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Braids, twists and natural styles in White Plains, NY
Protective styles that are gentle on your edges.
Cornrows, two-strand twists, Bantu knots, crochet braids and interlocks, crafted to your style and done with the health of your hair and scalp in mind, not just the look of the day.
The style is not the problem. Tension is.
Braids, twists and locs can protect natural hair. What damages edges is pulling. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that styles pulled too tight can cause traction alopecia, and lists the warning signs: pain, stinging, crusts and little tents of skin where the hair is pulled.
I also care for clients with thinning and hair loss, so I braid with your hairline in mind. If a style hurts, it is too tight. Tell me, and I fix it before you leave. Already worried about your edges? See hair loss and scalp care.
Natural styles, crafted to suit you.
Cornrows
A timeless style with centuries of African heritage behind it: hair braided in neat rows close to the scalp, from classic straight-backs to creative designs.
Two-strand twists
Two sections of hair twisted around each other for a defined, textured look, casual for every day or styled up for an occasion.
Double twists
An intricate dual-strand twist that adds texture and depth, low maintenance and easy to wear.
Bantu knots
Hair sectioned into small, coiled knots close to the scalp. A striking style that honors tradition, worn bold or understated.
Crochet braids
Pre-braided extensions attached to your natural hair with a crochet needle, for a seamless look from natural to bold.
Interlocks and starting locs
Ready to loc? Interlocks and traditional locs start here. See Sisterlocks and locs.
From consultation to care at home.
Consultation
I ask about the style you want, the condition of your hair and scalp, and how long you plan to wear it.
Your style
Crafted to your preferences, with the tension kept off your edges.
Maintenance
Care recommendations so your style stays fresh and comfortable, and your scalp stays healthy underneath it.
How long to wear it: the American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing braids for no longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Scalp itching or flaking under your style? See scalp care for itchy and irritated scalps.
Braids and natural styles FAQ
How long should I keep my braids in?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends no longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Leaving braids in longer adds stress at the root, especially around the hairline.
Will braids or cornrows damage my edges?
Not when they are done without too much tension. Pain, stinging, crusts or little tents of skin at the root mean a style is too tight. Speak up, because it is easier to loosen a style than to deal with thinning edges later.
What is the difference between two-strand twists and Bantu knots?
Two-strand twists wrap two sections of hair around each other for a defined, textured finish. Bantu knots coil small sections into knots close to the scalp. Both are natural styles. Which one suits you depends on the look you want and how long you plan to wear it.
Are crochet braids good if my hair is thinning?
It depends on where and why your hair is thinning. Book a scalp assessment first so I can recommend a style that does not add tension where your hair cannot afford it.
Can I go from twists or braids to locs?
Yes. Interlocks and traditional locs are both ways to start. See Sisterlocks and locs, or book a consultation to talk it through.
My scalp itches under my braids. What should I do?
Some itching can come from buildup or a dry scalp, but it should not be ignored. A scalp care session cannot be done with braids in, so they have to be taken down first. Book a scalp assessment and see scalp care for itchy and irritated scalps.
