*Raises hand* *Clears throat* and stands shyly; Hi My name is Emily and I hate do not enjoy protective styles. Yes if this were a hair confessional that is probably what I would say.
I did like some braid extensions* I had back in 2009 but the take down was such a mess that I vowed never to do it again. Not to mention my first expensive weave purchase; that style was ditched the following day, money wasted and again I vowed never to do it again.
And how could I forget the fact that I cannot mini twist to save my life, the twists always end up fuzzy and my parts are never clean. Since I have never tried cornrows the verdict is still out on that.
To be fair though, I have never really given protective styling a real chance so if I had to do it all again I would definitely pick braids or mini twists over a weave and get a professional to install them for me.
The point is even with all my failed attempts I am still well aware of the benefits of just giving your hair and your sanity a break. There is really no better way to retain maximum length so with that said, here are the top five protective styles.
Box Braids
Do not even pretend as if you never rocked box braids back in the day after seeing Janet Jackson’s hair in Poetic Justice, or in fact Brandy’s braids throughout the ninety’s.
Well girls its protective style challenge time and there is no better time like the present to bring these back.
Box braids are awesome because they have longevity, whether you decide to add hair extensions* or just to use your own hair, the style doesn’t ‘mess’ up too quick so you can rock it for up to 8 weeks if you like.
Tips
• Alma, has a cool method for doing box braids/mini braids that makes things alot easier for those who get bored quickly. She does not braid the hair all the way down to the ends, that way you have the rest of your hair to play with, adding rollers or just leaving it out. It is win win because you have the bulk of your hair protected and cool styling potential for the duration of the style.
• Watch the tension on those edges. Do not braid too tight because you risk causing traction alopecia which if left unchecked can become permanent hair loss. You should never feel pain or have a headache after installing box braids. Period.
I want to know about false eyelashes. I had them applied for a party recently. They were individual lashes. They stayed on for about 3 weeks. I noticed that my own eyelashes have come out since I had them. Is this a side effect of wearing false lashes. My sister said that all of her lashes are gone. She wears false lashes often.
Box braids is always my go to protective style for over 5 years now. Works like a charm
…. Bunning is what helped me retain length… all the way to waist length… definitely should be listed. 🙂
Protective styling is ANY low/no tension/ manipulation style in which ends are protected…your welcome