Serena Williams Is Proof: Pre-Baby Braids Are Stylish and Functional
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On Aug. 22, Serena Williams welcomed another addition to her family and announced the good news on Instagram. "Adira River Ohanian 😍❤️," she captioned a photo of her family, with her husband and daughter beaming beside her.
Celebrations aside, there is one thing about the picture that stood out: Williams's box-braids hairstyle. The Olympian opted for blond, hip-length goddess braids for her delivery look, underscoring a long-standing trend in the Black community: pre-baby braids.
In the weeks leading up to giving birth, it's not uncommon for Black people to get their hair braided in some form, as it is an easy hairstyle for labor and delivery. From traditional box braids to cornrows, the looks are equal parts stylish and functional — the formula for the perfect protective style.
"People often wear [these styles] for the look, but mostly for convenience," Iman Yvonne Beauty CEO Alicia Bailey previously told POPSUGAR. "Box braids allow you to give your natural hair a rest from day-to-day styling and manipulation. Some like to get them done to go on vacation, and others find them to be a hassle-free option when they've just had a child."
The best part about pre-baby braids? The options are endless, and there's a style out there to suit all of your needs. A rule of thumb to keep in mind is the smaller the braids, the less quickly they will get fuzzy, so if you plan to keep them in for a long time, small to medium sizes are your best bet. The world is your oyster. Read ahead for some ideas on styles you may want to consider before welcoming a little bundle of joy into the world.
Easy Labor and Delivery Braids Ideas: Knotless Braids
For a style that is simple yet striking, opt for these knotless braids with curled ends.
Easy Labor and Delivery Braids Ideas: Cornrow Braids
If you don't want a full head of single braids, opt for half of your hair to be cornrowed in a fun design like the one seen here, with braids in the back.
Easy Labor and Delivery Braids Ideas: Colorful Knotless Braids
Who says pre-baby braids can't be fun? If you want to step up your post-partum look, get your braids in an eye-catching color like this beautiful platinum hue.
Easy Labor and Delivery Braids Ideas: Cornrows and Twists
A fun variation of the braided hairstyle trend is cornrow twists, which feature normal cornrows in the front and chunky twists in the back.
Easy Labor and Delivery Braids Ideas: Short Goddess Braids
Let's face it: long hair can be a hassle. That's why you may want to consider short goddess braids for your pre-baby style.
Easy Labor and Delivery Braids Ideas: Cornrow Sew-Ins
If you want your hair braided down to keep it out of your face while still having fun with the look, cornrow sew-ins are a trending style that can last you quite a few weeks.