Introduction:
Protective styles like braids and twists are not only fashionable but also help to promote hair growth and protect your natural locks from damage. However, it can be frustrating when these styles don’t last as long as you’d hoped. Fret not! We’ve got you covered! Here are eight expert hacks that will make your protective styles last longer:
1. Start with Clean, Moisturized Hair:
Before immersing yourself in those stunning braids or twists, ensure you begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. This step sets the foundation for a longer-lasting style, as it removes excess oils and dirt.
2. Scalp Care is Crucial:
Your scalp health greatly impacts how long your protective style will last. Massage your scalp regularly with natural oils or a light moisturizer to maintain a well-nourished and hydrated scalp. A healthy scalp promotes hair growth and prevents itching or flaking, allowing you to rock your styles for longer.
3. Don’t Forget to Secure Those Edges:
Edges make or break a protective hairstyle. To ensure they stay sleek and laid, make use of a lightweight edge control gel, a satin scarf, or a headband while sleeping or when you want to keep your hair out of your face. This little extra effort will keep your style intact.
4. Nighttime Routines are a Must:
Wrap your hair in a satin scarf or use a satin pillowcase while sleeping. Satin minimizes friction and helps to retain moisture, preventing your styles from getting frizzy or disheveled overnight.
5. Oil Those Itchy Hands:
During the day, our hands have a tendency to wander towards our stylish hair. Combat this urge by keeping a small bottle of hair oil, argan oil, or castor oil near you. Whenever you catch yourself itching or twirling, apply a small amount of oil to your fingertips and gently smooth the hairs back into place. No need for re-braiding or re-twisting!
6. Show Love to Your Hairline:
The hairline often suffers the most stress in protective styles. Soothe and protect this delicate area by regularly massaging it with a nourishing oil. This helps to prevent breakage and tension, allowing your hairline to stay full and intact.
7. Refresh with Dry Shampoo:
After a week or two, your roots may start to feel a bit oily or weighed down. In such instances, dry shampoo can be your new best friend. Spray a little on your roots, wait a few minutes, and then gently massage or comb it through to refresh and add volume to your style. Ta-da!
8. Keep Your Hands Away:
We saved the most challenging hack for last. It may be tempting to constantly touch, restyle, or play with your braids or twists, but excessive manipulation can cause frizz and shorten their lifespan. Embrace your protective style, resist the urge to overstyle, and your longevity goals will be within reach!
Conclusion:
By following these 8 expert hacks, you’ll extend the lifespan of your protective styles – braids and twists – while keeping them looking fabulous. Remember, starting with clean and moisturized hair, maintaining scalp health, securing your edges, adopting a nighttime routine, avoiding excessive manipulation, and using dry shampoo when needed are the keys to making your protective styles last longer. Now go ahead, rock those fabulous braids and twists with confidence!