Growing out your hair can be a challenge: hair can become damaged, dry, and prone to breakage, which can slow down the growth process. Protective hairstyles can help protect your hair from damage and allow it to grow long, healthy and strong. This blog will explore five protective hairstyles that can help you grow out your hair.
Preparation
Before styling your hair, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are some tips to help prepare your hair for styling:
Cleanse your hair: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to remove any product buildup and prepare your hair for styling. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will help preserve hair disulfide bonds and prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage.
Deep condition your hair: Use a deep conditioning treatment to nourish and strengthen your hair. Look for products that contain ingredients like protein, keratin, and hair oils like coconut or argan oil.
Detangle your hair: Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle your hair gently. Starting at the ends of your hair, work your way up to the roots, removing any knots or tangles.
Once you’ve prepared your hair, you are ready to style it.
1. Box Braids
Box braids are a classic protective hairstyle that can help you grow out your hair. The style involves sectioning the hair into small, square-shaped sections and braiding each section from the root to the tip. Box braids can be styled in various ways, such as buns, ponytails, or half-up, half-down styles. This hairstyle can last for weeks, allowing your hair to rest and grow.
2. Twist Outs
Twist outs are a low-manipulation protective hairstyle that can help keep your hair healthy. This style involves twisting small sections of hair from the root to the tip and allowing them to dry. Once dry, the twists are unraveled to create a beautiful, defined curl pattern. Twist outs can be done on both natural and relaxed hair and can be styled in various ways.
3. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a protective hairstyle that has been around for centuries. The style involves sectioning the hair and twisting each section into a knot, similar to a mini-bun. Bantu knots can be worn as is or unraveled to create beautiful, defined curls. This hairstyle is easy to do and can be done on both natural and relaxed hair.
4. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are a protective hairstyle that involves braiding hair extensions onto your natural hair. This style can be done in various braid patterns and can be styled in different ways. Crochet braids can last for weeks and can help protect your hair from damage.
5. Low Buns
Low buns are a simple and easy protective hairstyle that can help protect your hair from damage. This style involves gathering your hair at the nape of your neck and twisting it into a bun. Low buns can be styled with various hair accessories, such as headbands or scarves, to add a touch of flair.
Maintaining Your Style
Protective hairstyles can help to minimize damage and promote hair growth by reducing exposure to styling tools and environmental factors. However, it is still essential to care for your hair while wearing these styles to prevent breakage, maintain healthy hair, and maximize the longevity of the protective style.
To care for your hair while wearing protective hairstyles, you should regularly cleanse and condition your hair and scalp to prevent product buildup and irritation. It’s also essential to moisturize your hair and scalp by using a lightweight leave-in conditioner or oil to prevent dryness and breakage. Also, be sure to protect your hair while sleeping by using a satin or silk pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a silk scarf to prevent friction and breakage.
Box braids, twist outs, Bantu knots, crochet braids, and low buns are all excellent protective hairstyles that can help protect your hair from damage and allow it to grow long and healthy. By following these tips, you can help your hair grow long, healthy, and strong.