A Guide To Protective Styles
Protective styles are any hairstyles that protect the body and ends of your hair, reducing the amount of manipulation used on your hair. This type of styling is more commonly used for type 3 and type 4 hair. It gives your hair a “breather” and is generally more manageable than your natural hair. However, just because your hair is in a protective style, it DOES NOT mean that you can leave it alone for the entire time you have the style in. It’s important to prepare your hair before the style and moisturize your hair/scalp when your style is in. Neglecting your hair while it’s in a protective style can likely lead to damage. Before choosing a protective style, please view the following links to ensure you are not appropriating cultures:
- Protective Hairstyles Are the Armor Black Women Have Worn For Centuries
- Let’s Cherish Our Roots: The History of Black Protective Styles
- The History of Black Hairstyles
Here are 5 protective styling tips, courtesy of the Afrocenchix Team
- If you opt for braided or twisted extensions be sure that the extensions don’t pull on your hair as this can cause breakage. Ask your stylist not to pull too tightly. Headaches are not a good sign!
- Keep your scalp and hair clean by washing your hair weekly (every 2 weeks if wearing braids/twisted extensions)
- Keep your hair moisturised
- Sleep with a satin bonnet to keep your hair neat and moisturised
- Be bold and express yourself with styling!