Protective Styles: Are they really protecting your hair?

How long should you leave a protective style in?

Now, I know many people love leaving their protective styles in for as long as they can, but I’m here to tell you, STOP IT SIS! A protective style should not be in your hair for longer than a month. Yes, I said a month. You can not properly care for your hair in a protective style period.  After a month, you will start causing damage to your natural hair. Many people who keep their protective style in for longer than a month usually experience more shedding, brittle ends, product build up, etc.  My moto is “When in doubt take it out.”

Best methods to care for your hair while in a protective style.

When it comes to protective styles, caring for your hair underneath is top priority! I’m going to share a few tips on what I do to make my styles last longer and keep my natural hair healthy.

1. Oil Scalp: You should oil your scalp 3-4 times a week. I have a super dry scalp, so I use oil every other day. This will prevent dandruff and flakes that makes your protective style look dusty and it will also keep your scalp moisturized and fresh.
2. Wear a satin scarf at night: This is important because you are not only protecting your style, but also protecting your hair. This will also allow your protective style to last longer.
3. Don’t apply a lot of tension: Many people tend to pull their protective style up into a bun/ponytail as soon as they get it done. This causes tension and can result in extra hair shedding and thinning edges. Give your hair some time to loosen up. Trust me your scalp will thank you.

Best protective styles for natural hair.

After being natural for 5+ years and dealing with multiple protective styles, I have come to realize some styles are better for your hair than others. Some people tend to think all protective styles are the same, but that is not the case. Below I will list the top 3 protective styles to maintain healthy natural hair.

Mini Twists: This protective style allows you to properly moisturize your hair and scalp while it is in twists. You can even wash and deep condition your hair while the twists are in as well.

Corn rows and wig: This style is one of my favorites because you can take your wig off as much as you like. I take mine off every night and redo my braids underneath every 2 weeks. I can wear a wig for months because I have the versatility to wash and deep condition my hair underneath. 

Passion Twists: This is my all time favorite protective style! They are very light weight and last for a while. I was able to pull my hair into a bun without any pulling or tension on my scalp. I definitely prefer these over box braids.