so… i have well over 650 microbraids (662 i think last time i counted), which i installed and retie myself because i am Literally Twenty and Don’t have the funds to have someone else do it (but we’re graduating this year and a job is on the horizon LOL). and to be frank i’ve been doing micro protective styles on myself prior to deciding to loc my hair so i was used to the time dedication, and it means i get to binge watch youtube and practice self care and break my neck every few weeks but i love it regardless.

i started in may of 2025 and had been growing out my hair for a few years up to that point, and i’m terrible at taking progress pictures but image 1 is from june 2025, post-blunt cut bangs. image 2 is august 2025 after putting off my retie for like two weeks too long and finally getting it done with. image 3 is a few weeks ago in february 2026. 

i have dense 4a hair, hence the sheer number of locs. but i truly love each and every one of them and i’m really happy with my progress so far (even if my reties take like 20 hours across multiple days but i digress💔). because my hair is so dense i decided to trim it (scary i know) and add some very very light layers and for it to act as an entrypoint to mayhaps having a not-quite wolfcut. who knows, but i have hair freedom and the world is my freaking oyster!!!

to be honest i’m a bit wish washy about maintenance—i’m a student and work and was recently diagnosed with ADHD so there are definitely times when care is lacking… but my hair has been forgiving all things considered ❤️ one of the best decisions i’ve made i can’t wait to see what it’ll look like in another 10 months

650+ DIY Microbraids