Guess what I did?!

I braided my own hair!!!  I am quite proud of myself.  I learned how to braid via YouTube (of course).  Special shout-outs to all of the YTers who helped me accomplish such a feat: Truestorydotlife, AkiyiaKelly, and PureBrownSugar3380.  These ladies were amazingly helpful to me.  Check these ladies out!!! 

I still have a lot of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself.  I was aiming for the Poetic Justice box braid look and size.  I used 7 packs of hair, they are extremely long (waist length) and I didn't cut the weft.  It took me four days to braid my hair; between work, school, and events I really didn't have a lot of time to braid in one setting.  I braided the back first, three or four rows, the sides, and the front and wore it pinned up until I finished.  The first after picture shows my hair unfinished and pinned up actually.  I really like wearing braids because it takes a lot of stress out of coping with the two textures of my hair; relaxed and natural.  And braids are a protective style, so it also takes the stress off of my hair.  I see lots of new growth already and it's only been three weeks!  My goal is 6 weeks.  I've been researching over the web and most people say braids can be worn between 4-8 weeks without matting or locking, but if I can wear it for longer I will--as long as they look neat, of course. 

Remember to keep your hair well moisturized, and your scalp clean!  Water is a great moisturizer, and it's 100% natural!!!  ; )
I also use a blend of oils: tea tree, carrot, vitamin E, Coconut, and Olive oils.  Use whatever works well for your hair.  For the itching I use Sulfur8 braid spray.

BEFOREs

AFTERs