being a hairstyle lasting two to three months.

In order for the braids to last that long, stylists must braid the hair tightly. And that can create throbbing head pain.

Braids that are done too tightly also can lead to hair breakage and the formation of tiny bumps around hair edges.

Seck said many clients are prepared for the long hours and lack of comfort. They come equipped with thick novels, magazines, pocket game consoles and aspirin. Some clients manage to sneak in a nap.

Sharanda Correll of Gordo is in the midst of opening her braid shop, Divine Designs.

She said there are times when clients catch attitudes during the braiding process, but most know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"Sometimes people get tired and they come back in the morning to finish," Correll said. "Somebody has got to do this, because [black hair] is so tedious."

Correll has braided hair since she was 5 years old. One of seven children, she honed her skills on the heads of her siblings and believes her ability to braid is a blessing.

"I believe it's in my roots," she said.

Correll's daughter, 5-year old Najzhae, is following in her mother's footsteps. Najzhae braided her first cornrows on a mannequin this summer.

Correll said despite the inconveniences, braiding is a long standing tradition.

"Braids are deep."

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