Helpful or Harmful? The Truth About “Protective” Hairstyles

During the winter months, protective hairstyles are on the minds and hearts of many naturals. But is protective styling really “protective”? What exactly are we protecting our hair from? Can you get through the winter without them? READ: African American Braided Hairstyles: How Braids Were Used To Keep Our Ancestors Alive Seasoned hairstylist, educator and editorial stylist Roni Jones shares 7 truths about “protective styling”: 1. Hydrated hair is protected hair. According to Roni, “Hydrated hair, which is when hair is the strongest, is when the hair is best protected.”  Acquiring hydrated hair requires a thorough regimen of cleansing and conditioning with water-soluble, water-based products with botanically-based ingredients. Using traditional “protective” styling as a means of protecting your hair from the elements won’t matter if you’re not keeping your hair hydrated regularly. 2. Braids, crochets, twists, wigs and weaves are alternative styling options. Whether it’s for vacation, preference, boredom, creative expression, or something we do to give ourselves a break from our maintenance routines, alternative hairstyling allows us to avoid the work required to achieve and maintain healthy hair or keeps us looking polished when we haven’t yet learned our hair and how to properly care for it. RELATED: Protective...