TropixBraids, Contact for location; 347-866-0063; tropixbraids.as.me
The latest evolution of box braids are boho braids, which feature curly tendrils sprouting from the plait to give the wearer an ethereal, not-quite-a-sew-in-but-still-wet-and-wavy look. They aren’t easy to get right, but Shanna St. Cyr of TropixBraids has made them her signature (from $400). Braider to a cadre of beauty editors and writers — EveryStylishGirl founder Nana Agyemang is a client along with Vogue editor Naomi Elizée, who heard about her from Essence senior fashion editor Devine Blacksher — she’s beloved for her neat braids and ability to take an inspiration photo and make it her own. “She adds a little fun and variation to match your personality,” says Elizée. Blacksher, who has been going to St. Cyr for six years, agrees. When St. Cyr first did her hair back in 2017, she hadn’t gotten braids since high school, and didn’t know exactly what to get. St. Cyr helped her figure out the right hair, style, and size to accommodate her one request: “Everything has to fit under this bucket hat.” She started with box braids, but in the years since, Blacksher has had everything from cornrows to feed-ins to Bantu knots and eventually those boho braids. “I got them for my birthday trip to Brazil last year and was diving in the ocean with them and they still looked good after,” she says — unusual for a style that can shed and get messy after a week or two of wear. She kept hers in for a month.
Shanna St. Cyr, owner of Tropixbraids
Illustration: Pete Gamlen
You ask clients to bring a specific brand of hair called Ruwa. Why?
I look for a lot of things when it comes to braiding hair. Is it light? Will it frizz after dipping it in hot water? Ruwa is my go-to. It’s lightweight, it stays smooth after being dipped, and it just looks good. It’s also anti-itch, which is important for my clients with allergies.
Is there a brand that’s completely allergen free?
For clients who have really bad allergies, I recommend cleansing the hair before putting it in — dip the hair in warm water with a little apple-cider vinegar and let it dry. That way, you break down some of the chemicals that are on the hair.
Do you only work with synthetic hair?
No. For clients who prefer human hair, I use it. It blends in well with your natural hair, you won’t have a problem with itching, you can wash and reuse it, and it gives a more natural look. But I do think using synthetic hair makes sense: It’s less expensive, and you get longer strands than with human hair.
You ask that clients come alone. Why is that?
I love a one-on-one session. As women, when we’re able to get a service done, we want to be able to relax, just sit in that moment. And for me, braiding is not just a service. I get to talk to women, mentor women, and it becomes an experience. There’s no distraction. I have moms that are sometimes like, “Hey, is it possible to bring my child? I don’t have someone to babysit.” I make exceptions for that.
Any advice for someone coming in for the first time?
Know what you want. That’s most important.
— Katie Arnold-Ratliff
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