Mom Braids Unbelievably Intricate Hairstyles Every Morning Before School

I am 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 and found accounts that were solely set up to show hairstyles that mums had created for their daughters. I loved what I saw and started my Facebook and Instagram braiding accounts and following other hair and braiding accounts: asking questions and continuously watching video tutorials.

I also attended braiding and up-do workshops, and I love learning new styles and advancing my skills. I’m hair obsessed and constantly 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 when 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.

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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 started braiding my daughter Grace’s hair

I braid Grace’s hair most days and take a 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 braiding 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 braiding, something that I’m so passionate about and that Grace gets to be a part of it

She’s a sweet, affectionate, and beautiful little girl. Grace is everyone’s friend

A lot of people are noticing Grace’s hair at school, dance, and her other activities

Everyone’s feedback on Grace’s hair is fantastic

We’ve had people approach us in the 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 braiding 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, braiding

That’s why I love mornings where we are all together as a family

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