Ten Reasons Why I Love Box Braids

So for the past four weeks, I have been living in box braids, and may I just say, I freaking love them.

Here are my Top Ten Reasons Why I Love and Am Living in Box Braids:

Número Uno... I can simply wake up and go. I spend less than a minute or two styling my hair in the morning, which means I can sleep a little longer! Who doesn't want that!?!?!

Número Dos... I have multiple style options! There is never a dull moment when I rock my braids. Whether it's a simple ponytail, complex updo, or just all down, I can always switch my hairstyle with ease. Check out my other blog post for box braid style inspiration:

Creative Hairstyling Options for Box Braids

Box Braid Hairstyle Pictorial: Braided Pompadeur

Número Tres... Braids are a great protective style. I can easily moisturizer my own natural hair with sprays and leave in conditioner to ensure my hair is not being deprived while its tucked away!

Número Cuatro... The hair for box braids is fairly inexpensive. While the installation process may take some time, especially if you are doing a self-installation like me, it will all be worth it.

Número Cinco...My wash day routine is cut in half because I can easily get to my scalp to clean it. I wash my braids once a week and moisturizer my braids just like I would my own hair, but the process moves much faster.

Número Seis... My hubby loves them. Enough said!!!

Número Siete... My hair is growing like a weed!

Número Ocho... Did I mention I can leave them in my hair for 6-8 weeks? Winning all day over here!!!

Número Nueve... You can safely rock hair color when you wear box braids! I stepped outside of my normal 1B/ Off black/brown box and added a little honey blonde just for a little spice.

Número Diez... Box braids fit any setting you're in, whether it's casual, semi-casual, or professional. You can get away with box braids anywhere you go! 

Now, after reading this post, you should want box braids in the near future! Don't be surprised if you see me rocking them again before this year is over! 

Until next time,

Be faith-filled, fearless, and fabulous,

Kurly Ken

Creative Hairstyling Options for Box Braids

The title speaks for itself! Enjoy, kurlies!

     Twisted Halo

Side Tuck and Roll 

Side Ponytail 

Coined by my husband as "The Tomb Raider Braid"

Side Upsweep

Ninja Bun

Simple center part

Braided Pompadour 

"I dream of Kurly Ken" side ponytail

#yeahi'mcornylikethat;-)

Lastly, never underestimate the power of accessories.
Hats, headbands, hair clips, oh my! Have fun with them

Whatever you do to your braids, be creative and moisturize your natural hair. 

Let me know if you want to know how to achieve any of these styles. 

Box Braids: Part 2 of My Summer Regimen

Hey Kurl Fam, 

I finally installed my braids, and I am loving them! When I was growing up and even as a young adult, my staple hair style was braids. I wore braids so much people called me Brandy! I always kept a fresh set of individuals or micro braids! Fortunately, I learned how to braid my own hair so I never went broke with my braiding session. For my box braids, I installed them myself, and I'm pretty happy about them. My hair can rest for at least a month. 

To install them, I pre-pooed with a mixture of coconut oil/honey, clarified my hair with baking soda/water mix, and deep conditioned with Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise. I let my hair air dry and used my signature products for the braiding process, which included my hair cream, aloe/water spray, hair clamps, and a hair band. I used five bags of kanekolan hair from the beauty supply for $2.99. 

The installation process took several days! My schedule was very hectic, as I was taking final exams and concluding class projects. I braided my hair over a total of four days, doing a little each day. I literally studied and braided, which led to a series of late nights and early mornings. 

I was so sick of braiding! Peep that facial expression! On this picture, my hair looks completed, but there was a giant patch if my natural hair still incomplete in the center. I always braid the perimeter first and then I do the insides last.

When I finished, I was so relieved. My hands, on the other hand, were a cramped mess! These braids are super long and took longer to do. For my regimen, I'll shampoo them every two weeks with V05. Nothing fancy! I'll spray my braids with my aloe/water spray mixture, specifically concentrating on the part of the braids where my natural hair is located. Then I'll apply my homemade moisturizing cream, again concentrating the application in where my natural hair is. Every other day, or as necessary, I plan on spraying and moisturizing my hair. That's it! Easy peasy! I plan on doing a post with some hairstyles for my braids!  

Until next time...

Be faith-filled, fearless, and fabulous,

Kurly Ken