Winter. It’s the season that’s accompanied by more than just a weather change. More clothes. More family. More money…SPENT! However, if you’re natural, the onset of winter, for many, means less time dealing with your hair. As we all know, it’s a good idea to protect your tresses from the harsh, dry air to help retain moisture and minimize breakage. It’s an even better idea to do it for the low! That way, you won’t have to be the secret Santa giving hand lotion from the Dollar Tree. You can get it from Bath and Body Works this year! That’s right…the good stuff.
Here are a couple of protective styles you can do using inexpensive products that will save your hair and your pockets:
The Sleek Pony Tail
This style is self explanatory. It’s a simple ponytail but the added hair gives it a little umph!
Here’s everything that I used:
4. Bohemian Bulk Hair (I use SNAP! Bulk Hair)
Now, all the gel is optional, but when your hair is as thick and prone to frizzing as mine, you gotta do what you gotta do! The real gem on the list is the hair. Would you believe me if I told you I bought the hair for only 5 dollars?! JUST FIVE!
This hair is synthetic, so it’s not meant to last forever. I got a solid week out of it and I received a ton of compliments. If you’re interested in this hair, note that it comes very curly/wavy. However, if your hair is more coarse/kinky like mine, you can comb the hair out to give it more of a kinky/curly look. This will help it blend better.
The Halo Braid
The halo braid style has been very popular in the natural community. It’s cute, classic, and can be worn for many occasions.
Here are the products used:
Many of us are already familiar with the price point of Marley Hair. It’s nice and low! I’ve never paid more than 5 bucks for it. The best thing about it is that it can be used for so many different styles and it blends flawlessly with natural hair, especially if your hair is kinky in texture.
For this style I bought two packs of hair. In actuality, you only need one, but I wanted to add some color to my braid to give it a little flair. To achieve the look I did the following:
Create a long, jumbo braid out of Marley hair
Pull hair into low bun
Pin top of braid around the bun
Pull the rest of the braid around the head
Pin in place
It is THAT simple. If handled with care, that braid can last you quite some time; you can take it on off as you please.
The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not HAIR” Wig
Yeah, you heard me! This is a wig and it only costed me…wait for it…a cool 15 dollars.
Here’s what you need:
Synthetic, inexpensive, curly wig of your choice
The wig I chose is the La Jaz Half Wig by Vanessa Express. I ordered it online but you might also be able to find it in a beauty supply store near you. But regardless of where you get it from, just make sure that you get it! Now, just as the hair with the ponytail, this wig comes very curly; it matches type 3 hair without manipulation. However, as I typically do with curly weaves/extensions, I combed it out to give it more of an afro texture. Now, this wig is a half wig which means the front of my hair was left out. Fortunately, no heat is needed! All I did was flat twist and picked out the front of my hair to help blend with the wig and voila! I had fabulous, realistic looking hair while caring for my own underneath!
So ladies, there you have it. These are some quick go-to styles that will help you stay frugal, protect your strands, and remain GORGEOUS. Plus, all the guys will be fighting to have you underneath the mistletoe…don’t ask me how I know ;-).
What are some of your favorite inexpensive protective styles? We’d love to hear them!