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: William’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,” CEO of Iman Yvonne Beauty, 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 is 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.
