Last week I got box braids installed for the first time ever. The style is one I have been wanting for over a year now, especially after seeing so many beautiful naturalistas with them like my girl crush Zoe Kravitz in the film Dope… *heart eyes*.
However, finding someone you can trust with your hair can also be a struggle in order to achieve exactly what we are looking for.
Thanks to my social media following, I managed to find a great London-area hair braider through a post asking my followers for recommendations for stylists and braiders who can install a protective style for you this winter, including faux locs, crochet braids, box braids, twists, and more.
Remember that you will typically spend hours with whomever is doing your hair–my install took six. Many of these braiders offer services in their homes too, so do your research and speak to them about their experience before scheduling your appointment.
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Radiant Salon London (@radiantlondonsalon“>
Radiant Salon is a very popular salon for afro-textured hair in South London. Radiant is highly recommended and trusted when it comes to protective styles like braids and weaves. View their services menu here.
Boombastic Braids (@boombasticbraids“>
Boombastic Braids is an affordable braid stylist who comes to your door with hair included to save you the additional trouble.
NiaKnowsHair @niaknowshair
NiaKnowsHair is an amazing naturalista turned blogger who has caught the eye of thousands with her amazing protective style crochet braids tutorials on Instagram and YouTube.
Devine Rootz (@devinerootz“>
You will find braids on braids on this North London-based salon’s Instagram page, which doubles for inspiration when choosing a winter style for your curls. Visit the salon website here for prices.
Silonesensei (@silonesensei“>
My amazing braider shares before and after pictures and posts video clips of the process after all of her client’s appointments.
Hair by Ebony B (@hairbyebonyb“>
Hair by Ebony B is a salon based in the north of London and specializing in all types of braids, twists and locs for special occasions. View their price list here.
Joy Darling (@joydarlinginnit“>
Joy Darling is an independent braider and stylist specializing in all hair types, Joy is not afraid to experiment with styles and color. Bring in pictures of your inspiration and she will make it happen.
Where to find a hair braider who specializes in Afro-textured hair
Use our Salon Finder and enter your city to find salons and stylists reviewed by fellow NaturallyCurly community members. Here’s a list of salons in London. You can also visit NoScrunchie.com which is a directory of salons/stylists in the UK! Just search for braids and your location and you will receive a bunch of choices catered to you.
Do you have any suggestions? Leave them in the comments below for others in the NaturallyCurly community to find!
Follow me on Instagram @UKCurlyGirl and read where to get a curly haircut in London here.