Top 5 Protective Styles For Maximum Length Retention

*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.

Twists

The whole point of protective styling is to do something that creates the least amount of pressure for your hair and the greatest amount of pleasure for you.

Twists, mini twists included, are a great choice because they are considered a low tension option and if done right can be manipulated in ways to create beautiful styles for formal occasions or just worn down for informal ones.

With twists you have a lot of options when it comes to products and technique. For example two strand twists are considerably easier to create than three strand twists but the three strand might last a little longer. Havana twists, the really thick twists, have also become really popular of late and are very easy to install.

If you have type 4 hair, you can get away with using heavy butters* or gels to create neat twists with great hold and definition, for type 3 hair ladies using fewer products might be a better choice.

Tips:

• Only redo the perimeter of your hair when in twists as those twists contribute to how neat your hair looks, and they are the easiest to tackle.

• Only wash your hair if you know that your hair does not tangle easily. Twists are more prone to frizz and tangling so if you choose to wash tread with care. As long as you are moisturizing daily, there is absolutely nothing wrong with waiting until you take the style down to wash your hair.

• Use the rope method to make sure your twists are strong and last longer. This means twisting each section so as to create a strong tight twist, this may sound confusing so Naptural85 demonstrates the technique in this video.

Weaves

There has been much debate on whether weaves* can be considered a protective style for everyone all the time.

Some women just think of it as just a weave not a protective style and frankly, it is just a weave*. But there are certain things you have to do in order to make your weave* play the protective styling role so that it can protect your hair from over manipulation, breakage and all around environmental damage.

Regardless of what you want to call it, weaves* can lead to some serious length retention especially when done correctly.

Tips

• Take care of your hair underneath. Before your install make sure that your hair has been treated and properly moisturized for the amount of time you plan to wear your weave.

• Don’t leave a weave in forever and a day, try to get a fresh install every 4-8 weeks so that you can look after your own hair and thoroughly detangle it to prevent matting.

• Take care of your weave, keeping it tangle free and healthy by washing, conditioning and using very little product on the hair.

Cornrows

Do not let the naysayers fool you; cornrows are not just for women with muscles living in tight spaces and wearing orange jump suits.

Honestly cornrows are so versatile and the styling options are almost endless, not to mention that since they are close to your scalp they allow you to show off your facial features to the best advantage.

Have fun with this protective style and do not hesitate to use a stylist to get pretty designs, patterns and unique updos. If you are a simple girl, two cornrows aka french braids on either side of your head work really well, although they won’t last too long.

Cornrows look great with Fedora hats and cute earrings so knock yourself out accessorizing!

Tips

• For goodness sake save your edges by not making the braids too tight or too small when doing your cornrows. If you are using a stylist speak up if you feel things getting way too tight for your liking, you will only suffer later if you don’t.

• To wash or not to wash. Whether or not you choose to wash your cornrows is a personal choice. They will tend to frizz when they come into contact with water so you may choose not to bother or you may opt to just wash them once half way through the duration of the style. If you do wash them, an easy way to beat the frizz is to tie a satin scarf around your head while the cornrows are still wet. When your hair is dry, remove the scarf and you will be left with frizz free cornrows!

Wigs

One of the main benefits of using a wig, lace wigs and lace fronts included, is that they are easy to install. Just braid your hair, put your hair net on, grab Michelle and go!

Like a weave*, a wig has the benefit of super cute aesthetics while protecting your hair underneath, you can style the wig* to your liking, color it, cut it whatever you prefer but what is most important is that you are avoiding manipulation of your own hair and you can almost guarantee maximum length retention.

Wigs* are absolutely amazing if you want to just change things up and take a break from your hair which is the whole point of protective styling anyway.

Tip

• Get educated on the best wig for you, there are many choices out there and picking the best one comes down to what you like personally and what suits you. High end wigs* can get very expensive so before you purchase one, get the best advice.

• Care for your wig by storing it well, preferably on a mannequin head so that it keeps its shape.

• Sometimes a wig that doesn’t look quite right only needs a couple of snips here and there to create a super cute style. If you are confident, cut the wig yourself but if you are not confident enough and don’t want to risk ruining your wig*, then get a stylist to do shaping for you. It really doesn’t cost much and it’s worth it if you have invested quite a bit of money in the wig already.

• Make sure you check on your hair underneath nightly, keeping your hair moisturized and allowing your scalp time to breath.