CHICO — Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia’s predominantly Black community, Gabbi Pasha remembers seeing braid shops on nearly every street corner. But being one of 10 children to a single mom, getting ...

Ashley N’Dakpri at her braiding salon in Gretna, Louisiana. Ashley N’Dakpri runs a braiding salon in Gretna, Louisiana but it’s almost impossible for her to find braiders who can work legally. Why?

Hair braiding is a beauty rite of passage for many people of color, including me. I’ve been wearing braids in my 4A hair since before I can remember, as well as adding extensions to them since around ...