3. Long-term Protective Styling
Wearing protective styles for long periods of time is one of the most beneficial natural hair practices because it allows your hair to grow long and strong with little to no manipulation for weeks. They’re also great for busy women or those who find it hard to manage their hair on a daily basis.
However, protective styling can lead to a whole host of problems if left in too long or not cared for correctly. Shedding, dryness, thinness, matting, tangling, and breakage are just some of the effects of wearing a protective style for longer than suggested
A good rule of thumb is wearing a protective style for a maximum of two months and getting touch ups bi-weekly; this is usually the best option for braids, twists, and weaves. For buns, wigs*, braid and twist outs, make sure to detangle and redo your hair at least once a week.
4. Slicked and Slayed Edges
My mom used to always tell me ” I don’t care how you style your hair, make sure your edges and kitchen are tamed”. And still, to this day, I believe that your edges can make or break a hairstyle.
Whether you’re slicking and swooping them with baby hairs, or defining the curls around your head, how you style your edges is pretty important. However, there is a great deal of manipulation that comes with it.
Repeated brushing, combing, rubbing, and gelling down can lead to breakage and thin to fragile edges. It may be cute, but it can be damaging.
Before you style your edges, moisturize, seal, and make sure you’re using a product that will not dry white and harden on your hair. Hard gel can suck the moisture right out your hair and break off when brushing it out.
5. Trimming Your Ends
Trimming your ends tames split ends, frizz, and promotes hair growth. It’s something that most of us don’t like doing because it compromises length, but once we realize the benefits, it’s a piece of cake.
However, trimming too often or cutting off more than you need can actually be the worst thing you can do when trying to grow your hair! Cutting off too much hair at a time will ultimately keep your hair healthy, but at the same length for months if you continue on cutting everything.
A trim is just that–a trim; cut a little at a time until all of the damage or split ends are gone. If you’re afraid that you’ll cut too much go to the shop and get it done, and watch how they do it.