Braid Care Answers

How are braiders charged on Braidz IQ, and what are the tier plans?

Braiders choose a monthly plan (Free, Pro $29/mo, or Elite $79/mo) and pay a small platform fee only when Braidz IQ introduces a brand-new client. Customers pay braiders directly; Braidz IQ never holds the service payment.

What is Braidz IQ?

Braidz IQ is the trusted marketplace that matches you with verified professional hair braiders and gives you AI-powered braid care from booking through takedown.

Is Braidz IQ free to use?

Yes — Braidz IQ is free for clients. You only pay your braider's service price plus a small platform fee on the deposit when you book.

How does Braidz IQ verify braiders?

Every braider on Braidz IQ completes a 5-step onboarding with ID check, portfolio review, location verification, and policy disclosure before they can accept bookings.

How do I cancel a booking?

Open the booking in the Bookings tab and tap Cancel. If you cancel outside the braider's free-cancel window, the deposit is forfeited per their stated policy.

How much do box braids cost?

Box braids typically cost 150 to 450 USD in the US. Price depends on braid size, length, your city, and the braider's experience tier — knotless and waist-length installs trend higher.

How long do knotless braids take to install?

Knotless braids take 6 to 10 hours on average — small braids and longer lengths trend higher, jumbo or shoulder-length installs trend lower.

What is the difference between knotless and box braids?

Box braids start with a small knot at the scalp; knotless braids feed in extension hair gradually so there's no knot. Knotless are flatter, lighter, and gentler on the hairline.

What are knotless braids?

Knotless braids are a feed-in box braid style with no visible knot at the root — the braider gradually adds extension hair as they braid, creating a flatter, gentler look.

What are boho braids?

Boho braids are knotless braids with curly hair left out along the length of each braid, creating a soft, beachy, free-spirited look.

What are Fulani braids?

Fulani braids are a traditional West African style featuring a center cornrow, side braids that curve along the hairline, and braided accessories like beads and cuffs.

How do I find a good braider near me?

Search your city on Braidz IQ, filter by the style you want, and rank by match score — which combines style fit, signature work, proximity, availability, and review quality.

How much hair do I need for box braids?

Most box braid installs need 6 to 10 packs of braiding hair. Smaller braids, longer lengths, and thicker natural hair push you toward the higher end.

What is the best hair for braids?

For most box and knotless braids, pre-stretched Kanekalon (Xpression, Outre, RastAfri) is the industry standard. For boho or goddess styles, use a water-wave human-blend curly hair.

How do I prep my hair for braids?

Wash, deep-condition, and blow-dry your hair stretched within 24 to 48 hours of your appointment. Skip heavy oils and butters the day of — clean, detangled, fully dry hair is the goal.

How long do box braids last?

Box braids last 6 to 8 weeks on average. With diligent night-time care and weekly washes, knotted installs can stretch to 10 weeks before takedown is recommended.

How do you wash braids without frizz?

Dilute sulfate-free shampoo in a squeeze bottle, apply only to the scalp, rinse in the direction of the braids with cool water, and dry under low heat until fully dry to prevent frizz.

How should you sleep with braids?

Always sleep in a satin or silk bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. For long braids, loosely loop them on top of your head or in a low pineapple to avoid root tension.

Do braids damage your hair?

Braids don't damage hair on their own — installation tension, neglected aftercare, and back-to-back installs do. Properly installed and cared-for braids are a true protective style.

How do I relieve tight braids?

If braids feel painful within 24 hours, mist roots with water and leave-in spray, gently massage the scalp, and sleep with a loose satin scarf. If pain or bumps persist past 48 hours, ask your braider to loosen the worst braids.

Can I wash my braids in the first week?

It's safer to wait 5 to 7 days before the first wash so the braids set. After that, wash every 1 to 2 weeks with diluted shampoo applied directly to the scalp.

How do I refresh old braids?

Refresh tired braids by washing the scalp, redoing the front 2 to 3 braids and edges, dipping the ends in hot water, and finishing with a light oil and edge gel.

How do I take down braids without breakage?

Detangle braids one at a time with a wide-tooth comb, conditioner, and patience. Work from the ends to the roots, never rip, and deep-condition before re-washing.

How much should I tip a braider?

Tipping a braider 15 to 25% of the service price is standard in the US. Tip in cash when you can, and always tip extra for long sessions, custom designs, or working through your meal break.

What should I bring to a braiding appointment?

Bring your braiding hair (confirm the brand and pack count), water and snacks, a portable charger, headphones, a satin scarf, and a loose button-up top to wear home.

What is a protective style?

A protective style tucks away the fragile ends of your hair to reduce breakage, manipulation, and weather exposure — letting your hair retain length. Braids, twists, locs, wigs, and sew-ins are all protective styles when installed and worn correctly.

How do I become a professional braider?

Train under a working braider or accredited braiding school, build a 20+ photo portfolio, comply with your state's licensing rules, and set up bookings, deposits, and policies before opening to clients.

Do braiders need a license?

Licensing rules vary by US state. Some require a full cosmetology license, others a natural-hair stylist certificate, and a growing number (including California, Texas, and Florida for natural hairstyling) have no license requirement.

How should I price my braiding services?

Price by total install time times your target hourly rate, plus materials, plus a complexity premium. Most established braiders charge 40 to 90 USD per hour effective rate; signature styles and waist-length installs carry a 15 to 30% premium.