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Mom Braids Unbelievably Intricate Hairstyles Every Morning Before School
My name is Shelley Gifford from Melbourne, Australia and I have a beautiful little daughter named Grace.
Growing up I always loved braiding, I would take any chance I could get to braid family and friends hair. At the time though I only ever knew how to French and Dutch braid, I wasn’t aware that so many other extensive braids existed.
It was in April 2014 that I discovered a world of braiding on Social Media. I found accounts that were solely set up to show hairstyles that mums had created on their daughters. I loved what I saw and it was then that I started my own Facebook and Instagram braiding accounts. I started following other hair and braiding accounts: asking questions and continuously watching video tutorials. I also attended braiding and up-do workshops. I just love learning new styles and advancing my skills. I’m hair obsessed. I’m always challenging myself to create something new and unique.
Our lives are so busy with school and after school activities that I love that morning time where we are all together as a family. George is never far from our side when I am braiding and occasionally, if I’m lucky, hubby will make the coffees. It’s nice to have that time to bond as a family in the mornings before the mad rush of the day starts.
More info: Facebook | Instagram
Growing up I always loved braiding, I would take any chance I could get to braid family and friends hair
And that’s when I’ve started braiding my daughter Grace’s hair
I braid Grace’s hair most days and take the photo of the style in the morning before Grace leaves for school
I only have approx 15-20 minutes on a school morning so if it can’t be done in this time I leave it for weekend
Grace is fantastic, I’ve been styling her hair since she was a toddler so she doesn’t know any different
It’s her quiet time for TV after she is ready for school so she is more than happy to sit there
I love doing something that I’m so passionate about and that Grace gets to be a part of it
She’s sweet, affectionate and beautiful little girl. Grace is everyone’s friend
Grace’s hair is certainly noticed by a lot of people at school, dance and her other activities
Everyone’s feedback to Grace’s hair is fantastic
We’ve had people approach us in streets saying I know that girl, based solely on her having an unusual braid
I love learning new styles, advancing my skills and challenging myself to create something new and unique
I find it easy to braid and post photos of my styles daily. When you love doing something, it is easy!
Thinking of new styles is time consuming, but that’s because I always want them to be unique
Sometimes braiding seems more like art than an everyday hairstyle
Our lives are so busy with school and after school activities
That’s why I love mornings where we are all together as a family
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What do you think ?
LisaPuma 8 years ago
Her work is amazing, and good for her for carving out some special time with her daughter during their busy days. However, I find it hard to believe these styles only take 15-20 minutes.
Morgiana 8 years ago
She did mention that the more difficult ones are being done in the weekend (so more than 20 minutes). I guess some of those photos were from the weekend braiding.
Load More Replies...
ShellyPain 8 years ago
Those braids are amazing. I wonder if her daughter wishes she had a pixie cut. They're gorgeous but my scalp hurts just from looking at them.
MaeginMims 8 years ago
These are capable of being done in mornings before school. They are beautiful designs but, its pretty easy braiding once you've had enough practice. The braids can be done in 5-10 minutes and then just another 5-10 minutes more if you thread the ribbons through after the braiding is complete. I've done them on my daughter occasionally, but I don't have the patience to make it a daily habit.
ZuyannaHarakiri 8 years ago
i've heard if your hair is up all the time like that the pulling can cause premature balding, but idk, just my scalp being a hater maybe
ValerieMarcotte 8 years ago
Quite beautiful work and it seems the daughter likes it too. I do wonder about people noticing her hair all the time instead of who she is as a person. I've always thought that when any child's looks are unusual in some way - striking red hair, tons of freckles, beautiful curly hair, extra tall, extra short, beauty-contest looks, etc. Seems like this mother and daughter are pretty well-adjusted though and that's what counts. Have fun with it!
KateGasparrelli 8 years ago
As an extra short, extra curly, bright red with freckles (and two boys with the same) I can tell you that it makes you memorable. It's up to you to determine want they'll remember though! :)
Load More Replies...
RonjaRövardotter 8 years ago
Wow! I admire your patience :) I am sure Grace loves it. But be careful, one day in the morning her friends might appear at your front door begging you to braid their hair too :)
MarjorieFabian 8 years ago
I was wondering if Grace EVER got to wear her hair down...without braids, then saw the mother/daughter photo where part of her hair is unbraided. I just wonder if so much braiding in good for her hair roots.
JeriNoneman 8 years ago
I don't see how braiding is bad for the roots. I'm sure she takes it down for bed and doesn't ALWAYS wear it up
Load More Replies...
ElizabethDerrick 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! You have an amazing talent, Grace is a very lucky girl.
LynetteJones 8 years ago
Absolutely amazing, your work is truly wonderful. You most definitely have a talent. I honestly think you should open a professional salon as I am sure that many women and girls would be thrilled to have you work your magic on their hair. You are indeed gifted.
EmilyPickron 8 years ago
Amazing, just amazing! Have you considered sharing video tutorials on YouTube.com?
Eve Kurocieru 8 years ago
Hasn't anyone had their hair braided like this? It's not very pleasant. I guess absolutely no one is going to say that these obviously take a really long time, having your hair braided is really uncomfortable while it lasts and the braids hurt all day and that this could give her neck pain or to go bald. But hey the mom gets compliments and that's all that matters.
Michelle Pendergast 8 years ago
Beautiful work mom! Be careful with how tight you are making those braids, however. The stress on the scalp can cause hair loss that can't be reversed.
Maureen Mower 8 years ago
You have no idea how much I WISH that my mother had been into this!! Sadly, when I was Grace's age - and beyond - my mother couldn't be bothered with taking time to do my hair each morning, so she insisted I always have short haircuts and **shudder** PERMS!! ---------------------- I always said if I had a little girl, I would let her hair grow as long as possible, and learn to braid it like that (well, not exactly like that - I've never seen such detailed braids before!!). I was not blessed with a little girl though, and my son - for some unfathomable reason - refused to let me braid his hair. ;) So I'm very jealous, but also completely in awe of how you create all those different looks. Grace is one very lucky little girl!!!
Mell Werkeiser 8 years ago
I would love a how to on some of these, especially the heart lattice one. Pretty please?
Debbiegreen 8 years ago
Beautiful work and talent!! You should go into business ! You don't have to be licensed to braid!!!
DarleneDillon 8 years ago
Those braids are awesome!you should create a book of braids ,and sell them to salons!
VilayvoneFord 8 years ago
This is really a wonderful and touching story! This woman puts more love and attention into just her daughters daily hairstyle than my mother put into my entire childhood!!! Wonderful Love... Love....
AlessandraPiacentini 8 years ago
My grandma used to do this for me when I was a kid. They were gorgeous hairstyles, if a little less complicated. My hair put me constantly under the spotlight. I was proud of my hair at the beginning, I felt like a princess in a fairy tale, but soon realized that the other kids though I was asking my grandma to do this to show off. I started to feel guilty, but I was afraid to ask my grandma to stop because I didn't want to hurt her; so to compensate I stopped wearing girly clothes and tried to act more like a boy, so that my girl classmates would not feel like I was competing to be the prettiest or something. Dumb uh. But I was 8, what could i possibly know? I kept my tomboyish looks and behavior for years, even after I cut my hair short (1 inch short). I felt like I was out of place anytime I putt on any sort of frill. I still feel uncomfortable when I try to pretty myself up. Maybe your kid is different, but just in case I wouldn't force my hobby on her like that.
ShrutiNaik 8 years ago
Beautiful mother - daughter duo and their creations! I just hope it is not too tight for lil Grace. Or maybe it just looks like that in the pics...
SnoopyKoalaBear 8 years ago
How are those styles even possible?! These are really beautiful :)
Tammy Barnes 5 years ago
HI I LOVE YOUR CREATIVE BRAIDS THAT YOU DO WHEN YOU BRAID YOUR LITTLE GIRLS HAIR IT'S SENSATIONAL I LOVE NATURAL BRAIDS I AM AFRICAN AMERICAN YOU GO WOMAN AND YOUR LITTLE ANGEL SHES SO ADORABLE JUST LIKE MOMMY I SEEN ALL OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRAIDS KEEP UP THE AWESOMENESS BRAIDS TRADES WORK MY NAME ONYXQUEENPRINCESS AKA TALENT TAMMY
Faleea Nanda 8 years ago
she looks like the little bride everyday!! Her mother's work was absolutely amazing!!
Alexandra Lee 8 years ago
I've heard of this woman, but this is the first time I see the front of the girl's face! She is a cutie :D
Anita Cuellar 8 years ago
Amazing!!! I wish I could do a braid. :'( Not even tutorials help me. I can only do the basic one on a pony tail.
Liz Mosby 8 years ago
Precious little girl, and the mom has some AMAZING talent. I could never do even a French braid, which was ALL the rave in my day. LOL. But I have never in my life seen braids this creative and beautiful. And to have such an adorable model that doesn't mind having her hair done is a huge plus!
Andrew Binning 8 years ago
Where are the video tutorials? You could be making some good money on youtube.
Andrew Binning 8 years ago
Where are the video tutorials? You could make some good money with vids.
Wunderlabel 8 years ago
This proves that hair is the ultimate patchwork for weaving. The only trouble is finding a willing participant. I doubt my daughter would appreciate the effort regardless of how beautiful it made her hair.
RozEdelberg 8 years ago
so beautiful--- but remembering when I had such long hair and Mom had to do braids every morning... it was just the simple ones -- nothing like these... not sure I'd have had the patience to sit while these were done....
AmyPerkins 8 years ago
You are amazing! I did something similar, only my daughter is mixed and has much more course hair. I utilized videos on YouTube the most and have always loved doing her hair. I will definitely be following your page on Facebook!
AnnaInAustin 8 years ago
Shelley - please start a channel on YouTube.com featuring tutorials. Thank you for sharing, you are so talented!
Laughinmydreams 8 years ago
Lovely. Also, very thoughtful of mom to take some photos of her daughter for future reference. Still pondering over the time it takes to do something like this every morning, even if this takes place on weekends.
ElizabethKetley 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! Well done. I wish I could have done this with my daughter's hair. Thank you for sharing.
SilvijaSavels 8 years ago
Beautiful! It does make my head hurt though just seeing how tight they are - A lovely thing for Mom and daughter to share -
LynetteJones 8 years ago
Absolutely fantastic, she definitely has a talent. I honestly think she should open a professional salon as I am sure that many women and girls would love her to work her magic on their hair.
DianaHockley 8 years ago
Those braids are so exciting. I reckon this lady could start a business braiding girls hair for special occasions such as weddings, proms etc.
CinnaMarquisa 8 years ago
Very good that the mother-daughter bond is enjoyed by both of them, and that they have time in the morning together. 60 years ago, my mother did my hair into old fashioned curls every day, and I came eventually to want simple hairstyles like the other girls had. When this happens, take it with grace and find another thing you can do together. Love has many expressions.
SallyVogel 8 years ago
I'm so impressed with her creativity! How does she think up all these wonderful designs? Definitely works of art.
JoAnneKlein 8 years ago
Mom is lovely, her child is aptly named: Grace. Because she certainly seems to represent grace itself. The braiding is exquisite and both mom and Grace are enjoying this art.
AnnaSalerno 8 years ago
Amazingly beautiful work... Mom and daughter are so pretty. Wonder how early this child has to get up in the morning?!
MaloreeMullins 8 years ago
I work at a Renaissance Festival and know for a fact that it is possible if you are skilled enough.
Load More Replies... LisaPuma 8 years ago
Her work is amazing, and good for her for carving out some special time with her daughter during their busy days. However, I find it hard to believe these styles only take 15-20 minutes.
Morgiana 8 years ago
She did mention that the more difficult ones are being done in the weekend (so more than 20 minutes). I guess some of those photos were from the weekend braiding.
Load More Replies... ShellyPain 8 years ago
Those braids are amazing. I wonder if her daughter wishes she had a pixie cut. They're gorgeous but my scalp hurts just from looking at them.
MaeginMims 8 years ago
These are capable of being done in mornings before school. They are beautiful designs but, its pretty easy braiding once you've had enough practice. The braids can be done in 5-10 minutes and then just another 5-10 minutes more if you thread the ribbons through after the braiding is complete. I've done them on my daughter occasionally, but I don't have the patience to make it a daily habit.
ZuyannaHarakiri 8 years ago
i've heard if your hair is up all the time like that the pulling can cause premature balding, but idk, just my scalp being a hater maybe
ValerieMarcotte 8 years ago
Quite beautiful work and it seems the daughter likes it too. I do wonder about people noticing her hair all the time instead of who she is as a person. I've always thought that when any child's looks are unusual in some way - striking red hair, tons of freckles, beautiful curly hair, extra tall, extra short, beauty-contest looks, etc. Seems like this mother and daughter are pretty well-adjusted though and that's what counts. Have fun with it!
KateGasparrelli 8 years ago
As an extra short, extra curly, bright red with freckles (and two boys with the same) I can tell you that it makes you memorable. It's up to you to determine want they'll remember though! :)
Load More Replies... RonjaRövardotter 8 years ago
Wow! I admire your patience :) I am sure Grace loves it. But be careful, one day in the morning her friends might appear at your front door begging you to braid their hair too :)
MarjorieFabian 8 years ago
I was wondering if Grace EVER got to wear her hair down...without braids, then saw the mother/daughter photo where part of her hair is unbraided. I just wonder if so much braiding in good for her hair roots.
JeriNoneman 8 years ago
I don't see how braiding is bad for the roots. I'm sure she takes it down for bed and doesn't ALWAYS wear it up
Load More Replies... ElizabethDerrick 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! You have an amazing talent, Grace is a very lucky girl.
LynetteJones 8 years ago
Absolutely amazing, your work is truly wonderful. You most definitely have a talent. I honestly think you should open a professional salon as I am sure that many women and girls would be thrilled to have you work your magic on their hair. You are indeed gifted.
EmilyPickron 8 years ago
Amazing, just amazing! Have you considered sharing video tutorials on YouTube.com?
Eve Kurocieru 8 years ago
Hasn't anyone had their hair braided like this? It's not very pleasant. I guess absolutely no one is going to say that these obviously take a really long time, having your hair braided is really uncomfortable while it lasts and the braids hurt all day and that this could give her neck pain or to go bald. But hey the mom gets compliments and that's all that matters.
Michelle Pendergast 8 years ago
Beautiful work mom! Be careful with how tight you are making those braids, however. The stress on the scalp can cause hair loss that can't be reversed.
Maureen Mower 8 years ago
You have no idea how much I WISH that my mother had been into this!! Sadly, when I was Grace's age - and beyond - my mother couldn't be bothered with taking time to do my hair each morning, so she insisted I always have short haircuts and **shudder** PERMS!! ---------------------- I always said if I had a little girl, I would let her hair grow as long as possible, and learn to braid it like that (well, not exactly like that - I've never seen such detailed braids before!!). I was not blessed with a little girl though, and my son - for some unfathomable reason - refused to let me braid his hair. ;) So I'm very jealous, but also completely in awe of how you create all those different looks. Grace is one very lucky little girl!!!
Mell Werkeiser 8 years ago
I would love a how to on some of these, especially the heart lattice one. Pretty please?
Debbiegreen 8 years ago
Beautiful work and talent!! You should go into business ! You don't have to be licensed to braid!!!
DarleneDillon 8 years ago
Those braids are awesome!you should create a book of braids ,and sell them to salons!
VilayvoneFord 8 years ago
This is really a wonderful and touching story! This woman puts more love and attention into just her daughters daily hairstyle than my mother put into my entire childhood!!! Wonderful Love... Love....
AlessandraPiacentini 8 years ago
My grandma used to do this for me when I was a kid. They were gorgeous hairstyles, if a little less complicated. My hair put me constantly under the spotlight. I was proud of my hair at the beginning, I felt like a princess in a fairy tale, but soon realized that the other kids though I was asking my grandma to do this to show off. I started to feel guilty, but I was afraid to ask my grandma to stop because I didn't want to hurt her; so to compensate I stopped wearing girly clothes and tried to act more like a boy, so that my girl classmates would not feel like I was competing to be the prettiest or something. Dumb uh. But I was 8, what could i possibly know? I kept my tomboyish looks and behavior for years, even after I cut my hair short (1 inch short). I felt like I was out of place anytime I putt on any sort of frill. I still feel uncomfortable when I try to pretty myself up. Maybe your kid is different, but just in case I wouldn't force my hobby on her like that.
ShrutiNaik 8 years ago
Beautiful mother - daughter duo and their creations! I just hope it is not too tight for lil Grace. Or maybe it just looks like that in the pics...
SnoopyKoalaBear 8 years ago
How are those styles even possible?! These are really beautiful :)
Tammy Barnes 5 years ago
HI I LOVE YOUR CREATIVE BRAIDS THAT YOU DO WHEN YOU BRAID YOUR LITTLE GIRLS HAIR IT'S SENSATIONAL I LOVE NATURAL BRAIDS I AM AFRICAN AMERICAN YOU GO WOMAN AND YOUR LITTLE ANGEL SHES SO ADORABLE JUST LIKE MOMMY I SEEN ALL OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRAIDS KEEP UP THE AWESOMENESS BRAIDS TRADES WORK MY NAME ONYXQUEENPRINCESS AKA TALENT TAMMY
Faleea Nanda 8 years ago
she looks like the little bride everyday!! Her mother's work was absolutely amazing!!
Alexandra Lee 8 years ago
I've heard of this woman, but this is the first time I see the front of the girl's face! She is a cutie :D
Anita Cuellar 8 years ago
Amazing!!! I wish I could do a braid. :'( Not even tutorials help me. I can only do the basic one on a pony tail.
Liz Mosby 8 years ago
Precious little girl, and the mom has some AMAZING talent. I could never do even a French braid, which was ALL the rave in my day. LOL. But I have never in my life seen braids this creative and beautiful. And to have such an adorable model that doesn't mind having her hair done is a huge plus!
Andrew Binning 8 years ago
Where are the video tutorials? You could be making some good money on youtube.
Andrew Binning 8 years ago
Where are the video tutorials? You could make some good money with vids.
Wunderlabel 8 years ago
This proves that hair is the ultimate patchwork for weaving. The only trouble is finding a willing participant. I doubt my daughter would appreciate the effort regardless of how beautiful it made her hair.
RozEdelberg 8 years ago
so beautiful--- but remembering when I had such long hair and Mom had to do braids every morning... it was just the simple ones -- nothing like these... not sure I'd have had the patience to sit while these were done....
AmyPerkins 8 years ago
You are amazing! I did something similar, only my daughter is mixed and has much more course hair. I utilized videos on YouTube the most and have always loved doing her hair. I will definitely be following your page on Facebook!
AnnaInAustin 8 years ago
Shelley - please start a channel on YouTube.com featuring tutorials. Thank you for sharing, you are so talented!
Laughinmydreams 8 years ago
Lovely. Also, very thoughtful of mom to take some photos of her daughter for future reference. Still pondering over the time it takes to do something like this every morning, even if this takes place on weekends.
ElizabethKetley 8 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! Well done. I wish I could have done this with my daughter's hair. Thank you for sharing.
SilvijaSavels 8 years ago
Beautiful! It does make my head hurt though just seeing how tight they are - A lovely thing for Mom and daughter to share -
LynetteJones 8 years ago
Absolutely fantastic, she definitely has a talent. I honestly think she should open a professional salon as I am sure that many women and girls would love her to work her magic on their hair.
DianaHockley 8 years ago
Those braids are so exciting. I reckon this lady could start a business braiding girls hair for special occasions such as weddings, proms etc.
CinnaMarquisa 8 years ago
Very good that the mother-daughter bond is enjoyed by both of them, and that they have time in the morning together. 60 years ago, my mother did my hair into old fashioned curls every day, and I came eventually to want simple hairstyles like the other girls had. When this happens, take it with grace and find another thing you can do together. Love has many expressions.
SallyVogel 8 years ago
I'm so impressed with her creativity! How does she think up all these wonderful designs? Definitely works of art.
JoAnneKlein 8 years ago
Mom is lovely, her child is aptly named: Grace. Because she certainly seems to represent grace itself. The braiding is exquisite and both mom and Grace are enjoying this art.
AnnaSalerno 8 years ago
Amazingly beautiful work... Mom and daughter are so pretty. Wonder how early this child has to get up in the morning?!
MaloreeMullins 8 years ago
I work at a Renaissance Festival and know for a fact that it is possible if you are skilled enough.
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