You’ve just had your hair done: Braids, Vanilles, Faux Locks… The result is superb, but there’s a problem: how can I take care of this hairstyle without damaging it too much? In this article, you’ll find seven tips on how to care for your hair and your protective hairstyle without altering its longevity.
Although these hairstyles are practical, they are very aggressive to the hair and scalp, and can break your hair if you don’t take proper care of it!
Taking care of your hair when wearing a protective hairstyle is essential, especially if you want to keep it for a while.
“Because sometimes weaves and wigs need a vacation”
Tyra banks
If you don’t take care of your hair, you run the risk of damaging your scalp with product build-up and losing your hair through lack of moisture.
First of all, before you have your hair styled, moisturize it with your favorite cream or oil blend, to ensure your hair is hydrated before the lengthy styling procedure, which can also damage your hair if the hairdresser pulls a little too hard! After you’ve had your hair braided, don’t forget your good habits, and keep your satin cap or scarf on at night to avoid hair rubbing against your sheets, which can absorb moisture from your hair and dry it out, even causing breakage in the long run! Moisturize your hair daily with your vapo (with water, Aloe Vera and an oil of your choice, for example) or with a leave-in moisturizing spray.
Once a week, bring out the heavy artillery of nourishing creams and apply them to each section at the roots of your hair. Wash your hair at least once every two weeks, preferably with natural clarifiers such as cider vinegar (dilute it in water and spray it all over your head) or sulfate-free shampoos that won’t damage your hair. Avoid over-pulling your strands in buns, high ponytails, etc. to avoid weakening your hair, which is fragile and at risk of breaking from over-pulling. And above all, don’t keep your hairstyle for too long! Your hair isn’t meant to be constantly smothered; it can stop growing altogether due to poor circulation, especially if you don’t take care of it.