I have had the left side of my head and undercut shaved for about a decade now. I love the style, but I’ve really wanted to grow out that side for awhile now. The only issue is that I hate the “awkward growth phase” because it’s too short to straighten, but too long to smooth down completely even with strong pomade. I’m not planning to grow out the undercut, just the left side of my head.

My hair stylist said that I have spiral curls and they are in the 3A-3C category. Frizz is definitely an issue.

I have literally 0 knowledge about braids. I do plan to go to an African American stylist to get it done. My goal is to grow out my left side enough that I can do a female mullet.

So, here are my questions:

1. How long do I need to grow the side out to get braids put in?

2. How long do I go between getting them rebraided?

3. How do I find a “good braider”? What are things I should ask/look for?

4. For a left side to be braided, how much am I looking at paying? I have no problem with paying good money when it comes to my hair and I’m extremely loyal to my stylists when I find one I love. I don’t want to get swindled just because I’m naive and clueless (kinda like how my grandma keeps getting swindled into paying for things that aren’t necessary every time she goes to get the oil changed).

5. This is probably more of a personal thing, but will I be judged for getting braids even though I’m not African American? I’m Filipino and Italian but look white or Latina depending on what people have been around more. I don’t want to disrespect anyone.

6. I’ve asked all of my African American friends already, but none of them have been able to recommend me a braider.. i love to support small businesses, so I’d prefer to find a small business- what is the best recourse of finding one? Would posting on next door app or our local fb pages be good? Or should I just go to a salon?

Basically, any words of advice you can give me about this would be so appreciated. I literally didn’t know where else to ask.