Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, long or short, keeping your mane tamed can break the bank and eat up your free time! But for some, the price and effort to ensure your tresses stay in check is worth it. That’s why we’re introducing this brand new series to spotlight our readers’ coolest ‘dos. Do you pay a pretty penny or do you know how to handle your hair with frugality? Send your submissions to [email protected] for a chance to break down the cost of your coif. 

NAME: Lanish Alston

SIGNATURE STYLE: Small single box braids with Freetress Deep Twist Hair

OCCUPATION/PASSION PROJECT: Senior Case Manager for Strong Father, Stronger Families Program in Bronx, NY

PRICE TAG: $140 every other month

HOW DO YOU WEAR AND CARE FOR YOUR HAIR BETWEEN BRAIDS?

When I do not have my braids, I wash my hair and let it air-dry into an Afro. I moisturize it with coconut oil and/or coconut hair grease. I also cut off any split ends.

WHY ARE BRAIDS YOUR GO-TO STYLE?

Single braids are my go-to style, because it’s flexible. I can wash and style the way I want. I choose Freetress Deep Wave Hair, because I think the curls compliment my eyes, and when I wash my hair, the curls remain. It is a very curly, carefree hairstyle to maintain. Freetress synthetic hair is inexpensive as well. It ranges from $4.99- $7.99 depending on the color I choose.

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR BRAIDS?

I can style my hair many ways. For example, at work, I wear it down with a part in the middle or pulled back with a clip for a more polished look. My casual style would be my hair pulled up in a bun with my shaved sides exposed giving me the faux hawk, punk look. For formal occasions, I wear my hair down, hanging off my shoulders, or if I want to look avant-garde, I put my hair up in a twist bun in the center of my head showing my faux hawk.

WHAT PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES DO YOU USE TO CARE FOR YOUR BRAIDS?

I use Olive Oil Hair Polish to keep the shine and Suave Keratin Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner {C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}to wash and keep my natural hair underneath soft. I wrap it at night with a hair cap and take it off and go in the morning.

HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY FOR YOUR BRAIDS? 

I usually keep my braids in for a month or month and a half. The cost of this style is a total of $140 including the hair.

Follow Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond on Instagram at @nanaekuawriter.