Braids, wigs and weaves are great; they save us from daily styling stress, protect our natural hair, and let us switch up our look whenever we want. One week you're rocking knotless braids, the next ...

Before the oppressive summer heat descends on Atlanta, therapist Brittanee Sims usually gets her thick, curly hair braided at a salon to preserve her healthy mane. But it’s more expensive this year.