BRAIDING JOURNAL — April 6, 2025
Dora African Hair Braiding | Madison, WI
Style: Small Knotless Box Braids | Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This morning kicked off strong with a client who came in at 8:00 AM sharp, full of great energy and ready for a new look. She requested small knotless box braids with color, something light and stylish but still protective and easy to manage. We decided on a rich color blend using #30, #33, and #350, a beautiful mix of copper, auburn, and golden brown that looked absolutely radiant against her skin.
As I worked through the parting, it was clear this style was going to be special. The grid pattern was precise—clean, even rows that laid the perfect foundation for a flawless knotless install. The knotless technique allowed the braids to flow naturally from her scalp, creating a soft, tension-free finish that was both comfortable and elegant.
What really stood out was the way the color popped on her. In both the photos and video, you can see how the warm tones of the hair bring out the golden undertones in her skin. The blend wasn’t flat—it had life and dimension. Every braid shimmered slightly as it caught the light, and her complexion just glowed. From the video, you can tell she felt it too. She turned side to side slowly, admiring the length, checking the parting, brushing her fingers along the braids and smiling wide. That quiet moment of self-admiration says everything.
The video captured every angle—tight, neat parts from the crown to the nape, uniform sizing, and silky, freshly-dipped ends that swung effortlessly with every move. The work was clean. The installation had volume without bulk, and the braids moved with natural flow. The photos we took afterward brought out all the detail—the grid precision at the top, the healthy shine of the hair, and that confident look in her eyes that every stylist loves to see.
We wrapped up right at 12:00 PM—a full transformation in just four hours. I used about 5–6 packs of X-Pression pre-stretched braiding hair, giving her a mid-back length finish that’s perfect for everyday wear but still bold enough to turn heads. She left glowing, swinging her braids and saying, “This might be my favorite one yet.”
To maintain the look, she’ll wrap her hair in a satin scarf or bonnet at night, lightly oil the scalp 2–3 times a week, and refresh with braid spray or mousse as needed. This install will stay fresh for 4–6 weeks, maybe longer with touch-ups around the edges.
This style was a reminder of why we do what we do—not just to braid, but to make women feel powerful and beautiful. Another crown installed. Another queen beaming. All in a day’s work at Dora African Hair Braiding, Madison, WI.