6 Reasons You Should Protective Style This Winter

Contents:

• Low Maintenance
• Versatility
• To Resist Temptations
• So You Can Free Up Time
• Because It’s Time For Something New
• Durability

As summer becomes a distant memory and winter slowly creeps in, it’s time for us naturalistas to start coming up with backup plans and styling regimens for our natural hair. I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m not trying to wash n go all winter here in the harsh weather of NYC.

Protective styling is always an excellent option for natural hair because it keeps your hair out of the way so we can focus on other things. If you’re stressed out about what to do with your hair for the winter months, let these six reasons persuade you into protective styling this winter:

Low Maintenance

Protective styling is great for the lazy curly girl or anyone that doesn’t want to deal with their hair every day. You can also protective style to skip that extra getting ready step in your morning ritual.

As we begin to transition to the end of the year, our lives can get more hectic dealing with finals, work projects, holidays, and all other life commitments.

Protective styling is an excellent opportunity to give your hair a break; with most protective styles, all you have to do is shake and go. Great examples of low maintenance protective styles are box braids, Senegalese or Havana Twists, Faux Locs, curly wigs, mini twists etc.

Versatility

Let me first mention that there are a ton of protective styles out there to choose from. Braids, wigs*, weaves, clip-ins, crochet braids, etc- you name it, you can do it.

Protective styles depend on your commitment and your creativity. If you decide to experiment with wigs*/weaves alone, you can choose from a variety of hair textures such as straight, wavy, curly, and even kinky* extensions*, especially with the increase in popularity of hair extensions that resemble natural hair.

If you decide to get braided or twisted styles, you can experiment with the length, with styling, and with updos so that you don’t get bored.

To Resist Temptations

Unless you are or plan to be in the tropics this winter, I am almost sure you won’t be doing regular wash n’ go’s ( or will you?).

Even without the frigid temperatures, you may end up subjecting your hair to over manipulation. You may be tempted to manipulate your hair a tad too much, especially if you are a social bug.

The staff party, that random soiree, a family getaway and the New Year’s Ball may have you feeling that your hair needs a touch up for each event. Before you know it, you may be whipping out that blow dryer* and flat iron* more than usual.

If you are not into heat and use other methods to stretch your kinks and curls, you still could risk damage from too much manipulation. The truth is, even the simple act of re-twisting or re-braiding can be taxing on the hair particularly when the weather is cold.

Contents:

• Low Maintenance
• Versatility
• To Resist Temptations
• So You Can Free Up Time
• Because It’s Time For Something New
• Durability

So You Can Free Up Time

Let’s face it, winter is one of the best times of the year because for the most part it is centered around family and togetherness.

Having to pay attention to what you are going to do to make your hair look presentable can rob you of the precious time that would be best served creating memories with those you hold dear.

Protective styling helps you make the best of every moment since the time you would spend doing hair or booking appointments at the hair salon would be saved and channeled into something else.

Because It’s Time For Something New

You know that style you saw that you really think is the bomb but you have been a bit hesitant to try? You can stop crushing on it from your vantage point in front of your computer screen and go get it done (Note to self, get the long bob wig* already!).

There are hundreds of trendy protective styling options for you to choose from and since at times the fear of being regarded as unprofessional may keep you from getting certain styles done, capitalize on the time that the winter holidays afford you and give your hair a makeover.

Heaven knows half the time we tend to have the same styles. Sure we may have a few styles that we alternate but really they are staples in our regimen, so much so that we have lapsed into a predictable pattern.

Use the opportunity to try out a protective style that is different from what you are used to (Those Fulani braids sure are cute, aren’t they?). You may find that it suits you and hopefully, you will satisfy your curiosity once and for all about whether or not they are for you.

Worst case scenario is that you will have one more thing to add to the list of things you shouldn’t do.

Durability

Another great reason to protective style is for the durability. Let’s face it, installed box braids will last you way longer than a plain braid out. Plus, the style looks better for a longer period of time.

How long you keep your protective style installed depends on how you care for your hair. To maintain your styles, wrap your hair at night or switch to a satin pillowcase* to avoid frizz.

Also, don’t forget to wash your hair, although you will probably co-wash less often, make sure to deep condition and treat your hair properly for the duration of your protective style. A protective style can last anywhere between a few weeks to a few months depending on maintenance.

Care for your hair and it will last longer. If it starts to look old and you aren’t ready to uninstall yet, you can always retouch around the edges of your hair for a refreshed look. As always, be careful with the amount of pressure you put on your edges.

Even though protective styles are a great idea all year round, they’re especially great in the winter when our hair is exposed to harsher factors. If you do decide to protective style, make sure to care for your hair underneath the entire time. The combination of both will give you long, healthy hair in no time!

What’s your favorite protective style?

Updated by Marsha Buchannan