Posture posture posture...

Ladies and gentleman..

If you want to have longevity in the braiding game. Please correct your posture and stance whilst braiding.
if you continue hunching over every time you do braiding for those long hours your doing braids. You will literally give your own self, back and shoulder problems.

Braiding professionally, meaning your doing this and charging for your service on a more than occasional basis. You take pride in your work and strive to stay ahead of the game by reading my articles :) and watching for trends. Braiders who do their aunties braids once a month should should still keep reading.

If your sitting while braiding, make sure the chair you and your client is sitting on had great cushioning, is sturdy and is in the correct height placement so your level with your clients head. Make sure to sit with your back straight, use a pillow behind your back to help and always keep mindful of when your shoulders begin to curve down. Widen your legs, so your pelvis is supported. Plant your feet down on the floor and get to work. Adjust yourself from time to time. But as long as you can keep that stance, you will be better off.

Now with standing, its even more important. Because the weight of your body will affect your knees and feet also. So proper posture is golden. Stand with your legs a bit wider apart than your hips, shoulders back, hands should stay in line with your belly button. Meaning if the braids are supper long, you step back so the braids are always level with your belly button and you never hunch over. You should never bend your back and be parallel with the floor, you throw your bodys alignment off and add pressure to your front toes and your knees, So now your body is working harder not smarter.

Make sure to buy a thick mat at Bunnings or mitre 10, made out of rubber or material that is firm but with some give. Wear comfortable shoes, put insoles in your sneakers if you have to. Make sure you care for your bodys posture. You only have one body and believe me when I tell you, its not if your going to start having aches and pains, its when.