Think Natural: The Importance and Variety of Protective Styles

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Importance and Variety of Protective Styles

Weave: Let it Help than Hinder

I know you are by now beating yourself in the head for wearing maybe 7 lbs of weave on your head and giving yourself a slap on the wrist for all those micro braids that yanked out your roots, but at times like these during your transitioning period, these style that once damaged your hair can help protect it if you take care of your natural hair underneath.

This means while wearing those micro braids, continue deep conditioning, oiling, and moisturizing. This won't only keep your braids soft and smooth but will also aid your hair's health and growth while not being combed and brushed frequently resulting in breakage.

Sew-ins or Wigs are also a well known protective style that is used to hide women's natural hair AND damaged ends that need extra care from the elements and stress of daily styling. Imagine if you are not yet comfortable with your TWA or where your hair is transitionally, you can rock a sew in that might resemble your hair goal length! While the braids underneath the tracks or wig cap can keep moisture in if you spray them often with a water based moisturizer and/or an oil based moisturizer.

Popular Protective Styles for Natural Hair

Many African American women that consider going natural start going natural by doing the BC or Big Chop. The Big Chop is when you or a salon professional cut all the RELAXED HAIR leaving you with your natural, chemical-free hair. Some do the BC right away leaving them with a TWA, or teeny weeny afro. Others begin their transition by growing out their natural hair and either trimming away the relaxed ends periodically or cutting off the relaxed ends as soon as they reach their desired length of natural hair.

While waiting for their natural hair to grow, many women who do not want to wear weaves master in protective styling. Here are some style that are my personal favorites: