MUST HAVE PROTECTIVE STYLES
Natural hair is so diverse. You can switch your hairstyle by wearing it straight, curly or with a protective style. Also, from these styles, there are other sub-styles you can do. Protective styling is an easy way to change your hairstyle while protecting it because of the many options available.
Must-Do Protective Styles:
There are countless protective styles under these 4 broad groups: braids, wigs, updos, or twists.
Wigs:
This can be a full lace front wig, wig with leave out, half wig, or even curly clip-ins. Why not cover your hair from root to tip if you need a break from styling it? The natural hair underneath the wig is protected from the environment and human manipulation.
Braids:
These are tight/loose plaits that hang loosely from your scalp. Or, they can be a section of hair plaited together on your scalp with no room for movement. Your natural hair is protected under synthetic hair. Examples include Ghana, French, Fishtail, Box, Dutch, or Cornrows.
Twists:
They are Senegalese, kinky, crochet, Havanna, Marley or flat twists. These are two pieces/section of hair that is twisted until the end. They have freedom of movement and can be twisted unto the scalp just like braids. Also, your natural hair is protected under synthetic hair.
Updos:
People do this style for special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, date night, etc. It gives off an elegant look. In this style, the ends are protected by being tucked away in the hair. For example, Chignons, halo crowns, and many more
Purpose of them:
Naturals opt for protective styles during the fall/winter for many reasons:
- A break from styling and over manipulating their hair
- Easier to manage hair especially for busy naturals. You can just install the style and it will take you 5 minutes to style every day.
- Quick fix for a bad hair day, especially wigs. Just place it over your head and continue throughout the day.
- Protects from environmental damage such as rain, debris, wind, humidity, etc.
- An easy way to grow your hair.
Maintenance of them:
Each protective style is different and requires different maintenance.
Wigs: You should wash the wig if you’re going to wear it for an extended period. To cleanse the scalp, condition and moisturize the hair you would have to take off the wig. Some synthetic hair can be moisturized and styled over to preserve the longevity of it.
Braids/Twists: You can wash your scalp and condition your hair in the braids/twists. As well as, touch up the roots with gel and a satin scarf to preserve the styles. Lastly, you can moisturize your natural hair by applying moisturizer to the length of your natural hair in the braids.
Updos: To maintain an updo you would have to tie your hair down with a satin scarf every night to preserve your edges and lay down your fly-aways.
The next time you want a different hairstyle you can try protective styles. They offer a new look while protecting your natural hair for length and moisture retention.
