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4. Loose Twists (30 minutes -1 hour install)
Yes, I know that this is delving into proper protective styling territory, a protective style that takes some time, but once you put them in they are lightweight and can last for ages if you don’t mind a little frizz. You can still cleanse moisturize and seal your ends with these installed.
You can use any styling product of your choice, on pre-stretched hair, just create a bunch of big-ish twists and make them pretty loose. These are a good alternative to getting Senegalese twists or any style with extension hair.
You can style these however you’d like, and you have easy access to your ends and scalp to moisturize. However, unlike the styles listed above, if you wear your hair down in this style (and you have long natural hair), your ends might become dry from rubbing against your clothes. Pay attention to your hair with this style, and you can make your twists last up to 3 weeks or maybe longer!
You can read more about loose twists for length retention here.
5. Scarves/Headwraps (Less than 5-minute install)
I happen to think scarves are one of the greatest inventions ever ( well that thought usually come when I need to wear one). They shield your hair from harmful effects of the natural elements, create a much-needed barrier for those who have hand in hair syndrome and are totally trendy. You can wear your granny braids under them ( yes I’m guilty as charged), your afro, your old twist out; basically any state your hair is in makes a good foundation for your scarf.
You can watch a couple of videos on various ways to ties head wraps here, here and here.
6. MHM Wash n’ Go (30 minutes – 1-hour install)
If the feeling of braids and twists against your scalp annoy you or if you just like having your hair loose and don’t mind spending extra time detangling, perhaps following the maximum hydration method for more defined wash n ‘ gos is your answer. There is some manipulation involved but the results at the end are awesome, plus the way it seems to keep hair moisturized could be great and help cut down on breakage caused by friction.
You can watch a video on how to achieve curl definition with the maximum hydration method here.
Final Thoughts
When you think about protective styling, don’t think of it as rigid style rules to pay attention to. Just listen to what your hair likes and needs- the purpose of protective styling is keeping your hair healthy and out of the way.
As with any other protective style, continue to moisturize and seal often. Make sure you wash your hair when you need to, and protect it at night. With these tips, your hair will be well protected, and you won’t need to spend an arm and a leg for something you can’t keep up with long term!
Comment below and let us know what protective styles you opt for that are quick and easy.
Ayee Jay says
I think i’ll try mini twists
shimmyya says
My 4C hair would loc up *instantly* with those mini-twists. That style is definitely for 3c’s and below.
Venus Cousins says
What is 4c hair and 3c hair. I twist my own hair but it doesn’t look right to me is their a tutorial on how to mini twist your own natural hair?
Leah says
What about cornrows? It’s a protective style as well. I rock my own natural hair in cornrows . Since I can’t do my own cornrows I go to a stylist. It only took her an hour to wash blow dry trim and then braid . It cost only 50 dollars . The only negative thing with constantly protective styling is that I easily get bored and I start to miss my curls . So I have to keep looking at pictures I took of my curly afro.
Monique says
I thought that top knots and buns weren’t protective styles . Wow I use to get my hair braided alot but now I miss my hair and I can’t afford to be constantly spending money to get my hair braided . I wear buns every day now and I didn’t even know that I was still protective styling. I do make sure that it’s not tight and that it’s loose and I don’t use metal hair ties and I use a soft brush .
George Muibi says
Iloveyourhair.