So, you've decided to have your hair braided. Wonderful! A foundation in African culture, braids are a stylish way to create a new look, and a great alternative when you want to give your stressed tresses a rest.

Now that you've decided to embark on the braid journey, finding someone qualified to bring your desired look to life can be challenging. There are a plethora of braiders to choose from, each conducting business on different levels.

Many braiders work in salons. They rent booth space and provide braiding services during salon hours. Some salons are exclusive to hair braiding. Other braiders freelance and do business from their home or yours. With so many options, how do you find a braider that is right for you?

In my own recent journey to finding a braider as I transition from a chemical relaxer to natural hair, I was faced with the very same question. After much braider drama over the years - from braiders in pajamas, braiders who braid too tight and braiders who stop to run errands and cook meals - I decided to be more selective in my search for a professional braider who met all of my criteria (more on that later).

Based on my new strategy, I've put together the following six steps to help you find and choose a professional braider that is right for you:

1. Make the Decision - You already know you want your hair braided. Now you must decide if you prefer the foundation of the salon environment, or if you prefer the more relaxed one-on-one setting you'll find with a freelance braider. You know your style and your comfort zone. Go with what makes sense for you.

2. Shop Around - Ask for referrals from family, friends, co-workers or your regular hair stylist. Look through the Yellow Pages under "Beauty Salons & Services" to find listings for braiders in your area. Check out Craigslist.com for your area as well. A lot of salons and freelance braiders take advantage of this free form of advertising to generate business. Do a search for "braids" in the "services" section of Craigslist. And remember while shopping, many states do not require braiders to have a cosmetology license for their services. For more on this subject and to see your state's requirements (if listed), click here: http://cornrowsandco.com/politicsSub.cfm?politicsID=2.

3. See the Work - While in the shopping stage, you definitely only want to consider braiders whose work you can actually see. If they were a referral you've probably seen the work firsthand on someone. If you found them in the Yellow Pages or on Craigslist, ask if they have a website or online photo album that you can view if it isn't already listed in their advertisement.

4. Choose Three - Take your time to really study the braiders on your list. Consider prices, creativity of style and location convenience. Look for a slight edge that makes them stand out (more on that in a bit). Make sure they know how to create the style you're looking for. Factor in all of these elements and choose your top three.

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