Braided & Laid
From Dallas to London.
Black women are the furthest thing from a monolith.
Keep reading for their hair care journeys.
Lagos, Nigeria: Chidimma Nwankwo
How would you describe the natural hair community in Nigeria?
We never coined a name for it like protective styles because that was really all we knew as kids.
How do you preserve your styles?
My two go-to’s are knotless braids and wigs.
I also sleep withsilk pillowcasesat night.
This saves the day when my bonnet falls off while I am sleeping.
How much is the monthly maintenance of your hair?
Im in the salon at least twice a month.
This costs me 25,000 ($30 USD).
In total, thats $80 a month when I’m wearing braids.
During a month when Im getting a new wig, the cost is usually eight times that.
My hair budget varies a lot based on my mood and travel plans.
Is there a specific product you’ve got the option to’t live without?
I loveKinky-Curly Knot Today.
It’s been my go-to styling and detangling product for over a decade now.
I’d say it’s thriving.
Which particular look would you consider your style of choice?
Right now it’s between cornrows and knotless mermaid braids.
I also love having dramatic, extra-long cornrows to make it more editorial.
Is there any product(s) for your braids that you absolutely swear by?
Easily myGot2Be Glued Hairspray, theEbin 24-Hour Edge Tamer, and myVigorol Mousse.
They keep my braids looking fresher for longer.
With so many Black women now moving to Mexico City, the community is slowly growing.
Since its inception, Black women have been able to post requests for products and stylists within the chat.
Before cutting my hair, my go-to style was waist-length knotless braids.
I loved the versatility and how creative I could be with the braid colors.
It’s the perfect low-maintenance hairstyle for an avid traveler like myself.
How much is the monthly maintenance of your hair?
Do you have a trusted stylist?
Outside of that service, my monthly maintenance has been relatively low.
Is there a product(s) that you swear by?
I really only use about two to three products in my hair outside of my shampoo and conditioner.
I also swear byUncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulatorto achieve my most popping curls.
Dallas, Texas: Kyra Henry
How would you describe the natural hair community in Dallas?
I would say the natural hair community in Texas is very prevalent.
How long does a wash day take for you?
How often do you trim your hair?
Do you do it or get it done professionally?
Before moving to Texas, I trimmed my own hair and did it once every three months.
Is there a particular product(s) that you swear by?
London, England: Samira Amalia
How would you describe the natural hair community in London?
I really didn’t understand the importance of community in beauty until this spot opened.
Definitelybox braids, and goddess box braids when I have the patience to sit for a couple of days.
They’re easy to maintain and look great for months.
that makes blowing out my hair so easy.
How important is having a trusted/consistent stylist to you?
I’m also sitting for a long time, so it has to be someone I’m comfortable with.
If my girls aren’t available I hit up the group chats for recommendations.
The natural hair community in college sports is huge.
Since we are constantly sweating, we need styles that we are able to wear on a day-to-day basis.
Which particular look is your style of choice?
I can always count on my slicked-back bun or ponytail to get the job done.
It shows all of my features while keeping everything in place during my games.
How do you prioritize the maintenance of your hair despite having to be so physically active?
Since hydration is key, I live for a goodhair mask.
This ensures that my hair stays healthy regardless of the sweating and consistent hair washing.
Is there any product(s) for your curls that you absolutely swear by?
Bermuda: Leah Mills
How would you describe the natural hair community in Bermuda?
A wash day for me takes about four to five hours depending on the style of wash and go.
I get my hair trimmed professionally more often in the winter months than in the summer.
This is because I’d get it pressed out, which requires a clean cut.
During the summer, I wear it curly so I do curly cuts like thewolf cuton myself with shears.
Paris, France: Fatou Ndiaye
How would you describe the natural hair community in Paris?
Where do you find inspiration for your next style?
My hairstyle inspirations often come from my mother’s photo albums.
I reproduce the hairstyles that she, her sisters, and her mother wore in Nigeria.
I find that the ancestral African hairstyles were magnificent.
How much is the monthly maintenance of your hair in Paris?
Do you have a trusted stylist?
I go once a month to my hairdresserGilles Boldronand his eponymous hair salon.
It costs me 100 euros.
Otherwise, in terms of hair product expenses, it costs me 60 euros every two months.
My favorite product isLes Secrets de Loly Moisturizing Smoothie Vanilla Ylang Hair Milk.
