Kids Braiding Guide
A Parent's Guide To Getting Your Child's Hair Braided
If you're booking a braiding appointment for your child for the first time, it's natural to have questions. How do you prep their hair? What styles work best for kids? How long will it take? How do you keep the style looking fresh at home? This guide covers everything - so you and your child feel completely prepared.
Choosing The Right Style
For younger children or first-timers, we always recommend starting simple. Cornrows are ideal - they're quick, gentle, neat, and last well. As your child gets comfortable with the process, you can move to longer or more detailed styles like box braids or knotless braids. The key is keeping the first experience positive and low-pressure.
Preparing Your Child's Hair
This is the most important thing you can do before the appointment. Have your child's hair:
Freshly washed (the day before or morning of the appointment)
Fully detangled - work through it section by section with a wide-tooth comb
Stretched or blow-dried - this makes installation much easier and reduces discomfort
The better the prep, the quicker the appointment and the more comfortable your child will be. If you're not sure how to detangle your child's hair type, message us beforehand and we'll walk you through it.
What Happens On The Day
Nikki arrives at your home at the agreed time. Your child can sit in their usual spot - in front of the TV, at the kitchen table, wherever they're most comfortable. We start with a quick chat to confirm the style and check the hair, then we get going. A parent or guardian must stay with the child throughout the entire appointment - this is non-negotiable.
Managing A Restless Child
Long appointments can be a challenge for younger children. A few things that help: have their favourite TV show or film ready, keep snacks and drinks nearby, and build in the expectation that they need to stay as still as possible when we're working. Most children settle into the process quickly once they see it's painless and the result looks good.
Aftercare For Kids' Braids
The same principles apply as for adult styles - silk or satin scarf at night, light scalp moisturising every few days, and gentle washing every 2–3 weeks. Cornrows typically last 2–4 weeks. Box braids and knotless braids can last 4–6 weeks on children depending on how active they are and how well the style is maintained.
When To Take The Style Out
Don't leave braids in too long. Matting and hair loss can occur if protective styles are left in beyond their recommended timeframe. As a rule, check the style at 4 weeks - if it's still neat, it can stay. If there's significant new growth, frizz, or matting at the roots, it's time to take it out.
Booking
Book through our online booking system. A £10 deposit secures the appointment. We serve Coventry and surrounding towns with no travel fee. A parent or guardian must be present throughout.