Women in Adult Detention Center Gain Hands-On Experience in Braiding Business

Page updated on February 25, 2026 at 3:31 PM
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Inmate in green uniform looking closely as a braiding instructor demonstrates a braiding technique on a mannequin head

To expand avenues for women when they return to the community, the Sheriff’s Office is now offering hair braiding instruction to eligible female inmates. This February, nine women in custody began learning the art of braiding as well as important lessons in business.

Thanks to Ja'Pria Tyler, a professional hair braider and braid instructor, these students are receiving a hands-on opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that can benefit them when they are released and throughout their lives.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide them with a new skill that can be life changing,” Ms. Tyler said. “Each of my students has shown a positive attitude and expressed how enthusiastic they are about attending class weekly.”

Through this six-week training program, students are learning foundational braiding styles such as stitch and French braids, and advanced techniques like box braids, twists, cornrows, and protective styles. The instruction also covers hair care, hygiene, and maintenance, and customer service and professional etiquette in the beauty industry.

“We were eager to expand professional and personal development programs for women,” said Sheriff Sean Casey.  “The new hair braiding class provides practical skill sets, enhances employability, and encourages financial independence. It also helps the participants develop valuable life skills by reinforcing patience, attention to detail, and time management while emphasizing communication, teamwork, and mutual support.”

Ms. Tyler has already seen their development, noting “I am proud of how they encourage and hold each other accountable during class. Each class they remind one another to persevere and are always willing to assist when needed. I am excited to see them elevate themselves now having been provided a new skill and to witness their growth in just a few classes.”

The Sheriff’s Office offers other vocational programs, including opportunities for professional certifications in traffic flagging, food service, and worksite safety, however most participants in those programs are men.

Three inmates in green uniforms in a hair braiding class, with two of the students braiding the hair of mannequin heads
Hair braiding instructor providing a student-inmate with guidance on braiding hair on a mannequin head with four other student-inmates looking and working on braiding their mannequin heads
inmate in green uniform braiding the hair of a mannequin head
Two inmates in green uniforms braiding the hair on two mannequin heads
Instructor demonstrating braiding techinique to students who are inmates
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Three inmates in green uniforms in a hair braiding class, with two of the students braiding the hair of mannequin heads
Hair braiding instructor providing a student-inmate with guidance on braiding hair on a mannequin head with four other student-inmates looking and working on braiding their mannequin heads
inmate in green uniform braiding the hair of a mannequin head
Two inmates in green uniforms braiding the hair on two mannequin heads
Instructor demonstrating braiding techinique to students who are inmates