The word “protective” is self-explanatory and gives an idea of what protective hairstyles are. Protective hairstyles aim to limit the stress of environmental factors on natural hair. Environmental factors include wind, the sun, your hands, your pillowcase, in fact just about anything that can cause any form of manipulation and distress to your hair. Protective hairstyles are beneficial because they help:

• Protect your hair from the elements
• Length retention
• Maintain moisture
• Cut cost and look stylish for less

Protective hairstyles include twists, braids, cornrows, chignon, feed-in-braids, Bantu knots, top knot/buns, crotchet braids, dread locks, etc.
Despite the fact that your hair is in a protective style, you still need to take care of it. If you get a protective style and leave it to do its thing, you are wrong. Here are a few tips to keep your hairstyles clean:

GET IT DONE BY A PROFESSIONAL

This is very important. Getting your protective hairstyles done by a professional means it will be done right to stay as long as you want it to. A professional would also give the best advice on how to care for the style.

MOISTURIZE REGULARLY

Because your hair is in a protective style does not need moisture. It is still prone to dryness. You can use a de-tangling moisturizer or a leave-in-conditioner on your hair. It is advisable that you use products in spray bottles so it easily gets to the root of your hair. In addition, this limits the amount of manipulation and damage your hand could cause.

COVER YOUR HAIR

To protect your protective style, you ought to cover your hair a lot. You can use scarves, caps, bonnets, etc. this is very essential before you go to bed. Coverings effectively provide a protective layer between your hair and the manipulation it will receive from your bed/pillow. You can also try using silk pillowcases as they cause less frizzing than other pillowcases.

WASH BI-MONTHLY

Yes, try to gently shampoo your hair even when it is in a protective style.

Article credit : Cocci Beauty