Looking At Tia Mowry's Extra-Long Braids Counts As Vacation

Am I in Thailand too?

Tia Mowry
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tia Mowry is on vacation, and thanks to the amazing pictures she's been sharing, I sort of feel like I'm there with her.

On Thursday, January 18, the 45-year-old posted an Instagram carousel from her recent trip to Thailand. While all the images were amazing—the food! the water! the family memories!—one aspect in particular stole the show: Mowry's latest hairstyle. In the first photo, her ultra-long micro-braids literally graze her thighs as she posed on a sandy beach. The second slide shows the full intricacy of the 'do, as the Disney alum poses for multiple mirror selfies, runs her hands through her hair in the water, and jumps off a boat (look at those strands fly).

A post shared by TiaMowry

A photo posted by tiamowry on

The actress's braids were the work of Marquita Lynch, her regular hairstylist and the genius behind so many of her iconic looks over the years.

“With the Fulani braids being the latest trend, I wanted to add my own personal touch by creating a custom blonde blend and extending the braids to thigh length," the professional tells Marie Claire. "Who doesn’t love braids that make a statement?”

One beautiful thing about the protective hairstyle is that it stayed perfect for every vacation adventure—from fancy dinners to seafaring excursions.

Alongside the lovely pictures, Mowry wrote a sweet message about how much the trip meant to her—and how she hopes to continue practicing some of the same self-care at home.

"At times, I find myself caught up in the whirlwind of life, especially when juggling responsibilities and caring for my children. The constant pursuit of life’s markers of success have definitely affected me, making me truly appreciate the opportunity to hit pause during my time in Thailand. I immersed myself in self-reflection, connected with nature, embraced a new culture, and cherished moments with my family," she wrote.

"Sharing this experience and journey with my kids held special significance for me, as I aspire for them to maintain a perpetual curiosity about the world and nurture an explorative spirit.This trip served as a healing journey, allowing me to realign my priorities and delve into my fundamental purpose. The blessing of being able to do this soul-searching amidst the beauty of Thailand is something I hold dear, but I am committed to incorporating these practices of slowing down into my everyday life."

While Mowry hopes to bring these practices into her own life, it's important to note that she—as the owner of curly hair brand 4U By Tia— helps so many people with their own wellbeing goals. So, here's to self-care. And to Tia. And great hair in general.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.