There are very many of us who are used to or simply prefer their hair to always look perfect. This means that there is a lot of effort put into making sure no strand is out of place and often there is a preference for hair to be open in a twist out , braid out or bun rather than in own hair twists or braids. If you are someone who likes your hair to look fresh/done all the time, there is no way that preaching the virtues of protective styling and accepting a little fuzz halo when the style gets old will work, so I will not try! However, there are ways to reduce manipulation of your hair and still continue to have it look fresh.
1. Constant manipulation of edges
The edges of natural hair are often the first spot of focus for the appearance of fresh hair. Many naturals use gels and brushes on a daily basis to smooth strands backwards. For some, this is not a problem but it is just far too often that you and read about naturals losing hair specifically at the edges. This is most often a result of constant manipulation.
Solution: You actually can smooth hair using water, a moisturiser of your choice, your hands and a scarf applied for 10-30 minutes. If you prefer to brush your hair , you can opt to continue to do so but do opt for the softest brush you can find for the job.
2. Choosing an inappropriate style for the length of your hair
Buns are often touted as a quick and smart style to turn to when your braid out or twist out is getting old. However, if you do not have the appropriate length or indeed if your hair is the type that shrinks quickly over time, you may find that constantly stretching your hair to get it into the style may give you split ends including the dreaded mid shaft splits
Solution: If your hair is shorter (naturally or by shrinkage), consider doing a french roll instead of a bun. It is a very simple, low tension and elegant style which works well with hair as short as 6 inches.
3. Not protective styling when you know you should be
I know, I promised not to preach the virtues of protective styling, I have not lied! I am however asking you to consider that IF you know your hair requires it but you, personally, do not like how those type of styles look, perhaps you can change your mind given some alternate evidence on just how cute you could look?
Solution: Take a spin in the bglh pinterest page and see just how easily you can transform your protective style into something drool-worthy. Another really simple adjustment you can do is just to pin back and bun twists or braids.
Ladies, what are your thoughts? Do you prefer having a fresh do’ or keeping your hair in protective styles? Do you think the two are mutually exclusive? And if any of you are rocking fresh styles every day and also retaining length, please share how you’re doing it!
