When it comes to protective styling, the options for black women are endless. As tempting as it may be to wear the same style over and over again, exploring a few different options from time to time is something we should all consider. In this post, I’m going to be talking about my favourite protective styles and why you need to try them:
Crochet braids were very popular in the nineties and they slowly lost popularity in the early 2000’s. Recently, they are gaining even more popularity which is attributed to the variety of styles that are available. Hair brands such as Outre, Afri-Naptural and Trendy Tresses all have extensive ranges of crochet braids. What I love about crochet braids is how inexpensive they are in addition to how natural they look. I’ve been wearing crochet braids for just over three years. I woke up one day and just got tired of weaves, I wanted to opt for a hair style with some more freedom as well as unlimited styling options.
Another pro about crochet braids is that there are so many tutorials online which teach budding hair enthusiasts how to apply the style. The first crochet tutorial I ever watched was from I Madame Jay. Within minutes, I knew that I’d be able to do my own crochet braids. All you need is a good needle, firm cornrows and a good grip on any hair that you use. For newbies, I recommend using hair that comes with a loop as this will guarantee easier (and much quicker) application.
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Custom wigs are another protective style that has gained notoriety in recent years. Wigs are looking more natural than ever and this is due to a variety of application techniques and styles. Custom wigs are created from scratch: they are tailored to fit the client. Now of course getting a custom wig made will set you back a couple of hundred pounds but if you prefer this look, it’s worth the investment. Wearing wigs has now become more common and they have been embraced by most minorities, but notably by black women. There are so many black influencers who proudly display just how versatile wigs can be on their social media channels. It doesn’t matter where you are at in your wig wearing journey, there is something for everyone.
When it comes to wigs, don’t expect to find one that suits you straight away. Remember that the majority of human hair wigs can be cut, restyled and dyed etc, so invest in quality hair and go to a reputable professional. Also, maintenance is essential if you want your wigs to last. Always wrap them in a net and keep them in a silk bag. Don’t overdo it with oils and sprays: a little bit of leave in conditioner goes a long way. For washing, every one to two weeks is recommend but this varies depending on hair type/quality. For premium hair extensions and wigs, visit the Lily Hair website.
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Faux locs can be applied using two methods: you can opt for a crochet style or have them applied the same way box braids are. Faux locs are quite versatile and they can be styled easily. Just like crochet braids, there’s so many styles to choose from. If you want a bit of variety, goddess locs are so a beautiful style. The difference between goddess locs and faux locs is that goddess locs have a more loosened curly or wavy end. When it comes to maintenance, less is more so don’t overdo it with oils and sprays. (This is the key to maintaining any protective style as too much oil can actually cause hair to matt or tangle)
I had crochet faux locs that I applied myself and they lasted almost six weeks. A tip for locs-longevity is to not be afraid to spend a little more on them. From experience, I think that the more expensive brands have better quality hair. Also, as with braid application, your locs should be firm but not tight. When it comes to crochet braids, I always encourage newbies to buy hair that comes with a loop until you are confident enough with application.
Twists – Twists are one of the most popular protective styles opted for by black women. Twists can be done on natural hair or braids. Senegalese twists have experienced a surge in popularity due to the fact that they are so easy to maintain and that they come in so many sizes and styles. One thing to be weary of with Senegalese twists is that they can cause hair loss. If your hair is damaged or brittle, it’s best to opt for a crochet style as this will put a little less pressure on your scalp.
Getting twists isn’t for the faint hearted – they can take anything from 1.5 to 5 hours to apply! The best hair to use is Marley or Kanekalon hair as both will stop your twists from unravelling. Once your twists are done, your stylist should dip the ends in hot water to ensure the ends are secured.
Box braids are individual plaits that are divided by small squared of parts or boxes. They come in a variety of widths and lengths. Like Senegalese twists, they are also a very low maintenance style which explains why they are so popular. Another benefit is how effective they are at preventing hair loss. They save the hair from excessive combing, brushing and styling.
Before you get box braids, the best thing you can do is have a consultation with your hair stylist. They will look at your hair and determine whether it is healthy enough to handle the braids, as they do put a little bit of strain on the hair in the first few days. If your stylist advises against application, opt for a crochet style instead. It will limit your styling options (depending on how your braid your hair) but you won’t be playing Russian roulette with your hair’s health.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post! As always, I love to hear from you all so do comment and let me know what your favourite protective style is and why. Don’t forget to like and subscribe and if you already have, then tell a friend to tell a friend to like and subscribe xo.
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