Protective Styling

Hair styles that reduce the ability to manipulate your hair or limit the exposure of your hair (particularly the ends) to the elements, are known as protective styles. This includes braids, cornrows, twists (with or without extensions), sew-in weaves, buns/updos,phony ponies, roller sets & wigs (w/hair cornrowed under). If done properly, protective styling will help you to retain more of your length since the hair isn't being bothered as much.

Think of all the things that we do when our hair is out. We comb and brush it over and over, our ends constantly rub against our clothes, the cold air leaves our hair dry and brittle during the winter time, pulling our hair into the tightest pony tail we can accomplish, or we're simply battling hand in hair syndrome (many naturals do this or relaxed heads with their new growth). All of these things weaken the hair, making it more susceptible to breakage. As a result, we have people saying "my hair never grows!", when the reality is that you aren't retaining the hair that you're growing because you keep breaking it off(More on the hair growth myth in a future post).

Try pinning up your hair more often during the week. Pull your hair into a bun or hide it under a phony pony (remember not extremely tight; don't want to be battling the loss of your edges too!). Allow your hair to remain curly after the roller set, or if you have to have the sleek wrap look, allow the ends to curl under (if you are above shoulder length) or pin it up after a few days if your hair is longer. Avoid tight braids, twists, and cornrows (under the weaves & wigs too). These styles can allow for the most length retention but are often done improperly. No matter what the stylist says, it is not necessary for it to be so tight that half of your scalp is in the braid.(More on taking care of your hair in these styles in the next post)

So ladies (and gents), consider increasing the amount of times your hair is in a protective style. I promise that if done properly, your hair will thank you.

Until next time,

Happy Hair Growing!

-Bee