In many of my posts,I make reference to protective styles or protective styling.
But what really is a protective style and what are we trying to protect?
A protective style is meant to protect your hair from breakage causing elements that we encounter on a daily basis. By protecting the hair, especially the ENDS, we are helping the hair to retain moisture, thereby reducing breakage and retaining length.
Will protective styles make my hair grow?
Protective styles do not make your hair grow, they however help to retain the length that you’ve achieved. Remember that the ends are the oldest part of your hair and tend to be the driest, thus making them susceptible to breakage. By protecting/covering up/hiding your ends you’re helping them to remain as healthy as possible.
Some damaging causing elements include
- The Suns UV rays
- Cold/Hot weather
- Your Clothing (especially if you have shoulder length (or longer) hair)
- Cotton pillowcases/Scarves
- Frequent manipulation.
- Heat styling
I don’t wear protective styles all the time but I’ve found that striking a good balance between protective and “out” styles helps my hair to thrive. Some examples of protective styles include braids/twists (extensions), weaves, crochet braids, wigs, buns or simple pinned up twists. Regular two strand twists or braids(plaits) are great as well, as long as they are not constantly rubbing against your clothes.
Protective styling with a Kinky Twist bun 🙂
When wearing protective styles remember to take care of your hair as normal. Depending on the style you choose you will be able to wash & condition your hair as normal. Since I’m usually in Crochet braids or Kinky Twists, I use this method to keep my scalp clean.
RELATED POST: Kinky Twists Maintenance
How long should I wear a protective style for?
As much as protective styles are great, wearing them for too long can cause damage as well. The longest I’ve worn a protective style for is 6 weeks. Dallas stylist Francelia Williams of DFWhairbyFran recommends no longer than 8 weeks. Before installing my protective styles (and after I remove them) I do a thorough hair pampering session as shown in the video below 🙂
Looking for Protective Styling Ideas? Here are a few.
Clips Ins. Read MORE
Crochet Kinky Twists. Read MORE
YOUR TURN: Do you use protective styling in your regimen? What’s your go to protective style?
Until next time
I do Marley Twists about twice a year for about two months at a time. I have a couple super easy roll, tuck & pin styles in rotation and my latest is an upside-down french braid x pompadour thing. Next- crochet weave with Cuban Twist hair!
Girl! You sure you’re not peeping into my house?? lol *looks around*. I have my Cuba Twist Hair waiting for next weekend. I’m installing crochet braids too. 🙂
I do protectives styles often. I wear sock buns or cinnabuns on stretched hair. I love buns because they’re cute, simple, versitile and takes a short amount of time to put in/take down.
Yes ma’am 🙂 You can turn any style into a protective style by tucking in/covering the ends 🙂
never thought of protective twists. I will work on that
Hey Beuluv 🙂 I used to have the same problem with pinning up my twists. After much practice, I am getting better but I hear you on the twist out because I love wearing them :0
Thanks Ashley 🙂 lol..just continue to take care of the TWA while it is being protected 🙂
I do use protective styles mostly with wigs and twists. I just did some little twist and wanted to pin them up but I couldn’t get them to look right 🙁 I took them down a week later and had the most bomb twist out ever. lol
I really like this. The only Protective styles I can do with my TWA are braids and wigs lol