Countdown...!

Now the countdown really begins!  Only a few more weeks until my precious babe arrives…  I’m 37 weeks pregnant and I can’t wait to meet my baby boy ♥!

While I’ve anxiously been preparing for his debut, guess what was one of the main tasks on my ‘To Do’ list?  Yep, if you know me you guessed right…doing my hair lol.

I love my natural kinky/curly hair but it’s times like this when I wish it didn’t require so much styling time.  It been my priority to ‘make’ my hair carefree so I all have to do is focus on coasting my last weeks of pregnancy and not have to deal with styling my hair post-baby.

My first choice was to install box braids with extensions but I chickened out.  I’ve braided my hair successfully with extensions before but these days I couldn’t fathom standing on my feet and having to look in the mirror to braid.  Then, I thought about going to the braid shop to get them done, but I also couldn’t see myself sitting in the salon for hours comfortably as I need to take countless potty breaks, stretch my back, walk around, eat, etc.

So, after careful consideration LOL…I decided to do mini box braids using my own hair.  I read posts and viewed Youtube videos of other naturals who’s mini box braids lasted them up to 9 weeks.  That was just the protective style I was looking for!  Since my previous mini twists lasted for almost 5 weeks, I knew the mini box braids would work for me.  Plus, I could casually braid my hair while relaxing on the sofa and watching TV as I don’t need a mirror when doing my hair sans extensions.

Due to countless breaks and working slowly, it took me a day and a half to complete the braids.  Under normal circumstances, this style would’ve probably taken me about 6 hours or so as I still take breaks when I’m in tip top condition .

How I achieved the style…

I washed my hair with Jason Aloe Vera shampoo and conditioned with a mix of ORS Replenishing Conditioner and Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa conditioner.  After washing and conditioning, I applied Giovanni leave-in conditioner as a moisturizer and sealed with coconut oil.

I then plaited my hair in large braids to air dry and stretch.  Once dry, I used Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque on each section of hair as I installed the mini braids.

Air drying & stretching to prep for mini braids

Here’s the final look…

Front and side view of mini braids (pictured w/ CS ‘Shield’ hand painted earrings

I plan for my mini braids to last up to 8 weeks.  Stay tuned for a post on how I’ll maintain the mini braids for the weeks to come!

xoxo

P.S.  Just for kicks and giggles, here’s a cell phone picture of me this week.  My how baby and I have grown!

Me at 37 weeks pregnant

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