Planning protective styles for your natural hair? Here’s how to get your hair ready.
Protective styles for natural hair have continued to evolve with elaborate designs, lengths and types of extensions. Whether its braids, weaves or a ponytail be sure you take care of your natural hair by following these simple steps.
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Cleanse
Before installing your protective style, you must have a clean scalp. This is a non negotiable for the health of your hair and likely for your stylist. I like to use a clarifying shampoo that frees my scalp of build up or left over styling products. Pay extra attention to your hairline! There tends to be excess edge control, makeup residue and oil in this area that you should remove in order to have a polished hairstyle.
Deep Condition
Add moisture back to your tresses with a nourishing deep conditioner. You can seal in the moisture by using a conditioning cap and seating under a hooded dryer. After about 20 minutes be sure to wash thoroughly – remember we don’t want any buildup before installing protective styles on natural hair.
Stretch Hair
Stretching your hair will make the installation of your protective style more manageable. There are a few ways that you can stretch your hair: heatless and with heat. For your heatless options you can braid or twist your hair. For an additional stretch you can pin your hair taught around the circumference of your hair or add hair bands to the end. If you opt for heat, use a heat protectant and blow dryer.
After Care
At this point, I don’t add anymore product to my hair before getting it styled. To minimize my hair from reverting due to the weather or from the gym, I wear a satin lined cap until I get to the salon.
Related: Natural Hair Care Items Sure To Elevate Your Routine
Wishing you a seamless install day hun!
Live abundantly,
Bethany
