Protective Styling: 3 Tips To Keeping Your Natural Hair Healthy And Thriving
Protective styling is a major key to for Black hair care! Here are 3 Tips to keeping your natural hair healthy and thriving!
By: Sydni Hatley
Natural hair and understanding its needs are a large part of promoting black hair care. Our hair is a lot more fragile and sensitive than most think, and therefore requires more attention. There are specific products and methods intended to promote the health and wellness of it, and if not followed it can be to our hair’s detriment.
Protective styling is just one aspect of a lot of actions that can be taken to promote the health of African American hair. Not only are we taking care of it, but we are also expressing ourselves in the process of nurturing our crowns.
Protective styling is useful all of the time, but it is especially useful in cold weather or the winter time. The dry air from cold, harsh weather easily dries out the hair shaft, depriving it of moisture. This inevitably makes the hair more susceptible to breakage. Some methods of protective styling include but are not limited to: Wigs, braids, twists, faux locs, buns, phony-pony tails, and more.
The main benefit of protective styling is that it keeps in the moisture you infuse before you put it up. The hair is wrapped around itself and insulated for the duration of your hairstyle, and therefore it is kept healthy!
With protective styling being as beneficial it is, the prep for it is just as important. Without good preparation, a protective style placed on improperly prepped hair will only be housing an unhealthy crown. With that said, this coupled with leaving it in such a state for weeks on end is simply a recipe for disaster. In light of these things. listed below are some key tips to keep your natural hair healthy and thriving under that wig, in those braids, or tucked in that bun!
1. Deep Condition on the Day Before Styling
This will help reinforce the moisture and hydration necessary to keep the hair healthy, since it will be put away for an extended period of time.
2. Get Your Oils Right!
Not all natural hair is made equally, meaning that not all natural hair is the same. Some natural hair requires more moisture while others require less. Some may respond well to heavier oils, while others may react negatively. Learn what oils your hair likes and make sure to oil up before you put your style in.
3. Trim Those Ends: Let Go To Grow!
It doesn’t hurt to do a nice trim before putting your hair up for a month or two. Gage your hair’s health and see if your ends need assistance. Usually a quick trim will help bring it to life, and promote growth within the protective style.
These are only a few pieces of advice that will help keep your hair happy while it is put away. You’ll be astonished how much it grows when it is left alone and unexposed! Remember, having it put up is just as important as letting it breathe and having it out, so make sure to have a balance of both. There are other protective styles that don’t involve fake hair or excess manipulation, and that can still give your hair a break (i.e. flat twists, individual twists, natural braids). Remember if anything, that the biggest keys to healthy hair for any and all protective styles, however, is moisturizing, using proper products, and a good trim!
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Autumn Curls: 3 Tips For Protecting Your Natural Hair During Fall/Winter
With the cooler temperatures rolling in, it’s time to prep, pamper, and protect your curls! Here are 3 tips to follow to protect your natural hair this fall/winter!
By: Lauryn Bass
It’s chilly season! Autumn is now upon us and it’s time to make sure that the only thing that won’t be giving you a scare, is your hair! With the cooler temperatures rolling in, it’s time to prep, pamper, and protect your curls! Here are a few tips to follow for the fall, the 3 P’s!
Prep!
The colder seasons can dry out your follicles which could result in split ends and breakage! To avoid this battle, you need to equip your hair with all the moisture it needs. Protein-based hair masques and hot-oil/keratin treatments are the way to go! These will boost your hair for lower temperatures!
Pamper!
Don’t be afraid to overdo-it with the love! Show your curls all the care that they deserve! Add some color to your look for the fall weather, dye your hair with orange, sunset colors. Get golden highlights to add a bronzer touch to your life. Try out new twist outs, new rollers, refresh your look with the hair-paint wax! Even try cutting it! Adding a new and exciting touch to your fro will get you excited to take more care of it.
Protect!
With Prep and Pamper in mind, be sure to remember that certain things will aid the cold to try to damage your hair. Avoid heat; excessive heat is never going to end well for your hair. Try protective styling the hair with twists, braids, head-scarves, crochet styles, wigs, anything that will give your hair some time to relax and grow. Remember to use bonnets or satin pillowcases to bed as well!
While preparing, pampering, and protecting your hair, Autumn is sure to be an entertaining and fun time of the year! Enjoy the fall season with your hair blowing in the wind, happy, healthy, and free!
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Grow it, Show it! 4 Tips For Growing Your Natural Hair
Natural hair is finally getting the respect it deserves! Here are 4 tips that will help your natural hair flourish!
By: Lauryn Bass
Natural hair is finally getting the respect it deserves, honey! The curls that crown the Queens and Kings of this earth are thriving and I am here-for-it. No matter what the shape or form, our hair needs lots of care and everyone has their own techniques for maintaining its health and growth, but sometimes the length just seems stunted. Aside from the shrinkage, the size of your afro just seems to be remaining the same, yeah? Here are 4 solutions to boost your puff to flourish.
1. Try Tea Tree Or Peppermint oil!
These oils have been said to remove dead skin cells from your scalp which allows for the hair follicles to spring back into life! It also helps all the love and nutrients that you’ve added to your hair gain unlimited access to do what you want it to do! Also, when you use it, it creates this breezy feeling in your scalp that is actually a rush of oxygen flowing which is also a good indicator of future growth!
2. Deep condition!
Deep conditioners are so great at penetrating the hair shaft and replacing dryness with lots of proteins that strengthen the hair. As your hair gets stronger, it reduces shedding and breakage. It provides moisture for hair that may not get all the care that it needs during your busy schedule. Make sure to research the different kinds and what benefits each ingredient provides for your specific hair type and texture.
3. Lessen Manipulation!
As protective styling is known for helping hair growth, it can also stun the progress of growth. When you are constantly combing, brushing, pulling, and tying up your hair into the various hairstyles we love and adore, this maneuvering can cause breakage. When styling, be cognizant of how much stress you are putting on your strands and try to limit how many styles you are whipping together back-to-back. Be sure to give your hair a break and let it be.
4. Cut It Off!
Honey, trims are your friend! I know it may sound counterproductive, but you have to lose some to win some. Literally, getting routine trims are so healthy for your hair and helps it to grow. Split ends get more and more worse as time goes by, traveling up the shaft. They also weigh your hair down and drain the nutrients from the healthy part of your hair. If that isn’t enough, when you’re wearing your fro, they don’t look good!
As you try out new ways to promote your hair growth, remember to do things with care. Your hair is a statement, a representation of who you are. When it is thriving, it boosts confidence and adds a positive note to your day. Keep your crown shining bright!
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Natural Hair Tips: 12 Protective Styling Tips For The Winter
Winter time is here which means taking care of your hair and edges is essential! Here are some protective styling tips for the winter!
By: Emily-Ann
It’s getting cold outside baby, and your hair is letting you know it. In my case I’ve got type 4 A/B hair. This means my hair is prone to extra dehydration around this time. I found that my spray bottle and black Castor oil are my best friend. In saying that, I have been scrolling through Pinterest, and looking at protective styles. I am seeing beautiful workmanship in braids and interesting details in hair jewelry. Our culture is so diverse and talented I kind of forget to celebrate just that.
We express our self through hair, dance, music, and clothing. It’s really great to see the different ways of braiding your hair. If you're looking for some inspiration, you can definitely find a ton of work on Pinterest. Here are some ideas to try out this holiday season. I know for many of us, we are the caregivers in our family big or small. The last thing you want to think about it is your hair. I’m sure your hair will understand and appreciate the tiny break.
Don’t forget to take mini breaks in between protective styling and be kind to your edges. Speak up with your stylist if you feel the braiding is too tight as well. Happy styling everyone.
Reminders
Give your edges a break, the constant manipulation can do more harm than good.
Keep your scalp moisturized by using applicants with your favorite mixture. My mixture is Aussie moisture conditioner, and Olive Oil
Get a good sealant, Black Castor oil, Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Jojoba Oil. These are just a few great oils.
Get hot oil treatments and or a protein mask. If your hair isn’t sensitive to protein treatments.
Use heat to help products penetrate the hair follicles. For example, personal heat cap, hooded dryer, or for the lazy natural use your shower steam to help apply products. It works just as well.
Apply the Greenhouse method for moisture retention. This is achieved by placing a plastic bag/cap over your hair and leave the bag/cap overnight to let your natural body heat do the work. Place a satin scarf or bonnet over your hair and continue the night time routine. In the morning remove it and let your hair dry. Do this method maybe 1-2 times a week.
Pre poo your hair with your favorite conditioner. The more slip the better, helps to avoid breakage and retain the length you did achieve.
Trim your edges as it’s the oldest and weakest part of your hair
Part your hair in sections, much easier to work with
Sleep with a satin pillowcase or bonnet
Tuck in your ends
Try to purchase slick lined winter accessories, less snagging and pulling of the hair
Enjoy the holiday season 247liveculture family!
Disclaimer: I am not a professional hairstyle nor do I claim to be one. Always seek out professional and licensed stylist in your area. I am natural hair enthusiast, sharing my tips, tricks and stories at successful managing my natural hair with my fellow naturals.
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Natural Hair Tips: 5 Steps You Need to Know for Detangling Your Natural Hair
With summer around the corner, it’s time to let your hair down! Here are some helpful tips for detangling your natural hair and flaunting your curls!
By: Emily-Ann
Welcome back to another post about your natural hair. I know it’s been a minute, so without further a due let’s get right into it. I know with summer on your mind, many of us are taking out those braids and maybe looking to do wash day. Wash days can be time-consuming and especially for those of us wearing protective styling. I know this process can be annoying, but I have finally got it down packed when it comes to detangling.
In preparation for wash day, my hair tends to have a lot of product build up. Needless to say, my hair is really good at letting me know when its time for a wash. I have listed the steps I used that have been the most successful for me lately.
Step1. Part your hair in four easy sections; this will help you with the detangling your hair faster. If you have medium-long length, then you will need to do a little bit more sectioning. Try parting your four sections and then again into two more sections and proceed from there.
>> RELATED: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Step 2. Taking a section of your hair, spray water or have on hand your spray bottle mixture ready for application. Lightly spray the hair to prevent unwanted snagging and tugging of the hair. You never want to do this on really dry hair as it will only cause more damage than good.
Step 3. Take the ends of your hair and finger detangle the ends and remove any (single strain knots) ssk(s) or shedding hair. It may take a minute or two with this step if you have medium-long hair. This step may be tedious, but worth it to maintain healthy length retention. Once you’ve finger detangled your hair, you can now use a wide tooth comb to release the shedding hair. Start from the ends and work your way up through the sections of your hair.
Step 4. Two strain twist your hair until all sections are complete. I like to add pretreatment to my hair like light oil and sit under a hooded dryer, or you can steam your hair. This will help open up the hair follicles and stimulate absorption of conditioner or treatment.
Step 5. I like to wash my hair in the two strain twist and then apply many DC masque or treatment to the hair. Wash as usual and retwist hair, and at this point I like to let my air dry with my favorite product. Lately, Shea Moisture’s extra-moisture detangler is my go-to product for wash days!
I find it doubles as great leave in for me, and re-apply about three more times throughout the week. My hair is left feeling super soft and easy to manage. I have tried many other products, but I keep coming back to this one. It is now a must-have and by far a staple of mine. Hopefully, I have helped someone who is finding detangling a challenge. Keep checking back with us for more helpful tips with natural hair!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this post with another natural beauty!
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Cute Natural Hairstyle Ideas for Short Hair
Having long natural hair is beautiful, but short natural hairstyles are just as gorgeous. Love your curls at any stage! We discuss some cute natural hairstyle ideas for short hair!
By: Emily-Ann
Embrace Your Natural Short Hair
Having long natural hair is beautiful, but short natural hairstyles are just as gorgeous. Love your curls at any stage! If you are like me and you have always had long hair, going natural or doing the big chop can be daunting and scary. You’ve never seen your hair, never mind having short natural hair. The texture is different, and you have mixed emotions about your new look. Don’t get discouraged short hair is very versatile and you may come to love it and stick with it!
Don't stress over your short curls but love them anyway! Shrinkage is apart of the natural hair deal and depending on your hair texture you may experience more shrinkage than others. Ladies, play with color and go ahead and try different styles. For example, Mohawks/Faux Mohawks are fun and one of my personal favorites! Bantu knots are also something to try out and you can dress them up with hair jewelry.
>> RELATED: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Experiment with your short do’s, and try playing with head scarfs and wraps. There are many colors and patterns to choose from, and big hooped earrings will never go out of style. Opt for protective styles like braids and wigs. Caution, although wearing a protective style can be beneficial, remember to take care of your own hair. Protective styles should not feel too tight or feel like you got a major headache sis.
Keep your curls healthy and happy by making sure you keep your hair hydrated. For example, using light oils like Argan oil, Almond oil, or Jojoba oil can be good for your natural hair. These oils easily penetrate into the hair shafts and if your hair can handle the heavier oils like, Coconut oil, Black Jamaican Castor oil, or Olive oil, go ahead and try out some of those. Using shampoo to unclog pores and product residue off your scalp can help aid in natural hair growth!
>> RELATED: Natural Hair Growth: Do You Want Long Natural Hair?
Want that extra length? Ponytails extensions are making a come back. You can get them at your local beauty supply stores. They are inexpensive and are quick and easy to install. Protective styles, are great to retain length, and help you change up your look. I encourage you to change the positioning of the ponytail. Removing your protective units or extensions and letting your own hair breathe is extremely important! This can help avoid breakage and tension on your edges. This also applies to headbands because wearing headbands constantly can cause rubbing and pulling against the scalp and edges. I have had my own breakage and alopecia episodes.
Let your hair breathe and rest once in a while between styling. Below are some cute natural hairstyle ideas for short hair and accessories to play with. Hope this helps, and let us know what styles you are thinking of doing! Share this post with fellow naturals who needs a little inspiration for their short hair do’s!
Cute Natural Hairstyle Ideas for Short Hair
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12 Questions You Should Ask About Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
Are you ready to start your natural hair care journey? Here are some tips for transitioning to natural hair!
By: Emily-Ann
Congratulations, you made the choice of transitioning to natural hair! Now what? Many of us including myself, transition without understanding the journey. My knowledge, comes from trial and error, like many natural hair beauties. I was under the impression that it would be easy. I mean, it is my hair, right? How hard could this really be? It has come to my attention that there are certain questions, you need to ask yourself. Especially, if you are the type to be indecisive or frequently change your mind. It may be very good idea to plan out your transition period, and set your schedule to do your big chop. Here are examples of questions you can ask yourself.
>> SEE ALSO: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Why are you going natural? (this will become clear as you move along in your journey)
How do you plan to do your transitioning from relaxed to natural hair?
Do you know your hair type 1,2,3, and 4?
Do you know if you have low, normal, or high porosity hair ?
What kind of protective styling are you going to use?
What kind support will work for you i.e videos, blogs, or natural hair friend(buddy system)
How comfortable are you with rocking natural hairstyles for short hair?
How would you rate your patience level, one being low and three being very high?
What day of the week will be your wash day?
What are your natural hair goals? Length retention, healthy natural hair, moisturizer control, thick hair, or all of the above?
What natural hair care products will you use? Shampoo, conditioners, leave-ins, and moisturizers etc..
Tip: Knowing your natural hair types may aid in the selection process when purchasing hair products for natural hair. Reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by wide range of lines currently in the market.
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care: Eco Styler Gel Is Cancelled
Questions like the ones mentioned above may save you time, and make product selection process much easier. I want nothing more than to see you embrace your natural hair journey, and with a little patience you will achieve desired results. It may be in your best interest to go through these questions to evaluate your current mindset. Keep in mind this journey will test your level of patience and consistency. May your natural hair journey be dripping with finesse and all its glory.
THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: natural hairstyles for black women, natural black hair, natural hairstyles, natural black hairstyles, natural hairstyles for black women
Meet Lauryn Bass, contributing writer to 247 Live Culture!