Here in her hairs
The painter plays the spider and hath woven
A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men,
Faster than gnats in cobwebs…

William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”

“Hey, can you braid my hair?”

When I was in junior high, I had a friend, I’ll call her Cho, who could French braid hair. Growing up with a mom who didn’t have the skill to do my hair, making friends with a classmate who was happy to do so while we managed to skip working out in PE was a real treat. I would go to class for the rest of the day feeling so pretty. I loved it so much that I even asked one of my bridesmaids to French braid my hair the day of my wedding. Just braids and a poof of 80’s bangs with my veil.

Braids are beautiful. There’s something magical about the weaving of hair that makes the wearer feel special. Feel pretty. Feel strong and prepared. Feel worthy of being noticed. Cassie Thompson of The Braidery also notes that “braids are not just beautiful, but can serve a functional purpose as well, keeping hair clean and contained. Braids work well for dancers and athletes, and I’ve braided horseriders and ballroom dancers, but works just as well as bridal parties and cosplay wigs.” 

For many fairegoers, having their hair braided is a tradition. Often, it is the first stop of the day, the crowning glory of a beautiful ensemble. Perhaps a Viking warrior or English noble needs the finishing touch of a braid to, as Cassie says, “elevate a period costume.”

Those who can create these woven masterpieces? Well, we at LadyFaire believe they’re artists, but we discovered they’re much more. We spoke to several professional braiders who work across the country and learned that they see themselves as confidantes, friends, esteem builders, and ice breakers. 

Photos above: Melissa Stansell

LF: The work of the crafter/vendor is intense, definitely not for the faint of heart. So what motivates you to do what you do? What’s your why?

The braid gives them confidence, whether a princess style or a warrior, they see themselves anew; it’s the highlight of every braid.   -Brandy C.

Melissa Stansell, proprietor of Braids and Sparkles, shares, “Without question, it’s the people… there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone’s face light up when they look in the mirror; at a Renaissance faire, that feeling is even more magical because you’re not just creating a hairstyle—you’re helping someone become the character they imagined for the day. Being a small part of that transformation is incredibly fulfilling.”

“Hair is my career and my love; my passion, even when my hands ache, is braiding. Watching a small child light up because they look like a princess, a warrior, a fae, a beast or just because they realize that they don’t have to let their parents brush their hair for the weekend, warms my heart,” reflects Brandy Bailey.

That interest in people and their well-being is a common theme for the women we spoke with. Post-Covid, many of us remain traumatized, the habits of isolating have stuck; we miss connection. In the inviting culture of Ren faire, people feel seen and heard. It can be healing. Kelly Rhodes, also known as Your Hair Fairy, speaks of connection: “In that initial moment when the braider is running their fingers through the patron’s hair, yes, they’re assessing texture, thickness, length, etc. But that’s also the moment when connection is being established. You can feel people relax in the chair as their parasympathetic nervous system kicks in. The guest can unwind, relax, and feel cared-for.”

Photos Above: Cassie Thomson

LF: We believe braiding is an art form; please tell us about your process. Was there training or mentoring?

This is a lifelong learning process, and just as much as I mentor, I am mentored. We all teach each other. -Brandy C.

“Renaissance braiding is absolutely an art form that’s traditionally passed from one braider to another… much of the knowledge is shared through mentorship and hands-on experience. I’ve been fortunate to learn from Mariam Mastbrook at Braiding Elegance, and that mentorship completely changed the level of my work. Now I’m excited to pay that forward by mentoring my first braider, Bronwen, a retired teacher from my neighborhood who shares my passion for the Renaissance community,” says Melissa.

Many braiders have not attended formal cosmetology school, but Brandy B. not only graduated but has been an instructor for nearly a decade. She recalls that she was taught the basics of braiding during her training, but worked independently to master more intricate, complex methods. She has mentored new braiders and even worked on developing a program for cosmetology students wanting to improve their braiding skills. When clients have special looks in mind, Brandy researches paintings, sculptures, and most often, photos, often a collaboration in advance of the actual braiding appointment.

Cassie elaborates, “Breaking into the braiding world can be tricky, there is still an element of knowing the right people to get into this sort of braiding. My best friend’s mother knew SusanGrace DuBose, who was opening Rapunzel’s Hair Braiding at MDRF. The majority of our braiders are referrals or someone who met the right person. It’s rare but possible for someone to just walk up and say they want to be a braider, and break into it that way. It’s a long process that requires a lot of commitment, to the tune of years of seasons to master all of the braids. Not many people begin and then stick with the training for the long haul, and we have to be somewhat selective when approving apprentices.”

Photos above: Kelly Rhodes

What is the most challenging aspect of your business? 

The weather honestly. Hot, cold, wet, we are outside in the weather. and we are still responsible to turn out beautiful work.- Brandy C.

For anyone who works the faire circuit, the challenges of weather are well known, as are the very real aches and pains that come from punishing days on the path. Aching feet, legs, and back and cramping hands are very real hazards, sometimes leading long-time braiders to require medical care that may even include surgery. The passion to serve clients can also keep braiders from setting self-care boundaries. Brandy B. says, “As much as I love making people feel empowered to play their part and my cup is filled when they walk away excited… I must remember that I need breaks too. When you love what you do, you want to keep going, but not to the point of burnout.”

A creative challenge is the development of new styles, perhaps based on a photo that a patron brings, or one that incorporates a patron’s unique cut or color into a braid. Kelly especially enjoys braiding for those with “less than traditional cuts, or fun colors. Multi-tonal hair is a favorite!”

The growth of the social media age has birthed a new dimension of work, requiring creativity of a different sort: cultivating a social media and online presence that converts fans to customers. Melissa says, “This season, I introduced a fun “side quest” called #SparkleQuest. I hide a password in my social media posts, and anyone who brings it to my booth receives a free collectible sticker. It’s been a great way to encourage followers to seek me out at the faire and turn online engagement into real-life connections.”

Photos above: Brandy Criswell

Often, the key to thriving in challenging circumstances is to find joy in the work. What joyful, inspiring, or funny moments have kept you going as a professional maker of hair magic? 

I think braids make people feel powerful and beautiful and seen. – Brandy C.

Brandy Criswell of Rapunzel’s Hair Braiding recalls a powerful story: “A transwoman had recently transitioned and was asking me questions about products and good haircare routines. I remember thinking her hair was so lovely already… she chose bright red flowers for her hair, to match her dress. When I showed her the braid, she cried; she told me she had never felt more beautiful or feminine. I cried along with her. To be able to help someone finally feel themselves and to be confident in who they are is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.  

Clients who have had medical issues causing them to lose their hair inspire Brandy B., who says that being able to braid for those clients once they’ve grown their hair back sparks a specific joy, adding, “My most inspiring patrons are the ones who challenge my abilities and allow me to grow. Sometimes the first try doesn’t go that well, but many of my patrons come back to see what new braids I can do as I’ve practiced and mastered my craft. That’s why we get into creative careers, right?”

Kelly believes that there’s more than outcome at stake; the process itself is key. “We often focus on the moment when we hold the mirrors up. But there’s a lot to be said for the process… one of the services we offer is that you have to sit down, be still, be in the shade, and let someone play with your hair… We are in a unique position to be part of meaningful moments,” and spoke of a little girl who was having her hair braided with her father standing nearby. With an empty chair near her in the booth, Kelly invited the gentleman to join his daughter, and the pair left with matching braids.  

We at LadyFaire believe that all women and femmes (and men, too, when it comes to it) deserve to feel beautiful. It’s part of the human experience to be cared for, to be connected and seen. Braids are a lovely external manifestation of that desire. We hope you’ll pay the braiders a visit next time you’re at a faire! Have a seat, make a friend, and enjoy your festival day with a crown of glorious, woven locks.

Photos Above: Brandy Bailey

Meet the women who make the magic:

Brandy Bailey, a graduate of Paul Mitchell- The School, is a California resident whose work has been seen at Potrero and Estrella (now War of the Phoenix), the Great Western War, Escondido Renaissance Faire (where she is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s personal hair faerie), Big Bear Renaissance Faire and Yuletide Medieval Festival. This September of 2026, her organization Hands of Mercy Massage and Braiding to will participate in the Vista Viking Festival.

Brandy Criswell is the hairbraiding manager of Rapunzels Hairbraiding booth at the Maryland Rennaissance Faire. She has braided for nearly sixteen years, and managed the business for five: “I came into the festival world as a young girl and fell in love with the magic and wonder the festivals give us.” She’s a wife and mom who loves to crochet, paint, hike, and of course, braid.  

Cassie Thompson owns The Braidery and has been a braider for more than 20 years, having started with Rapunzel’s Hairbraiding when they opened at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
In October of 2025, she opened The Braidery as a way to continue braiding throughout the year, and branch out into new opportunities beyond faires with Rapunzel’s. Cassie’s work with Rapunzel’s has taken her to MDRF, the Virginia Renaissance Festival, and Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Kelly Rhodes owns Your Hair Fairy and has braided in many venues, including the New York Faerie Festival, the Shippensburg Pirate Festival, and the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Kelly started as a hostess at Rapunzel’s then spent five years learning to be a master braider. She reminds us that you must be careful when you say that phrase: “We say that after five seasons of braiding, you are officially a master braider, which is a phrase you always say slowly and enunciate.”

Melissa Stansell owns Braids and Sparkles and hails from Wilmington, Delaware. A mother of three and grandmother of two, she’s worked as a professional hairstylist for 36 years, and has worked in banking and finance, marketing, social media sales, and has owned several businesses. That diverse background has given her a unique combination of creative and business skills that she brings to her Renaissance braiding business. Melissa’s work can be found at the Delaware Renaissance Faire, Philadelphia Renaissance Faire, Bucks County Renaissance Faire, New Jersey Renaissance Faire, and Cape May Renaissance Faire. In addition, she’s a staff braider for Braiding Elegance at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and for Enchanted Acorn at the Vermont Renaissance Faire.

Above photo by Tanya Solorio, hair by Brandy Bailey

Kim Bryant is a veteran performer, educator, and writer. With 25 years teaching experience, an adjunct professorship in Theatre, and twenty years in the festival world, she brings a wealth of experience to LadyFaire Magazine. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Lubbock Christian University, a Master’s degree in Theatre from the University of Houston, and a Master’s degree in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University. Kim has studied at Actor’s Studio of Chicago, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and at New York’s Lincoln Center, and currently works in leadership for Disney Live Entertainment.