Hair Braiding

[chaoslobster]

Okay, I don't think THIS one's been asked before...

Is there anywhere on Disney property that does hair braiding? I don't mean fancy French twist up-do's. Just a regular braid.

Let me explain. I have systemic rheumatoid arthritis, and I'm not able to reach around the back of my head to braid my hair or even pull it into a ponytail. At home my mother or sister braid my hair for me every couple of days when it's wet, and the braid stays neatly in place until I've slept on it several times. But next week I'll be arriving at Disney five days before my sister joins me, and I have no idea what to do about my hair. I do NOT want it sticking to my neck in the 90 degree heat, and I know with all the sweating and activity and humidity, I'm going to need to wash and re-braid it every morning.

I know there's a salon at the Grand Floridian... does anyone know if they offer hair styling or braiding? I'm certainly willing to pay something for the service but honestly I cannot afford $50 every day to have my hair coiffed and styled. I just need somebody to pull it out of my face and braid it. Takes literally 45 seconds to do. I'm almost desperate enough to wander out by the Pop Century's pool and look for a kind-looking lady with a family, and ask if she could pull my hair into a quick braid, LOL.

Any ideas?

 

[jldunbar]

If I knew how to braid I would do it for you, but alas I do not

Have never stayed at Pop yet (but going in June) but I know the other resorts have braiding "wrapping" stations set up for girls to get braids with charms attached.

I would think, if there isn't a line of paying folks, they would probably do it for a nice tip.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The Harmony Barber Shop in MK will do Pony Tails or Pigtails but not braiding.

 

[chaoslobster]

Oh, bother. I will call the Floridian's salon and ask about it, and I believe I'll call the Pop's front desk as well and see if they have those hair braid stations, and if not, whether they can recommend another place on the Disney property that does.

Thanks for the tip about the MK Barber Shop. I'm a bit old for pigtails, but a simple ponytail will do in a pinch. The reason I keep my hair in a long single braid is mainly because that way it doesn't tangle. A ponytail will suffice just as well to keep my hair out of my face and off my neck, it'll just be more difficult to comb it out at the end of the day. I can deal with the tangles, I can't deal with having thick backside-length hair whipping all over the place in the breeze and drenching my neck with sweat.

In a "hair emergency" I can use an elastic headband to pull it into a ponytail and then twist the headband and anchor it across my forehead, which my sister says makes me look like a Ninja Turtle, but it's better than leaving it loose in Orlando weather.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Is it an option to post a 'who is willing to help me out' right here on the DIS? Seems like good odds there will be somebody from the DIS down at WDW while you are. When you explain like you did here, I wouldn't be too surprised if there is a DISer out there that would be willing to help.

If you were there during the last 2 weeks of sept/first of oct I would offer, but don't know if my hands are up to braiding one day from the next. Not really too much of help.

 

[KPeveler]

There is a salon at coronado springs as well, but I am not sure about Pop...

 

[DisneyNut4Life]

We will be at the Pop from May 26th thru June 6th, I have 2 teenagers who LOVE to do hair and we could help you out if those dates fall when you need help.

 

[Simple_Motions]

As a former Cast Member, I say just ask a CM! 99.9% of CMs would probably be willing to throw your hair in a braid for you

 

[Disneyadore]

You can get a hair braiding at the GF at the swim pool by the slide.
It is next to the toilets there.
You don't need an appointment,just walk up and ask.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

OK, I've been a nice lady at the pool at POP, and if you came up to me with that request (I have long hair too, which would probably be braided so I'd be a logical choice) I wouldn't think twice. Braiding hair is a quick thing to do for someone else, and something easy to do while keeping an eye on the kids.

Unfortunately, when I'm there I'll be a nice lady at work in a whole different state, so I won't be able to help, but I wouldn't rule out asking someone. Just find someone with a smile and long hair, or with kids with hair in braids.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Now that is an interesting question! I think everyone finds it a bit tricky to braid their own hair, but for those of us with joint problems, it becomes even more 'fun'. As others have said, you may be able to ask a CM or Guest who's not too busy for help. If you're there when we are, I'd be happy to help out! Another option would be to talk nicely to the people at one of the hair places, such as a salon or the Main Street barber's, and see if they could quickly whip it up during a quiet spell.

Good luck!

 

[D-ko]

How long is your hair? I have RA as well and what I do -- my hair is long enough I can pull it to the side and braid it in front of me ... it's a side braid but it's easy enough to do. I don't braid it all the way down either, maybe half way. Quick and not too painful.

 

[retired and happy]

I use the Salon at the Grand Floridan every time I am at WDW. In fact while there for 3 weeks at Christmas I often go 2 or 3 times. It is $50 for a shampoo and set but it is well worth it to me to have someone else do it for me. Ha.
I say that is my Christmas present.
All of the hairdressers there are good. I have seen them do a braid one time I think. I really like Carmen. She is not only good at her job but funny too.
And they do accept credit cards, cash or debit cards. They will always ask if you want to pay $50 and I always add a tip because they are really nice and easy to work with and I have never had any problems with getting an appt.
Good Luck. We are going to be there June 6 til the 11th
for a quick trip and I will probably see Carmen on the 10th.

Judy and the Angels

 

[shopn24seven]

POP, at Xmas, had a braiding *person*, right near the exit to the pool.
HTH!!!
We will be at CR form 6/30 - 7/6. If you need a braid, I am sure my 10 y/ would help you.

 

[MomofSixinSC]

Have you considered having it corn-rowwed? (Did I spell that right??)

I have hair that is just longer than shoulder length. When I travel, I like to put 10-12 very small french briads in my hair. I do them very tight while the hair is damp. Then they can stay that way for a week or two. I had it done "professionally" in the Bahamas and I was able to keep them for 5 weeks.

I could shower with the braids in and shampooed them. I usually put a stocking leg on like a tight shower cap and shampoo through that. It gets my head clean (so important when sweaty) but doesn't pull apart the braids. The only other care is sleeping with a satin cap on. It helps them last longer.

Now, I am no Bo Derek, so they don't look fantastic on me. But I keep them covered with a bandana, so no one really looks at me funny. (I always wear a bandana for religeous reasons.)

It may not be your usual look, but maybe it would solve a problem for you. I have a freind who braids her daughters hair in corn-rows often and she has done my hair for me when I couldn't. Maybe you have a friend who would do it for you, or you could find a local salon and get it done there before you leave.

Praying you find a solution that works for you!

 

[kaytieeldr]

The salon at the GF would definitely do the corn rows, if the OP wanted to try that. Using the PP's care advice, she would need to only have it done once.

 

[chaoslobster]

Wow, I wasn't expecting this many replies, and all with such helpful advice. Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it. I'm now a lot less worried about this!

To answer questions: My hair is about down to the middle of my back. It's curly, so the length depends on whether it's been flat-ironed or not. Unfortunately the Orlando humidity does not cooperate well with attempts to wear my hair straightened, so I generally just keep it pulled back and hope for the best. The past few years I've always worn it in a ponytail at Disney, but my shoulder has deteriorated significantly in the past eight months and it's to the point now where I'm no longer able to reach back that far. By next year I'll probably have had another shoulder replacement surgery so hopefully this won't be an issue, but in the mean time, heh.

Thanks again for all the reassurance. I'm leaving on Monday and this has been one of my major worries.