The Braider

How did you get into braiding?

I've been braiding since I was five and living in Liberia. The kids taught each other in the neighborhood. Then when I moved to America, I went to cosmetology school in North Carolina.

Who was your first NBA client?

Latrell Sprewell. I went to a charity event mat the Knicks were at and gave him my business card. That was two years ago.

How often do you do his hair?

About once a week. He sends a car to pick me up in Queens, and I go to his home in Purchase.

So he doesn't wash his hair for a week?

He tries not to get his hair wet. Wet hair makes the cornrows frizzy. When he showers he uses a shower cap.

How long does the session last?

Three hours. It takes an hour to undo the braids. Then I give him a scalp treatment, and shampoo twice. Then I condition the hair and blow it dry. He likes to be pampered. The actual braiding takes up to an hour and a half, depending on the style. The smaller, more intricate designs take more time.