Protective Styling Q & A
Protective Styling Q & A
What IS a protective style?
A protective style is any hairstyle whereas your natural hair isn’t free/loose. The clients hair is typically braided to protect it against heat styling, maintainance, weather, etc.
These styles include:
Crochet Braids.
Box Braids.
Cornrows.
Weaves.
Wigs.
Protective Styles are great for those of us who are looking for something effortless and cute that’ll allow for us to give our natural hair a break. Protective styles should NEVER be too tight. Too much tension can cause Traction Alopecia (a condition that causes hair loss or excessive thinning along the hairline). - The objective is to grow and thrive! I took the liberty of talking with a few of my clients on questions/concerns you guys may have regarding your protective styles. Read on Queens!
Q : My hair sheds a lot after I take out my braids, is this normal?
A : Yes it is! Your hair sheds 50-100 strands a day. A DAY! So after having your hair braided for days, weeks, or months at a time - so while unraveling your braids or detangling your hair, you’ll definitely see all that previously shedded hair.
Q : Are crochet or braided styles better for your hair than a weave or wig?
A : Every client is different. Current hair condition plays a major role in how protective your protective style will be. Consult w/your stylist about the strength of your hair and what is easiest for you to maintain. Anything too heavy, or that requires a lot of upkeep (especially heat), will damage your hair.
Q : How long does a protective style last?
A : Protective styles vary. It can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Depending on the type of style. I don’t recommend keeping ANY protective style in for longer then 8 weeks.
Q : Can I still wash my hair?
A : I recommend shampooing your hair once every 2-3 weeks. Making sure your natural hair underneath is rinsed thoroughly and dried COMPLETELY. This will keep your scalp clean and healthy - promoting growth.
TIP : My MarshayNicole Hair + Body Mist is anti-bacterial & anti-microbial. You can spray on scalp in-between shampoos to cleanse. * Don’t forget to moisturize your scalp post shampoo.
Q : Are tight braids the norm for the protective style to hold?
A : NO! Yes, light tension is normal. However, if it is so uncomfortable that you need to take a pain-killer or can’t sleep at night, you’ve done some damage. It’s not worth the pain and, in some cases, the irreversible hair loss/thinning. *Those small white bumps along the hairline are filled with PUS, & can become infected. ITS NOT WORTH IT.
Q : Am I allergic to synthetic hair? My scalp always itches when I get a protective style.
A : Possibly. The factories that manufacture synthetic braiding hair, use an alkaline base chemical coating on the hair to give the hair a shine & luster. That chemical usually causes a mild to severe reaction to the client. Try giving the synthetic hair a quick 15-minute Apple Cider Vinegar + Water soak to remove the chemicals before installing. OR do ACV rinse on braids after installation.
Feel free to ask questions below or drop a few tips if you have some! Thanks for reading. Love & Light! - Marshay