Today is the first real overcast day that Cape Town has seen in weeks and I couldn’t be more excited. If you haven’t heard, Cape Town, South Africa is in the midst of the biggest drought in history, so you can pretty much picture how I am smiling as I am writing this. Capetonians have a limit of 50 litres of water per day but in my household, we try to use less than 30 litres during the week, so that we can use a little more on frivolous things such as doing one load of washing (60 litres) and washing our hair (5 litres). The struggle has never been realer.
With Winter approaching (and hopefully loads of rain), I’ve once again been asking myself the question “Wat gaan ek met my hare doen?” (What am I going to do with my hair?)
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ve noticed that most of my hairstyles consists of styled or stretched out wash n go’s during the warmer months, and buns or scarves during the colder months. Well not anymore because I. AM. SO. OVER. THE. BUN-LIFE! This year, I have decided to venture into the unknown. I have decided that the time has come to do more intense protective styling for winter.
I am working on perfecting my twist technique (which really does suck), but right now I am mesmerized by box braids because Janet Jackson, Poetic Justice and the 90’s are a few of my favourite things.
Source: Pinterest
The thing is I have never had my hair braided to this extent before. The last time I had my hair braided was at the age of 10 by my mom, so this will definitely be a whole new experience for me and I am up for the challenge. Must admit that I am fearing for my edges and caring for the braids. Word has it that braids cause headaches and sleeping in the first few days is a nightmare. I haven’t really made up my mind yet so I thought I’d find out from you.
How are you planning on protecting your hair this winter?
Have you had your hair braided before?
What was your experience?
Which salon/stylist would you recommend in the Cape Town area?
How long did it take to get your hair braided?
If you have any other suggestions, tips or tricks for me, please leave a comment down below.
, I’m Amanda.
I am exactly in the same boat, I’ve never had my hair braided but I cannot contain the excitement just thinking about it every time.
Everyone is different, so for some you might see fantastic growth and for others perhaps the feeling of brittleness and breakage.
But hey, if we don’t try we’ll never know. The thicker the braid, the chances of breaking are slimmer.
I’m also considering braids or twists as a PS for this winter. I’ve just recently moved to CT, so this water issue has been a big worry for me, so much so that I’ve avoided my WnG for the last month that I’ve been here (but I do miss my bushy fro so much!). I’ve been putting my hair in 2 jumbo flat twists or plaits every week for now.
I’m gonna start looking out for places where I can get braids done (any suggestions???).
Have your hair braided by a professional, someone who is familiar with hair texture similar to yours. And dont be shy to tell them if they are braiding too tight.
Not ready for braids? Have your natural hair cornrowed and add an extended plait at the end. This is much saver then adding to the cornrow.
Wear headscarves,beanies and berets. Spice things up.
Most important, keep hair moisturised and don’t over manipulate it. Try to style once a week if not less.
But most of all, goodluck!