5 Reasons You Are NOT Reaping the Benefits of Protective Styling

Hey beautiful people, I hope you're all doing well. It is now now getting colder and many of you, like myself, will be tucking your hair away to protect it from the drying weather. Protective styles include weaves, wigs, extensions, two strand twists, canerows/cornrows, mini braids and the list could go on. Protective styling can be used for length retention, time saving, versatility and personal choice. Below I have put together 5 reasons why you may not be reaping the benefits of protective styling.

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1) Incorrect Installation

Hair that is too tight can pull the hair straight out the follicle, especially along the hairline. Over a period of time this can lead to traction alopecia. Incorrect installation also includes frying your hair with a blowdryer before styling, I've heard one too many stories of how an impatient stylist ripped through people's hair with a high heat blowdryer and little heat protectant. There is a wealth of information on the YouTube, if you do not want to fall victim to a impatient stylist, learn to do your hair yourself. 

2) Not Taking Care of your Hair 

When protective styling it is very important that your still care for your hair. Moisturising your hair is a must, especially when using synthetic hair as it draws the moisture out of your hair more than human hair. Failing to moisturise your hair will result in dry brittle hair upon take down, dry hair equals breakage and breakage leads to lack of length retention. Cleansing the scalp is also important, a clean scalp creates optimal conditions for hair growth. For those who do not wish to wash their hair whilst sporting a protective style, there is an easier way. By applying witch hazel to a cotton bud you can effectively cleanse your scalp. 

3) Being Over Protective a.k.a Keeping the style in for too long

Hair kept in braids, weaves etc. for too long can cause more harm than good. As your hair grows more, added stress is put on your hair follicles from the added weight. For protective styles done solely with your own hair such as mini twists, keeping the style in for too long can lead to matting. 

4) Incorrect Removal of Style

Patience is key when taking down a protective style especially when using scissors. You do not want to cut your own hair in the process of cutting thread or added hair in a bid to save time. You also need to avoid ripping through your hair when you stumble upon a tangle. Once you have removed your style you need to spend time thoroughly dentangling your hair, you will have an ample amount of shed hair that needs to be removed. 

5) Your Braids/ Twists are Too Small or Too Heavy

 Poor choice of style can be detrimental for the health of your hair. Braids/Twists that are too small can also be detrimental. Attempting to undo these little braids/twists with your not so little hands can cause substantial damage to your ends especially when you start running low on patience. Hair that is too heavy puts added stress on the hair follicle and can potentially rip your hair out. 

What would you add to the list?