Everyone wants beautifully growing hair, and so they opt for protective hairstyles. Your hair may not necessarily grow faster, but protective styles for natural hair can make a world of difference in natural hair care. Most people like to have natural hair, but do they rock with it?
Why Protective Styles for Natural Hair?
A protective hairstyle is simply wearing your hair in a way that's beautiful but shields it from wear, stress, and over-manipulation, most especially. Protective styles for natural hair help to give your hair a break from styling, hot tools, and other manipulations that cause hair damage.
Other women are also hopping on this train, so don't be afraid to go for that installation or hairdo. Natural hair is fragile and delicate and needs special care to protect it from damage. Protective styles for natural hair are perfect for all seasons, when the weather gets harsh in summer or humid in winter. If you're taking steps to grow your hair, protective hairstyles can help you achieve and keep it. Among the numerous protective hairstyles are the seven best listed below for your choosing.
7 Protective Styles for Natural Hair
It's best practice to consider your hair type for any new hairstyles. For instance, type 4 hair is prone to breakage and may break from improper handling or wrong styling options. These 7 protective styles for natural hair are great options:
Faux Locs
This is one hairstyle where you don't need to alter your natural texture. With the loc extension on cornrows, you can wear this protective hairstyle for weeks. Today, many celebrities achieve faux locs by just simple creativity. You can do a box braid and then wrap the extension around each one of them. Either of the options works for a sassy and lasting look.
For a DIY, use a small amount of mask before and after to moisturise your hair. Then apply GK Hair's Argan Serum for extra shine. That the style is protective doesn't mean it should be out of touch with care. GK Hair's Deep Conditioner Mask works for all hair types.
Box Braids
You've probably seen box braids on nearly everyone except you. This is your cue to go for one. Short, medium, or long hair can wear this protective hairstyle. You could also wear extensions to add length and thickness. They are very low maintenance, but don't last for several weeks.
Before settling for a box braid, ask your hairstylist to be sure your hair's texture can hold the style without pulling out some strands. If crochet is best for your hair, then go for an extension, but hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate using a styling oil.
Bantu Knots
Bantu Knots may look manipulative, but that's just about the simplest protective hairstyle you can wear this season. Just section your hair into small parts and wrap each section around itself. This style can last up to 2 weeks. For those who don't like hair around their face, this is a good option.
Remember to use some hairspray and some cream to keep them for longer. GK Hair's Leave-In Conditioner Spray and Cashmere Cream are just a perfect duo for this.
Senegalese Twist
Some people refer to the Senegalese twist as rope twist. To do this, divide your hair into sections and wrap them around each other. This is already protective, but if you want, add hair extensions to keep the style for weeks before a redo. The hairstyle also gives you many styling options, which makes it incredibly great.
Cornrows
This is one protective style everyone has at one time tried and come to love. It is low maintenance and protects ends and edges. Cornrows are braided close to the scalp and can be made on any length of hair. With cornrows, you can try something new—straight back or creative styles like side swept or half-up half-down. You can even try something different for more fun, like adding hair extensions or wearing a wig.
Twists
Most of the time, you hear “twist,” it is either Senegalese or Marley, but mostly Marley is being referred to. Marley's twist is somewhat different from Senegalese. You could make large twists or smaller ones with just your hair or add hair extensions. They are low maintenance and can last for 2 weeks or more. If you add hair extensions, your stylist will dip the ends in hot water to keep them secured.
Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are rare but a go-to for those with very sensitive scalps. It's one of the best protective styles out there for those whose scalps respond to touch. This braid allows for less tension, as the hair is made into braids but done with your natural hair from the root until extensions are added along the way.
How to Maintain Protective Styles for Natural Hair
Maintaining protective styles does not require too much. Just your usual routine and a little extra care are enough. You should never abandon your hair care because you've installed a protective style. Your hair should get some tender loving care.
Keep Your Hair Moisturised
At intervals during the week, reach for a leave-in spray to keep your hair moisturised. If a spray is out of reach, use some water instead or an oil like Argan Serum Oil.
Protect Your Hair at Night
It's not only daily stressors that damage hair. Before bedtime, be sure to have covered your hair in a silk bonnet or sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Never use pillowcases with cotton fabric because they can dry out your hair and cause frizz.
Clean Your Scalp
Once your scalp starts getting greasy, go for a wash with a Moisturising Shampoo or use a dry shampoo directly on your scalp. The recommended period is every 2-3 weeks to prevent the buildup of dirt and oil. Regular washing will also provide moisture and nourishment.
Reduce Tension on Your Hair
When you decide on any one of the protective styles for natural hair, you are choosing protection over beauty. Avoid any style that would cause strain on your edges or roots. If you have a sensitive scalp, go for relief options. Moreover, we advise that you use silk scrunchies to secure your hair rather than elastic bands that pull the hair and cause breakage and split ends.
Does your natural hair split at its ends? Read: What Causes Split Ends and How to Prevent Them.
Choosing GK Hair for Natural Hair Care
Protective styles are one of the best ways to grow stronger and healthier hair, even in summer. Seeking more protective styles and products for natural hair? Then call the search quit. GK Hair has you covered on products and tools for all hair types.
