Frequently Asked Questions1. How long does my hair have to be, to be braided? Short hair (3 to 4 inches) can usually be braided into what I call a Classic hair braid style. Short, layered hair can be braided with a French technique which will tuck in all those loose ends. The thicker the hair is, the longer it must be to be braided.
2. Does it hurt to be braided? The fact is, each individual has a unique amount of pain sensors in their scalp. Some people love to have someone "play with" their hair and for others the experience is just something to "get through". I want your hair braiding experience with me to always be a pleasant one. I strive to be as gentle as possible. 3. What is the most strands you can braid? The hair is the limit. The most I have had opportunity to braid is 23 strands, in a hat style. 4. What is the longest hair you have ever braided? About 5 & 1/2 ft. 5. Can you do cornrows? I do a cornrow (Dutch) technique but "Cornrow Styles" usually take a long time to complete and are better suited for those who specialize in them. I tend to focus on hair braid styles that are better suited for caucasian hair and that can be completed in a relatively shorter period of time. 6. Will you cut my hair? No. And: Do you need a license to do that? Licensing is state regulated and varies by state. The trend is toward de-regulation in most states. 7. Do you clean those combs? My combs are disinfected between each person. I also wash my hands between each person, just like your hairdresser should. 8. What is that you are using on your hands? Hair Gel. It helps me hang onto straight, slippery, caucasian hair and it helps your braid last longer. 9. How did you learn to do this? My mother and maternal grandmother taught me when I was a child. I also had two sisters with long hair to braid for school each day. 10. Can you braid wet hair? Yes, but it is not my preference. Wet hair is harder to gather up smoothly, it breaks easier, and it takes longer. Braiding wet hair makes me feel like I am going in slow motion. 11. Should my hair be freshly washed? It is not essential but most customers want to start with clean hair so they can get the most wear out of their hair braid style. 12. Do your hands hurt after braiding all day? Other than when I was very pregnant, I have never had so much as a cramp. I attribute this to many years of milking the family cow while growing up on a farm. 13. Can you braid my XXX? Horse? Doll? Wig? Beard? Mustache? Bald head (about a hundred times a day)? The most unusual request: "Can you braid my back hair?" from a huge Viking. He was joking thank goodness. If it can be braided (or not) I have probably been asked to do it. |
Testimonials
I have discontinued selling DVDs. Outdated technology. I am leaving testimonials that include that feedback because the information is also in the books. I hope to implement newer media technology in the future.
“I am so happy with the product that I purchased a second set, this time with the “Braid Your Own Hair” set, that I will be giving to my daycare provide because she is so thrilled by your product. You do beautiful work. Thank you so much.” Melanie Ludgate-Brand; Ontario Canada
“ I’m excited to receive the DVD of your braiding techniques, since I know I learn best visually.”... I completed my first crown braid today on my friend, Moly. It was s French braid, the easiest for me, and although my technique needs some polishing I was happy to be able to actually do it, when before it just seemed so beyond me.” Michele Bouchard; Austin TX
“I received my package yesterday and I have already learned to French braid my own hair! I just love it!!! I am a mom of 3 small girls and I know I will be using your books and DVD’s for years to come!!!” Candice Ryan; Racine, MO
“This note is a belated thank you for your prompt shipping. I ordered on the 13th and had the book on the 16th.... Also, thanks for the ingenious “pincher, scissors, ringer” system. I have been able to braid for others since childhood, but could never do anything but English braids on my own head.. my arms would become exhausted while I rotate my mental image of what I was doing. ;Your system is simple and I am already making progress. A little more practice and I’ll be wearing lade braids every day!” Elizabeth; Bloomfield IN
“I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am that you provide these teachings. I love braiding and have always found it to be fun, but I need instructions for the creative stuff otherwise I just tie knots.... You are very highly recommended and I really appreciate that you are willing to teach what you know in such a highly competitive field. I just thought you would like to know that you are so well known and recommended. Thank you again” Susan Smith; Northglenn, Co
“I bought both your books, one on braiding your own hair and the other on braiding other people’s hair. I have been practicing on my own hair, and so far my favorite thing is to do the two Dutch braids, one on each side, with the ends pinned up an a chignon at the bas of the neck. I am so happy with how it looks!... Thank you so much for taking the time to document your craft in your braiding books. I am so happy to be learning this skill thanks to your carefully explained and wonderfully illustrated books. THANK YOU!” Rachel Donovan; San Francisco, CA
“It’s (Braid Your Own Hair) the best book of patterns/directions I’ve ever gotten! Your book is clear, easy to understand, encouraging, and has great illustrations.... I felt that I would be able to learn to do anything in there.... Now, I want to braid my hair every day... thank you for the great book!” Kristen Harrison: New Braunfels, TX
"The books arrived today, and look wonderfully instructive. Thank you for putting so much effort into making them clear and detailed, and for sending them so promptly. Please let me know if you plan to plan to publish more." Anna Gladstone
"Just wanted to let you know I absolutely love the book and DVD. I have had it for a few months now and am able to do a lovely crown braid and a few others. Thanks so much and keep up the wonderful work.." Kory
"Just wanted to let you know, I finally mastered the Basic French!! I can now do it in 1 swooping movement, and it holds!!! Would you believe I've been trying to do this for 20 years? I'm very happy!! Thanks so much!! Now, I'll try the more advanced braids in your DVD!!! " Renee DeBolt
"Great books! I am quite creative with my braids but didn't realize there were so many I could do myself. I never need to be bored again." Dawn Copley
“I am so happy with the product that I purchased a second set, this time with the “Braid Your Own Hair” set, that I will be giving to my daycare provide because she is so thrilled by your product. You do beautiful work. Thank you so much.” Melanie Ludgate-Brand; Ontario Canada
“ I’m excited to receive the DVD of your braiding techniques, since I know I learn best visually.”... I completed my first crown braid today on my friend, Moly. It was s French braid, the easiest for me, and although my technique needs some polishing I was happy to be able to actually do it, when before it just seemed so beyond me.” Michele Bouchard; Austin TX
“I received my package yesterday and I have already learned to French braid my own hair! I just love it!!! I am a mom of 3 small girls and I know I will be using your books and DVD’s for years to come!!!” Candice Ryan; Racine, MO
“This note is a belated thank you for your prompt shipping. I ordered on the 13th and had the book on the 16th.... Also, thanks for the ingenious “pincher, scissors, ringer” system. I have been able to braid for others since childhood, but could never do anything but English braids on my own head.. my arms would become exhausted while I rotate my mental image of what I was doing. ;Your system is simple and I am already making progress. A little more practice and I’ll be wearing lade braids every day!” Elizabeth; Bloomfield IN
“I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am that you provide these teachings. I love braiding and have always found it to be fun, but I need instructions for the creative stuff otherwise I just tie knots.... You are very highly recommended and I really appreciate that you are willing to teach what you know in such a highly competitive field. I just thought you would like to know that you are so well known and recommended. Thank you again” Susan Smith; Northglenn, Co
“I bought both your books, one on braiding your own hair and the other on braiding other people’s hair. I have been practicing on my own hair, and so far my favorite thing is to do the two Dutch braids, one on each side, with the ends pinned up an a chignon at the bas of the neck. I am so happy with how it looks!... Thank you so much for taking the time to document your craft in your braiding books. I am so happy to be learning this skill thanks to your carefully explained and wonderfully illustrated books. THANK YOU!” Rachel Donovan; San Francisco, CA
“It’s (Braid Your Own Hair) the best book of patterns/directions I’ve ever gotten! Your book is clear, easy to understand, encouraging, and has great illustrations.... I felt that I would be able to learn to do anything in there.... Now, I want to braid my hair every day... thank you for the great book!” Kristen Harrison: New Braunfels, TX
"The books arrived today, and look wonderfully instructive. Thank you for putting so much effort into making them clear and detailed, and for sending them so promptly. Please let me know if you plan to plan to publish more." Anna Gladstone
"Just wanted to let you know I absolutely love the book and DVD. I have had it for a few months now and am able to do a lovely crown braid and a few others. Thanks so much and keep up the wonderful work.." Kory
"Just wanted to let you know, I finally mastered the Basic French!! I can now do it in 1 swooping movement, and it holds!!! Would you believe I've been trying to do this for 20 years? I'm very happy!! Thanks so much!! Now, I'll try the more advanced braids in your DVD!!! " Renee DeBolt
"Great books! I am quite creative with my braids but didn't realize there were so many I could do myself. I never need to be bored again." Dawn Copley