When going natural it takes time to get your crown together. It begins with growing out your natural hair and cutting off over processed ends. Your natural hairstyle requires daily moisturizing to keep your tresses hydrated and beautiful.
It is a fact - our natural crowns take time and care when worn day to day. When life is busy and you find yourself running around quite a bit, then we strongly recommend beautiful protective styles as you transition. Protective styles keep your hair out of harm’s way as you work on more length and healthier locs.
Plus, they are very low maintenance and lasts longer than other hairstyles. This makes them a good choice when your life gets hectic and there is not enough time for you to tend to your own tresses every day.
There are several different protective styles to choose from. Each offers its own benefits and challenges. In this post, we explore the types of protectives styles to help you decide on the ones that fit your lifestyle best.
Although wearing a protective style it is important to remember to take care of your natural hair to ensure it transitions more quickly. Be sure to moisturize it daily and use a good leave-in conditioner to keep your tresses hydrated as you transition to your natural crown.
Versatile and Natural Wigs
Wigs are the easiest to install because you can do it yourself. Wigs are available in varying lengths, styles, and colors. Many are made from human hair and last longer than synthetic styles.
Although human hair wigs can land at the top of your budget, they can be treated like your natural hair. You can be cut, dye, and straightened these wigs. When choosing a wig consider its wearability. You can decide to get one with straps or with clips for wear.
Straps secure the wig tightly around your crown and adjust according to the size of your head. Clips will secure the wig using your own hair as an anchor. Both of these are designed to help the wig fit securely and appear to be your natural crown.
To install the wig, just braid or twist your natural hair and put on the wig. Remember to moisturize your own natural crown before you go.
Long Lasting Sew In Extensions
A sew-in is one of the most versatile and natural protective styles to wear as you transition. To apply sew in extensions your natural crown is braided into cornrows and the weft, also known as the track, is sewn into your braids using a needle and thread.
This method can take anywhere from two to four hours. With proper care it is usually kept in for up to 3 months. The cost of the extensions vary and depend on length, type of extension (human or synthetic), and style.
Versatile and Trendy Braids
Braids are a favorite protective style because they last for months and the longer you wear them the more natural looking they appear. There are various types and styles of braids including cornrows and box braids. Braids vary in time to install and price depending on the length, size, and style.
Remember that braids can become very heavy if there are many of them or if they are too thick. This can cause stress on your natural hair and can lead to bald spots, damage, and breakage. As you transition be sure not to make your braided hairstyle too heavy.
Simple Crochet Styles
Crochet hairstyles are versatile and beautiful. These style are easy to install and can be done at home. The hair you will use to crochet can be purchased pre-made and pre-style. To achieve a crochet style begin by braiding your hair into cornrow. Then use a crochet tool to push the twists or braids through your natural hair and lock them onto your braids.
Crochet styles can take anywhere from thirty minutes to a couple hours depending on how many packs of hair you install. This is one of the most affordable protective styles to wear as you transition. They typically lasts for up to 4 to 8 weeks.
Naturalista Faux Locs
There are two ways to install faux locs. The first method is best for people who want their locs to be around the same length as their natural hair, just twist your natural hair and add Marley hair to the ends. After you have done this to your entire head, you must wrap each twist in Marley hair.
The other way to install naturalista faux locs is to use Marley hair to twist your hair to the length and thickness you would like, then wrap them similar to the other method. The install can take anywhere from six to twelve hours, but they can last for up to three months. The cost of faux locs depends on how long and thick they are, and your stylist. It is important to continue to oil your scalp every week.
Braid out. Braid out protective style keeps your hair from breaking off at night. Just braid your hair the night before and remove the braids in the morning. This can be done with loose braids or with cornrows. If you want to wear the braids and then take them out, just make sure your parts are neat, and the braids are tidy and well moisturized. These are simple to install because it can be done yourself and can take thirty minutes or more to install depending on how big the braids are and the length of your hair.
Twist out. Twist outs are the same as braid outs, but instead use twists. If you want to wear the twists for a few days you just need to make sure they are tidy and moisturized. The twists can be flat twists or loose twists, and if you wear them you can wear them up or down. These are free to install because you can do them yourself. They take at least thirty minutes to install depending on how big they are and the length of your hair.
Bantu knots. Bantu knots are two strand twists that wrap around themselves to create a tiny bun. Similar to the other styles, make sure your hair is clean and moisturized before you install them. This style is a stylish up do, which makes it more convenient than the other methods if you prefer to not wear your hair down. Knots can take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour to complete. You can wear them for a couple weeks or take them out when they are fully dry and wear the defined curls they create. You can oil your scalp as much as you need since you don’t have to worry about extensions slipping out.
Protective styles can keep your hair safe and promote growth if they are cared for correctly. They are also a great way to change your hair without having to bleach, straighten, dye, or cut your natural hair. There are so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one you want.
If you’re still unsure about which style is for you, then contact a professional stylist or simply send me an email. I'm more than happy to help you find a protective style that gives you confidence in your crown as you transition.