What are Protective Styles ??

Protective styles, as the name suggests, are various styles which hide away the ends of the hair protecting it from external conditions which may lead to damage. The ends of the hair are the oldest part of the hair, as the hair grows from the roots, and thus more susceptible to damage. Of course, protective styles don't make your hair grow but they make it possible to eliminate breakage especially if your hair  breaks faster than it grows. Top 5 protective styles worn by the black community are :

1. Buns
Of course, buns hide away your ends, it is easy to do and very convenient if you want a simple protective style to put your hair in when leaving for work or school especially if you are late.

2. Braids
You can braid your natural hair or opt for braid extensions. Whether your braids are your natural hair or extensions it is important that your hair is also being taken care.

3 Weaves
Weave is my favourite protective style as it keeps my ends hidden and allows me to have a fresh style, while not having to use heat or relax to achieve the style I want. Your ends are thoroughly secured when  wearing weaves it is not exposed to the environment and it is not manipulated as such. If your hair thrives on low manipulation then braids and weaves may be for you. As mentioned before, it is still important to care your hair underneath. For example, I do a protein treatment before I do a sew in or when I take down a sew in. Also, it is important to find a moisturizer (preferably one in a spray bottle) to moisturize the cornrows underneath.

4. Flat Twists
Many of you know flat twists, and if you do you will know that it can be  a form of protective styling, as it too, hide away the ends of the hair. Flat twists are very similar to cornrows, in the sense that it is created with two sections of hair, although unlike cornrows which is created in three. Flat twists offer more versatility because unlike two strand twists, flat twists work equally well on both relaxed and natural hair.

5. Twisting
Twisting, or rope twisting is very popular in Jamaica. It may also be referred to as two strand twisting. It is also a form of protective styling but it doesn't work so well with relaxed hair, but of course with natural hair because it won't loose from the ends as easy as relaxed hair.