Protective styles for natural hair are any styles that help to avoid manipulation and protect the hair from breakage. This can be achieved by braiding, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves, and wigs. Protective styles need to be worn for a period of time and then can be “taken down” with great care so that the hair can be manipulated to its desired style. Protective styles can last for time periods of days to several weeks depending on the hair type and chosen style.
- Crotchet or twist extensions are protective styles that are long-lasting
- Stretching (banding) hair is another protective method available
- Cornrows, in whatever form, will protect the hair throughout
- Wigs are ideal for people that live in particularly harsh/extreme climates
- Weaves are very popular but only provide protection when they are securely woven into the hair, usually with tracks
- What is protective styling?
Protective styles protect natural hair by avoiding manipulation and protecting the hair from breakage while it’s being worn. Protective styles require a period of time to be worn until taken down with great care so that the hair can be manipulated into its desired style. Protective styles may last for days to several weeks depending on your chosen style and type of natural hair. There are several types of protective hairstyles. The most common ones include braids (also known as plaits), cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves, and wigs.
- What are the benefits of wearing protective styles?
Protective styles help to reduce daily manipulation on the hair as well as protect it from breakage without breaking or tangling. Protective styles also offer protection from extreme weather conditions such as wind, rain, and even excessive heat. Natural hair can be braided, twisted, or styled in a protective hairstyle to enjoy these benefits.
- When should you wear protective styling?
Protective styling is recommended for those who regularly experience little or no hair growth and those who regularly experience hair loss due to breakage because of harsh chemicals/tools used on their natural tresses. This type of styling is great for those experiencing stress because it shields the hair from breakage and keeps your natural hair looking healthy. Protective styling is also recommended for those with naturally very coarse or curly hair because they require a lot of attention and daily manipulation to look good. People who need protective styles are people who live in particularly harsh/extreme climates. In addition, protective hairstyles can protect the hair when undergoing treatment such as relaxation (due to the fact that it would be protected by weave tracks), dyeing, straightening or curling, etc. - How do you care for your hair when in a protective style?
Care should always be taken when removing any form of protective style in order to remove them without causing damage. For example, cornrows should be undone gently so as not to lose hair in the process. For wigs, it is always best to go to a professional stylist when removing them in order to avoid any damage (cutting off hair, etc). Furthermore, the hair should be properly moisturized after having been in a protective style for some time because it can become very dry and brittle due to its lack of exposure to air/moisture. It is also important that your natural tresses are deep conditioned at least once every one or two months while wearing protective styles.
- What are the different types of protective hairstyles?
These include braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves, and wigs. These haircare essentials will protect your natural hair throughout so long as they are not too tight on the roots. In addition, they will keep your natural hair moisturized and clean.
Examples of protective styles
– Crotchet braids/twist extensions
– Cornrows (with or without beads)
– Dreadlocks
– Weaves (without tracks) eg: Senegalese twists
- What are the benefits of each type of hairstyle?
Crotchet Braids/Twist Extensions: This is a favorite among women who want to protect their hair from breakage while it’s being worn. Crotchets/twists may be worn for months before having to be taken down carefully so that the natural hair may be maintained.
Cornrows/Beads: Cornrows are a great way to protect the hair while showing off your scalp during special events. Beads add a decorative element to cornrows and can really make an outfit pop! Dreadlocks: This is a creative hairstyle that requires little-to-no daily maintenance. It also protects the roots from breakage which helps maintain healthy natural hair for African American women by preventing excessive manipulation of the natural curls/kinks. Weaves (without tracks): A weave is an amazing protective style because it does not require any attachment. The benefits of this type of protective style also include making one’s natural kinks/coils look good while protecting them from harsh weather conditions such as wind/heat. Weaves are also easily detachable so that you can see your natural hair whenever you want to.
Wigs (without tracks): Wigs are great for protecting the roots throughout the seasons, especially winter months when it is cold and harsh on our tresses. Also, they provide versatility because it allows women with little to no hair (due to breakage, etc) the chance to look good and live a normal life.
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