Protective Styles
Box Braids
Box braids get their name from the square parting that is done to the hair. Box braids use kanekalon hair which is affordable. Braids protect the hair from environmental factors, allows the scalp to breath, and prevents any heat styling. They can last about a month, box braids are better suited for thicker hair textures because it can cause breakage in thinner hair textures.
Tutorial:
Corn rows
Corn rows/ cane rows is a very popular protective style and the start of many other protective styles such as sew ins, wigs and crochet braids. The hair is braided very closely to the scalp, corn rows can last about 6 weeks. They last longer on 4 hair textures. It protects hair from environmental factors and it is very versatile. To help keep corn rows neat it is recommended to sleep with satin scarves, or satin pillow cases.
Tutorial:
Wigs
Wigs are so fun and can allow you to have any hair style without the damage from heat or hair dye. Hair underneath is usually cornrowed or twisted to be flat. Wigs can allow hair to grow because it is not being manipulated. It is important to keep the scalp moisturized to prevent dryness. It is also important to use less harsh glues and to properly remove wigs to keep edges healthy.
Tutorial:
Crochet Hair
Crochet hairstyles uses a crochet needle to feed synthetic hair/ twists/ or braids in. Underneath the crochet hairstyle the natural hair is cornrowed into a specific pattern. Crochet braids are also very versatile allows different experimentation with different hairstyles without manipulating and damaging your natural hair. It can last up to 6/8 weeks. It is important to keep the scalp moisturized and to wash the scalp at least once a week to prevent lots of buildup.
Tutorial:
Twists
Twists are also a great protective style because it prevents moisture loss. It is very versatile and can be styled in various ways. It allows the natural hair to be stretched to show of some new growth. It can last about one/two weeks and can be taken out to show of some spiral curls.
Tutorial:
Sew-in Weave
With sew in weaves the natural hair is cornrowed and hair extensions are sewn in into the cornrows. The natural hair is protects and there is limited up keep. If you do decide to leave some leave out which is leaving out some natural hair in the front, make sure to use heat protectants or use hair extensions that is similar to your hair texture. People usually get sew-ins done in a hair salon, or you can do it yourself but it takes lots of practice.
Tutorial: