Protective Styles For Length Retention

So....what's a protective style?

That's simple. My definition of a protective style is a hairstyle that, most importantly, protects your ends and involves as low manipulation as possible. Its a way to give your hair a break from the daily combing, twisting, and even touching that can take a toll on your tresses and ultimately prevent length retention.

Some great protective styles are:

Braids (with or without extensions):
Braids, if done correctly, can be a great versatile protective styles. Whether they are cornrows, "poetic justice" braids, or micros, they are a good way to give your hair a break. It is key to make sure that they are not too tight. Do not be afraid to tell your stylist to go easy...ESPECIALLY with your edges because those are the first to go!

Twists (with or without extensions):
Senegalese twists, mini twists, havana twists, curlique twists and flat twists are cute protective styles. Just like with the braids, make sure your stylist isnt trying to grab all your edges. I usually tell them to leave them out...That's what pomades like Edges are for...so slick those edges down.

Weaves/Sew-Ins:
 I love a good weave! There is a school of thought that says that weaves are not protective styles. I don't agree! I think if done properly, sew ins can be great protective styles. Now what constitutes "properly", The sew-in shouldn't be tight. You probably shouldn't wear them for 11 months out of the year and you need to make sure the hair underneath is in good shape (trimmed, deep conditioned regularly, and well moisturized). I prefer a curly or a kinkier sew-in, but some people like them straight. I would recommend that if you choose straight, be careful with the leave out. Don't flat iron dirty hair and also instead of flat ironing, try roller setting your leave out! If you apply too much heat on a regular basis, your curl pattern will be shot and your hair will be damaged.

Wigs/Half Wigs:
This is one of my favorite protective styles! I tell all my newly natural friends, " A Half Wig can save a life!" I love them because its the benefits of a weave, but you get to take it off at night :) This could be a staple style for a transitioner! I recommend washing, deep conditioning, sealing, and braiding the hair underneath. Style it so it looks natural! I've fooled many of people with a good half wig.

Buns:
My ultimate favorite protective style is the almighty high bun! When I F&*k up a twist out or Bantu knot out, a high bun can save the day, and I still feel cute. Its great for transitioners because you don't have to worry about blending your two textures...just slick everything up!

Remember with all these styles, you need to keep your hair moisturized...BY ANY MEANS necessary.  Get a spray bottle and add some water and your favorite carrier and essential oil (olive oil, jojoba oil, tea tree, peppermint, apricot kernel, etc) and spray your hair. You can also add some oil directly to your scalp!  Before any long term protective style, like braids or weaves, I recommend a  strong Protein Treatment (and a deep conditioner) before and a light protein treatment  (and deep conditioner) after. Protein treatments strengthen the hair, thus adding more protection against breakage. Also, don't leave your protective styles in for too long. Your hair could knot up and get matted and then you won't retain any length, instead you'll just see a lot of breakage. I would say not to leave any hairstyle in for longer than a month...but that's just the amount of time that I am comfortable with. Everyone's different!