Contents:
- Low Maintenance
- Versatility
- To Resist Temptations
- So You Can Free Up Time
- Because It’s Time For Something New
- Durability
As summer becomes a distant memory and winter slowly creeps in, it’s time for us naturalistas to start coming up with backup plans and styling regimens for our natural hair. I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m not trying to wash n go all winter here in the harsh weather of NYC.
Protective styling is always an excellent option for natural hair because it keeps your hair out of the way so we can focus on other things. If you’re stressed out about what to do with your hair for the winter months, let these six reasons persuade you into protective styling this winter:
Low Maintenance
Protective styling is great for the lazy curly girl or anyone that doesn’t want to deal with their hair every day. You can also protective style to skip that extra getting ready step in your morning ritual.
As we begin to transition to the end of the year, our lives can get more hectic dealing with finals, work projects, holidays, and all other life commitments.
Protective styling is an excellent opportunity to give your hair a break; with most protective styles, all you have to do is shake and go. Great examples of low maintenance protective styles are box braids, Senegalese or Havana Twists, Faux Locs, curly wigs, mini twists etc.
Versatility
Let me first mention that there are a ton of protective styles out there to choose from. Braids, wigs*, weaves, clip-ins, crochet braids, etc- you name it, you can do it.
Protective styles depend on your commitment and your creativity. If you decide to experiment with wigs*/weaves alone, you can choose from a variety of hair textures such as straight, wavy, curly, and even kinky* extensions*, especially with the increase in popularity of hair extensions that resemble natural hair.
If you decide to get braided or twisted styles, you can experiment with the length, with styling, and with updos so that you don’t get bored.
To Resist Temptations
Unless you are or plan to be in the tropics this winter, I am almost sure you won’t be doing regular wash n’ go’s ( or will you?).
Even without the frigid temperatures, you may end up subjecting your hair to over manipulation. You may be tempted to manipulate your hair a tad too much, especially if you are a social bug.
The staff party, that random soiree, a family getaway and the New Year’s Ball may have you feeling that your hair needs a touch up for each event. Before you know it, you may be whipping out that blow dryer* and flat iron* more than usual.
If you are not into heat and use other methods to stretch your kinks and curls, you still could risk damage from too much manipulation. The truth is, even the simple act of re-twisting or re-braiding can be taxing on the hair particularly when the weather is cold.
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I like the crotchet but the twist is my favourite
Cute
love it need to try it
What’s this style called? Are they twists or braids I cant tell.
Braids
They’re just big
Rasta in africa
I like it
Love the braids
These heavy braids do nothing but weaken your hair roots and those plastic strands cut into your real hair and trash it.
they dont have to be this thick and you can use lighter hair or twist
I agree with heather
Her brows are fabulous!
Box braids are my favorite protective style in the winter
I love them I always braid my hair like that in there not heavy I can’t even feel them on my head
My hair is exactly like hers now
What color hair did you use? #30?
I would rock this for xmas
I actually love the braids
Can we get an updated IG account for this person?
Good information.
Yes it is
Why are our protective styles so unprotective though?
Seems like it would depend on the type of protective style one gets. Braids that’s tight and pull on your edges aren’t good protective styles. Not properly installing weaves and taking them down correctly results in breakage. Most protective styles work, but you have to also take care of your scalp and hair with proper washing and add moisture to your hair. This is where I’ve seen women go wrong. You can do protective styling all winter and be bald by summer if your not paying attention to your hair.
If your protecting with braids or twist, make sure you do a hot water mixed with apple cider soak as well as wash the hair with shampoo with conditioner before install. It will save your skin and scalp from an allergic reaction.
“To reduce Temptation.” That’s hilarious. I’m never tempted to overdo it with my hair…. never….on any day ever
I wish I could. I get tired of washing my hair and oiling my scalp everyday
Awesome