The benefits of protective hairstyles

With summer on its way, I am looking forward to wearing more of my natural hair. My hair is usually in a protective style (plaits/twists) and then I wear my wigs, but with the warmer weather coming through, I am excited to style my hair the way Mother Nature intended. I am also looking forward to some good old retail therapy and looking out for some cool deals on hair accessories and hair products.

Beauty Blogger image

Having my natural hair mainly in protective styles has some amazing benefits. Here are a few of them –

Retains hair length

One of the most amazing benefits of protective hairstyles is that they help retain hair length. Protective hair styles as the name implies protect hair roots and tips, which leads to retaining hair length, which is a big deal for us coily hair girls.

Easy to maintain

Protective hairstyles are naturally very easy to maintain daily. Once done, all it needs is daily moisturising and you are good to go! I usually moisturise with water from a spray bottle and hair oils – coconut oil and black seed oil, and since it is so easy to maintain, the hair does not need to be manipulated or bothered as much.

Aids hydration

If you are struggling to retain hair moisture, protective hairstyles are what you need because it aids hydration. The issue of moisture escaping would be a thing of the past with protective hairstyles as the hair would retain moisture and stay healthy.

Helps with hair growth

Another great benefit is that protective hairstyles encourage hair growth as a result of all the amazing benefits already listed. Also, it helps with hair growth by reducing hair breakage. So if you are looking at growing your hair, do incorporate protective hairstyles into your haircare routine.

Allows you to wear stylish wigs

Protective hairstyles keep your hair safely and nicely tucked away and allow you to wear stylish wigs, which is nice. I like being able to switch up my looks as often as I like, and wigs allow me to do this easily and quickly.

Style Blog UK Image

Do you wear wigs regularly? How do you protect your natural hair? Please share your tried and tested tips in the comments below.

 

5 Tips for Maintaining your Edges

Our hair edges are so delicate, and they have the power to make or break our look. This is why it is so important to care for them properly. I have real life experience of how easy it is to damage the hair edges and I did a lot of that in my younger days. Didn’t know better and was busy experimenting with all sorts of hairstyles that were damaging to my hairline. Luckily, I retraced my steps some years, and my edges are back and better. It’s not easy to regrow your edges but it is possible with the right haircare products and care.

African Natural Hair image

5 Tips for Maintaining your Edges

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to grow your hair, you are on the right page. Here are 5 tips to help you maintain your edges –

Avoid tight hairstyles

To grow or maintain your hair edges, you would want to avoid tight hairstyles in general. The edges are the most fragile part of the hair, so hairstyles that strongly pull on the hairline is a no-no. You would also want to make sure whoever is making your hair doesn’t have an overly tight grip to avoid damaging your hair.

Nowadays, I do my cornrows myself because I am always rocking a wig or a turban, but many years ago, I had a hairdresser who had a very tight grip. It was horrible and it kind of messed up my hair, so I had to stop having her make my hair. Make sure you only have gentle hands touching your hair.

Stay away from heat

If it’s not possible to stay completely away from heat, then try to reduce using heat on your hair as much as possible. Excessive use of hair dryers, straighteners, flat iron and the likes can lead to hair dryness and breakage. I personally do not use any heat on my hair now and it has greatly helped my hair grow in a healthy way.

Wrap up for bedtime

Wrapping your hair with a silk scarf or bonnet for bedtime prevents the hair from losing oil and moisture, which leads to excessive dryness and hair breakage. I always wrap my hair with a silk scarf and a bonnet for extra protection. Just make sure, the scarf is resting on your forehead and not the edges to avoid unnecessary friction while you are sleeping. Using a silk pillowcase is also great for extra protection.

Beauty Blog image

Keep your hair moisturised

To keep your hair edges healthy, make sure you moisturised them regularly. Depending on the texture of your hair, you might need to moisturise once a day for very dry hair or less frequently for oily hair. Natural oils like Coconut Oil, Black Seed Oils, are best for keeping your hair moisturised and shiny.

Be gentle with your edges

If I could summarise this entire blog post for maintaining your hair edges in 5 words, it would be – ‘be gentle with your edges’. Handle them with care and be consistent with the haircare routine to reap the benefits. It could take a long time to grow the edges back, but if you carry on with the tips and you are gentle with your hair, it will start to look nice again.

I will bee sharing some new haircare products I have been using on my hair and my daughter’s in a subsequent blog post, so keep reading.

Do you have any tips to share for maintaining edges? Please share your haircare tips in the comments below.

Long and Lovely: Straight Hair Care for Beautiful Lengths

*Collaborative post.

Embracing the Beauty of Long, Straight Hair

Long, straight hair can be a stunning asset, but maintaining its health and beauty requires specific care. Understanding the nuances of long straight hair is key to keeping it lustrous and strong. This guide offers a comprehensive approach to caring for your long, straight locks, ensuring they remain as beautiful as they are long.

Essential Care for Long, Straight Hair

The foundation of straight hair care lies in understanding its structure and needs. Straight hair, particularly when long, is prone to tangling, split ends, and can appear limp if not cared for properly. A good starting point is selecting the right hair care products. Retailers like Oz Hair and Beauty offer a range of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments specifically tailored for long, straight hair, addressing its unique challenges.

Haircare tips image

Picture source: here

Nutrition and Hair Health

Your hair’s health begins from the inside. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can significantly impact the strength and shine of your hair. Incorporate foods like lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, and eggs into your diet. These foods are rich in nutrients like biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for hair health.

Shampooing and Conditioning Wisely

Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial. Look for products that add moisture without weighing hair down. Shampoo your scalp more than your ends, and condition mostly the mid-lengths to ends of your hair. Over-washing can strip natural oils, so consider extending the time between washes.

Tackling Tangles and Breakage

Tangles and breakage are common issues with long, straight hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, and be gentle. Start detangling from the ends and gradually work your way up to avoid breakage. A leave-in conditioner or detangling spray can be a lifesaver for knotty hair.

Heat Styling and Protection

If you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant. Try to limit the use of hot tools, as frequent heat can lead to damage and split ends. Embrace your hair’s natural texture occasionally to give it a break from heat styling.

Regular Trims for Healthy Ends

Regular trims are essential to maintain the health of long, straight hair. Even if you’re growing your hair, trimming the ends every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends and keeps your hair looking neat and healthy.

Deep Conditioning and Hair Masks

Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask into your routine at least once a week. These treatments can replenish moisture and repair damage, keeping your hair strong and resilient.

Protecting Hair Overnight

Long hair can get tangled and damaged while you sleep. Consider braiding your hair loosely or tying it in a soft ponytail. Also, sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and prevent breakage.

Managing Oil and Scalp Health

For those with an oily scalp, dry shampoo can be a great tool for extending the time between washes. But be mindful not to overuse it, as buildup can lead to scalp issues. Scalp treatments and exfoliators can help maintain a healthy scalp environment, encouraging healthier hair growth.

Sun Protection for Hair

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun. UV rays can weaken your hair and fade its color. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Styling Tips for Long, Straight Hair

Long, straight hair offers a versatile canvas for various styles. From sleek ponytails to elegant updos, the possibilities are endless. However, avoid styles that pull too tightly on the roots, as these can cause damage over time.

Celebrating Your Long, Straight Hair

Caring for long, straight hair involves a balance of proper washing, conditioning, styling, and protecting. With the right approach, your long hair can be a source of pride and beauty. Remember, the key to gorgeous hair is not just the products you use or the styles you choose, but also the care and attention you give to maintaining its health and vitality. Embrace your long, straight hair and let its beauty shine through with these care tips.

 

 

error: Content is protected !!