9 Women Share What They Love About Their Braids

Black women showed up and showed out at the fifth annual Curly Girl Collective’s Curlfest! All of the shiny kinks, coconut oil coated coils, and freshly untwisted strands were on display in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Saturday, but they weren’t alone. Sisters sported box braids and cornrows to the event reminding us that the natural hair movement is about much more than curl patterns and flexirods. We asked everyday women to share with Madame Noire what exactly they loved about their braided hairstyles. See what they had to say below.

Denequa Williams @litbklyn

“I love my braids because I love the versatility of being a Black woman and just switching shit up whenever I need to.”

Courtney Danielle @curlsandcouture

“I love that they’re so easy. I think they’re just beautiful. I love the color of them!”

Gia Lowe @gia.lo

“I love everything about my braids I love how they swing I love how regal they look. I love how easy and effortless they make me feel. I can just wake up like this. I love everything about it.”

DJ Fab Roc @fab_roc_

“It’s hot and humid and they keep my hair out of my face. The thing with headphones as a DJ is that they’re not good for curly hair! Your hair is all over the place! So they kind of keep it together and they’re cute. It looks good.”

Shaddah Thompson @shaddah_elyse

“My braids are unique: they’re called knotless box braids and I love the fact that I don’t have a knot at my root and it starts with my natural hair. I’ve been wearing braids for years now.”

Deandra Simon @comeupdee

“It’s a very cute protective style that I can manipulate in any that I want, and I don’t have to worry about the everyday maintaining of my hair. It gives me versatility and a new look whenever I want.”

Nikenya Hall @nhallmhr

“It’s great for the summer. My scalp can be out, it can breathe. It’s versatility, they can be up and down they can be professional, they can be sexy, they can be chic. That’s why I love my braids!”