Braid Etiquette: What it is?

Braid etiquette is when you (the braider) asks what braided style you want, does it precisely as requested and the client loves it. The main goal is to make the client happy, so asking questions is great. How long do you want the braids, is the tension too much or okay for your scalp, is this size good for you? All these questions & more should be asked before, during, and after you have completed their hair. A lot of people will bring a picture or magazine of different braided styles so you can see what they want. I've had clients actually make up something as I go along braiding their hair. As a "perfectionist", I always give my first opinion of something. If I think it looks funny or bad, I will tell them and if they say, just keep going or that they think it looks good, I do; but I'm not happy with my work even if they are. Over the years, I have learned a lot about braiding hair: first braids last a long time as long as you take care of them, and are done neatly; secondly, moisture is great for braids! and lastly, braids promote growth.

Here are a few more questions to help you acheive client satisfaction to the fullest!

• What is the desired style/look that you want?
• What type of hair did you want to use?
• Do you have a picture of this style or a similar style?
• How long do you want the braids to be?
• Am I braiding too tight?

And here are some questions your client may ask:

• Can you acheive this style just like in this picture?
• What type of hair do you recommend we use?
• What should I use to moisturize my hair daily?
• Can I wash these braids?
• What do you recommend to wash & condition this style?
• How long will this style last?
• What should I use to protect this style while sleeping?

I hope this helps someone!!! Leave comments, questions, etc. Thanks for checking me out!

Braiding Hair

Braiding hair is a international thing, people of all races braid hair or get their hair braided.

As a braider, I think braiding hair is wonderful. It's so hard for a good braider to be deemed the greatest. I don't think I'm the greatest, but I don't think I'm the worst. I'm more of the less is more type of braider; I like simple yet classic styles when it comes to my braids. Some people may say I suck just because I do simple braids compared to the millions of designs & styles I could possibly do instead. I think that if the braids are neat, styled to fit the person's facial features, and exactly what the person wants; in their eyes, I'm probably a great braider.

During my time braiding hair, I've ran into 3 types of customers who want braids: Customer 1: just wants something simple, neat, and worry-free. Customer 2: wants something a little more detailed, neat, and still worry-free. And Customer 3: wants something EXTRAVAGANT and neat. With Customer 1 it is very easy to please them. I would give them a idea of what I think is simple & neat and run with it. Customers 2 & 3 are a little bit harder since more than likely they both have their own idea of what they want & want my opinion of their idea. Some people already know how it should turn out and then others, have no clue what it will look like even at the half way point. Customers 2 & 3 may just want something out of the ordinary, but have no idea of what they want it to be. I would give them both a braid book and let them choose what they may want.

This is for any type of braids: micros, box braids, cornrows, kinky twists, etc. People just want their hair to look good.

What type of customer are you? Leave your comments!