The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Hair in Protective Styles
The sun is out, you feel a light breeze on your scalp, and your boho knotless buss down is blowing in the wind —but your natural hair is crying underneath. Many of us focus on the build-up to the hair appointment to get your braids, twists, or faux locs installed, and after sitting in a chair for 6 hours (or more!), we think we’re set for the next 8 weeks—but that’s simply not true. A common misconception about “protective styles” is that you can leave your hair alone and expect healthy hair come the takedown. But the truth is, a protective style is only as effective as your hair care routine, and for many that routine is nonexistent. No judgement, it’s almost like a canon event. Quiet as it’s kept, caring for your hair in a protective style really starts before the first braid or twist. Laying a strong foundation with proper prep makes all the difference—and if you caught my entry on preparing your natural hair for protective styles, you know exactly what I mean. Now don’t get me wrong, protective styles are amazing—I have one right now! But, if only if you treat them right. Here’s the simple care routine your hair needs right now.
The routine is simple— so simple that you might wonder why you haven’t been doing this already! And if you have, I’m sure your hair loves you right now.
Your Weekly Protective Style Care Routine
1. Shampoo: Yes, You Still Need to Wash Your Hair!
Yes, you still need to wash your hair, even if it’s in a protective style—no matter which one it is! If you have braids or twists, simply apply lathered shampoo to your scalp and strands. For faux locs, try a shampoo with a nozzle attachment, or use a bottle with one. Add shampoo and a bit of water, then apply it directly to your scalp and gently scrub.
2. Conditioner or Leave-In: The Key to Soft, Moisturized Strands
After rinsing out the shampoo, you have the option to use a rinse-out conditioner or a leave-in conditioner, depending on how short you want this routine to be. Both are easy to apply! You’ll want to skip the rinse-out conditioner if you have faux locs, you can opt for a light leave-in spray and spray your roots sparsely. If you have braids or twists, simply apply the lathered conditioner to your intertwined strands gently, do not apply directly to your scalp! If you are using a rinse-out conditioner, simply rinse it from your strands. (Pro tip: If you have boho braids, goddess braids, or any loose strands in your protective style, use the conditioning steps as a quick detangling session. The conditioner’s slip will help you!) I personally enjoy doing the full rinse-out conditioning step then following up with a little bit of leave-in.
3. Moisturizer/Styler: Keep Frizz at Bay
Just like your natural hair, you’d need to apply some type of styler or moisturizer to lay down some of that frizziness. After your conditioning step, be sure to wring out any excess water, before applying your styler of choice. I recommend a light mousse or foam, or light-hold gel if your style includes loose curls. Gently apply your styler of choice, and use a silk or satin scarf to cover and lay your roots while you blow dry your hair.
Nighttime Routine: How to Maintain Your Style Overnight
Before you go, I’ve got a super easy nighttime routine to help keep your style looking cute for as long as you want. (No judgment if you’re the type to take your style out after 2 weeks—I get it!)
Here is another 3 step routine, that will take you far in your style:
1. Mix a little bit of your favorite leave-in conditioner and water into a spray bottle. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—just mix the two together!
2. Section your hair into 2 or 3 sections, and spray the moisturizing and detangling mixture onto your strands (the amount is up to you!)
3. This step is optional if you have added curls or curly ends on your style. If you do, let’s keep going! Gently finger detangle the waves and curls, so you can skip this step in the morning. If you like taking risks and are a bit impatient with nightly maintenance, you can opt for a brush at your own discretion.
Once done, twist or braid each section to prevent tangles in the morning. Finish off with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet—or both for extra security. Voilà, your hair is maintained and ready for the next day!
