Protective Styles for Natural Hair: Embrace Versatility and Care
Protective Styles for Natural Hair, Such hair belongs to one’s identity; it can be described as the possessiveness of the outer appearance of people belonging to a specific ethnic group. However, its health can be hard to maintain thanks to such things as exposure to the environment, manipulations, and styling. There is nothing as perfect as protective styles especially for natural hair; they save your hair while decorating them at the same time.
In this article we are going to discuss protective styles, some of them and how to manage natural hair while experimenting with protective styles.
What Are Protective Styles?
Protective styles are hair styles that do not require frequent touching, twisting and turning of the hair and it keeps off brushes whereby anything that touches the hair ends is touched by nails and this is mostly destructive because the hair ends are the oldest and hence break easily.
These styles assist in prevention of hair breakage, maintenance of length and protection of hair from unfavorable incurring conditions.
Key Features of Protective Styles
- Low Manipulation: Types of hair that cannot be washed every day or combed every day.
- Tucked Ends: Prevents the ends from cracking and splitting therefore fading.
- Long-Lasting: From the list of hair styles mentioned above, there are those that do not require daily or even weekly washing or rebraiding.
Benefits of Protective Styles for Natural Hair
This is not to say that protective styles are just about the look; it is also a way forward for natural hair management. Here’s why protective styles are beneficial:
- Promotes Hair Growth
Protective styling allows your hair to grow by protecting it from being manipulated and broken thus giving it a chance to grow.
- Reduces Breakage
This helps in avoiding splitting as well as breaking of the ends which are usually conserved by tucking.
- Shifts the Focus on EcoSystem Damage
Natural hair can be ruined by sun, wind, and colds since the hair dries up. These elements are well shielded by protective styles.
- Time-Saving
Some protective styles are easy to maintain, freeing up much of your time to engage in other productive activities while still looking smart.
5. Encourages Versatility
It’s an opportunity to try and test out different looks since there are hundreds of ways you can style your hair but keep it protected.
Popular Protective Styles for Natural Hair
Protective styles are diverse with distinct looks to enhance and personalize depending on the wearer’s preferences. Here are some popular options:
- Box Braids
The basic type of protective style that entails parting the hair into square-shaped boxes while putting it in a braid. They are both durable and can be worn in many different styles.
Benefits:
- Long-lasting (4-8 weeks)
- Easy to accessorize
- Suitable for all hair lengths
- Twists
Twists on the other hand entail parting the hair section and twirling two strands into one. These are Marley twists, Senegalese twists, and passion twists.
Benefits:
- Considerably lighter than the braids
- Natural-looking texture
- Ideal for putting join hair extensions
- Cornrows
Cornrow is a braid made near the scalp, and it can be arranged in straight lines or quotations on the head. They are universal and can-be worn at any occasion.
Benefits:
- Easy to wear under wigs
- Suitable for various designs
- Low maintenance
- Wigs
These are stylish and cost effective to use as they help to save your natural hair when changing your appearance. This way you can cover your hair underneath and protect it from tangling while you are styling the rest of your hair.
Benefits:
- Instant style changes
- Protects all hair types
- Reusable with proper care
- Bantu Knots
Bantu knots involve taking some portion of hair and then twirling and coiling it into a small knot. They serve as both a protective hairstyle and produce pretty curls once they are unwrapped.
Benefits:
- Heat-free curling method
- Glad for short hair, and also for long hair.
- Adds cultural flair
- Crochet Braids
Crochet braid application involves using a latch hook to connect braid or twist extension to cornrow natural hair.
Benefits:
- Fast installation
- Lightweight feel
- Rather simple to adapt a lot of the materials to various textures.
- Halo Braid
Halo braid is done by making a large braid that circles your head just like a crown. The appearance is somewhat posh, and that is why it is most suitable to be used during occasions such as weddings.
Benefits:
- Sophisticated look
- Tucks away ends
- It is very simple to adorn it with flowers or beads.
- Pineapple Updo
This style involves collecting or rolling hair in a high puff or bun form resembling pineapple shape. It’s great for short term use only.
Benefits:
- Quick and easy to do
- Reduces tension on the scalp
- Highlights facial features
Tips for Maintaining Natural Hair in Protective Styles
Though the protective styles help prevent manipulation, your hair needs proper care if you do not want it to become damaged. Here’s how to maintain your natural hair while wearing
protective styles:
- Clean Your Scalp Regularly
You should use a mild wash, or a cleaning solution, to wash your scalp while not interfering with the hair’s arrangement. They should be washed at least once a week and probably more often if they are very dirty and can cause skin irritation.
- Moisturize Your Hair
Rub a no-rinse hair conditioner or hair oil to the hair and scalp area especially the braiding section. Keeping the hair moisturized is important in order to avoid dryness and Management of hair breakages.
- Protect Your Hair at Night
Tie your hair with a silk or satin scarf or cover your hair with silk or satin scarf or use a satin pillowcase to avoid frizzing up your hair.
- Avoid Over-Tightening
Make sure your protective style isn’t installed too tightly because this leads to tension, breakage and even hair loss (traction alopecia).
- Limit Style Duration
Do not wear protective styles for too long. All styles should be worn 4-8 weeks to avoid excessive build up and matting of the hair.
- Take Breaks Between Styles
Give your hair time off from protective styles. During this phase one should elaborate targeted and intensive conditioning and strengthening processes.
Choosing the Right Protective Style for Your Hair
When selecting a protective style, consider the following factors:
- Hair Type and Length: Depending on the hair texture and length, some styles will look better.
- Lifestyle: Find the most suitable aesthetic that fits your way of life and how frequently you will be able to clean it.
- Budget: Protective styles might also depend on installation time and other factors that relate to costs.
- Scalp Health: Different hairstyles also apply depending on the placing of the tension due to the scalp sensitiveness.
Myths About Protective Styles
The following are some of the common myths about protective styles which, if embraced, result in improper protective styling. Let’s debunk some of the common myths:
Myth 1: Protective Styles Don’t Require Maintenance
Fact: As great as protective hairstyles are it is also necessary to maintain your hair and scalp despite the styles you are wearing.
Myth 2: Tighter Styles Protect Hair Better
Fact: Tight hairstyles and ponytails can lead to strain on the hair follicles and breakage and finally hair loss.
Myth 3: Protective Styles Keeps All Hair From Breaking
Fact: As such, they help to reduce breakages but where installed and or neglected they are exposed to breakages.
Conclusion
There’s much more to protective styles for natural hair than convenience; these are an effective tool for using for health, growth, and versatility. If you select your style correctly and take care of your hair properly, then your hair needs no protection and allows you to show your individuality.
If you fancy box braids, twists, wigs, or even cornrows, protective style allows you to change up your look while taking good care of your natural hair. Accept the change of these styles and happy journey to having healthy and strong hair.