Let's Talk Practicality
Often as naturals we discuss the ways in which your protective styles are helpful to healthy hair care, which of course we will get into, but let's just talk about some practicalities of protective styling that we sometimes don't share or admit.
Girl! Sometimes I just want my hair out of my face! Who else can relate? Don't get me wrong I love my natural hair and enjoy have it in its wash and go state majority of the time honestly, but sometimes I really don't want it down. The challenge them becomes that I have it in low ponytail jail on and off, this maybe a less frizz prone hair style than a wash n go but it still makes me hair prone to snags, knots and dryness, as its an open pony tail that may rub against your clothes (especially the part at the back of your neck) or headrest in the car or at work.
Now let's talk about its just about being bothered! Don't no about you but sometimes I just cannot be bothered to think about my hair at all ! And protective styles are great for that.
When Are Protective Styles Most Practical
- When your unwell. Understandably you cannot prepare for being unwell and sometimes your hair just completely goes out the window and let's be honest it becomes a 'is what it is' style as your sick ! But for those moments where your have a health appointment/operation that may lead to your being in bed for a few weeks, protective styling is great.
- When pregnant or just given birth. Girl you undoubtedly are going to be tired, potential unwell and let's just say completely preoccupied. Protective styling your hair becomes one less thing to worry about.
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General parenting. Parenting can be hard enough without worrying about your hair. Like the above your most likely tired or running around. But equally girl remember that mummy deserves some me time and if your hair wash time for your wash n go is that time, please try to find that time for you sis, you deserve it !
- Holiday mood. When your going on holiday having a style that can last where you don't have to take all your curly hair products or worry about the elements is always a bonus.
- Easier to detangle on wash days. In most circumstances you will find on your wash day it is easier to detangle your tresses as knotting is at a minimum, due to your strands being clumped together in a style without lots of rubbing from your hair touching other material or general wind and movement throughout the day.
In summary a protective style is a great get up and go hair style !
What makes having a protective style most practical for you ? Leave your comment below
What are the healthy hair care benefits
Ok now we have got that off our chest let's discuss the benefits to your hair and its overall health.
- Hair growth. As you aren't maniputailiting and styling your hair daily your hair is often able to maintain its hair growth. Equally as the strands are often wrapped around each other they become stronger and more able withstand daily wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of tangles which of course can rip out your hair.
- Protects your tresses from the elements. Overall as your tresses are tucked away between one another they are more able to withstand cold or extremely hot temperatures with can cause dryness, knots, and breakage.
- Maintains moisture and hydration for a longer period. It reduces friction and exposure to external elements that can cause dryness and breakage, allowing the hair to retain moisture more effectively and believe it or not helps your natural sebum travel down the hair shaft easier, that is normally more difficult for curly, coily hair.
- Reduces scalp irritation. Often if your hair an irritated scalp protective styles allow for good scalp care and maintenance when done properly. Proper scalp care can reduce product build up. Loose/light styles can support to reduce traction alopecia and breakage, which can further irritate the scalp.
Things to be mindful of
- Do not pull your hair too tightly. Regular tight hairstyles can cause breakage, and eventually lead to traction alopecia. This could also cause headaches. Remember to speak up if someone else is styling your hair, and pay extra attention to your edges as they are the most delicate. Remember the small and tight the protective style, e.g. small braids, the more tension on a small area- this can lead to breakage and hair loss. Try to avoid this or at least not do this regularly.
- The duration and maintenance. Consider changing hairstyles as to rotate points of stress, even consider giving your hair breaks from protective styling to reduce the potential of hair loss. And of course do not leave protective hairstyles in for too long as it will have the adverse affect's of dryness, breakage, and tangles
- Cleanse & condition your hair and scalp. Dirt can build up on the scalp and around the hair leading to bacteria if kept in too long. Also remember your tresses may have been in a protective style for a little while and will need some extra deep nourishment. Remember to deep condition after they are removed.
- Protect while swimming. When swimming remember to get a swimming cap to protect your tresses from chlorine, as you may not be removing your protective style straight away and chlorine can be extremely drying.
For both conditioning and swimming remember to try our water proof curl bands:
- Protect your protective hairstyles. Yes you hear right, your protective styles need to be protected to support them to last longer, reduce friction and breakage. When going to bed try one of our Satin Pillowcases:
- Scalp exposure to heat & UV rays. Remember if you have braids your scalp will be exposed potentially causing sensitivity, and sunburn to your scalp. Protect & cover your scalp with our Satin Lined Caps:
In Summary protective hair styling is great but like any great thing you have to be mindful of constant usage and taking care of your scalp in between styles.
What Style will your choose:
Protective styling can be so much fun, unleash your creative side with your tresses. Whether its something traditional or something more intricate have fun and have healthy hair care all at the same time.
Leave a comment below with the protective style your have or plan to try soon.