A Barnard student who puts herself first in honor of Black History Month.

Yesterday afternoon, I was scrolling on TikTok after my 4 pm nap. I am particularly afraid of the algorithm—I had just taken down my braids from winter break, and I came across a creator reviewing Elegance African Hair Braiding on 125th street. Because I was quite groggy from my nap, I thought it would be a great idea for me to book their braiding services for this morning. 

The hair shop’s site showed that they had a 9 am slot open for Bohemian Knotless Box Braids, so I prayed to the Gods of African Braiding that my service would be finished before my 4:10 pm English Literature lecture. Typically, for medium-sized braids (pictured below), I plan to be seated in the chair for five to six hours. So, I was surely cutting the clock close in booking a 9 am appointment on a day that I had a 4 pm class—especially because when getting your hair braided, you learn early on to never expect to be sat in the chair on time. 

Waking up this morning, I left my apartment with enough time to arrive at the appointment about 10 minutes early, for the rare occasion that I would get seated early (this hair shop is a 24-hour salon). 

Though the site read that my service would take just four hours, I still packed gum, a full water bottle, and a few of my favorite Made Good granola bars (nut/soy/gluten free, of course). 

While on my way, I was listening to Bobo Matjila’s philosophy podcast “Bobo’s Void”. I recommend listening to this podcast if you, too, question arbitrary social constructs such as class, race, sexuality, and gender (So yes, this podcast is great for all Barnard students). 

This African braiding shop is Black-owned, by Fatima (Tima), and is located on the second floor of 2 West 125th Street. 

Immediately after arriving at the shop, I was seated in the chair. Two lovely braiders began to part my scalp to section my hair, and the rest was history! 

Within one hour, one third of my hair was completed, and a third braider joined in on the party at the start of the second hour. I appreciated the work ethic but my scalp was, in fact, begging for mercy (This is why I stay masked-up whilst getting my hair done—I shall not let the braiders see me scrunch my face in agony). 

After three quick hours, my hair was all finished. By 12:40 pm, I was out the door and skipping around West Harlem. For any Black girl reading this, you’ll understand how lucky I was to 1) have my appointment secured within 24 hours, 2) get worked on immediately after arriving, and 3) be out of the shop in time for an afternoon nap. 

Was it a risk booking a hair appointment 15 hours beforehand? Yes. Was it a risk trying out a new braiding shop, not knowing their braiding speed knowing that I had a lecture in the afternoon? Yes. Will I do it all again in approximately four to six weeks? Yes. And do not ask me why, because I will just tell you this: This Black woman is smiling during Black History Month… so there are no regrets here!

All photos via Lauren Woodroffe