Box braids, cornrows, faux locs, twists, singles, the list can go on for protective styles for your natural hair. All over social media, you see the natural hair community going into full protective styling mode as the cold of winter hits Johannesburg.
“A protective style is any style that keeps the ends of the hair tucked away and minimises manipulation. Protective styling gives the ends of our hair a break from nasty weather conditions,” states a blog called afrocenchix.com
If you have delicately textured hair then protective styles can protect your hair during these cold months where our hair can easily become more prone to damage as the cold weather tends to dry our hair out.
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A website titled lifehack.org has an article by Nabin Paudyal where he breaks down five reasons why many go for protective styling in winter. The article mentions by wearing braids, acts as a ‘helmet’ that shields our hair from the harsh cold weather.
Many people also change up their hair products during winter, since winter can be both drying to the hair and scalp, many natural hair enthusiasts tend to go for thicker products that can lock in moisture in their hair for when they are braiding.
It is also important to remember that even though braiding is a protective style this winter, many hair experts advise that six weeks is the most that you can wear your braids, longer than that it can cause more harm than good for your hair and scalp.
Protective styling is not necessary for everyone because everyone has different hair textures, if you have survived many winters without protective styling then there is no need to suddenly go for it now. The weather may not be too kind to us but be sure to be kind to both your skin and hair this winter, and remember that what works for others may not work on you, do what works for you.
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