Protective Styling!

PROTECT that HAIR!

Hey lovelies, it's Apryl (@pennyroyalpry)!

I'm here today to talk to you all about protective styling! Protective styles vary and essentially do what the name says - protect your hair.

Personally, my hair gets really dry - especially during this winter season. I also try to avoid styles such as wash-n-gos during the winter to prevent mixing damp hair with cold weather resulting in sickness. My hair also just doesn't cooperate during this time of year, for some odd reason. Also, sometimes it just needs a break from the daily manipulation. Tucking my hair away but also taking care of it promotes growth. If your hair needs a break, or you just want to try a different style out, stay tuned! I'm going to share with you some protective styles and D.I.Y. ways to achieve them.

IMPORTANT: Similarly to having your hair out and exposed, your natural hair in protective styles still need to be taken care of. DO NOT do a protective style and proceed to neglect your hair. Your hair will still need the same TLC it would get on a regular day. Also, avoid protective styles that will further damage your hair. Avoid styles that will pull at your roots and edges, and avoid very intricate styles that will cause breakage and tangling.

Here are some examples of protective styles.

1) Buns: Mini buns, faux buns, high buns, low buns, top knots, you name it! Longer hair is relatively easier to make a bun with. Depending on your actual hair length and texture, you should be able to do some version of the  bun to protect your ends. Using water, gel, hair ties, maybe a sock or filler, and bobby pins, you can achieve this style. It's about whatever works for you! I have some tutorials I have watched that I think would help (and there are many more all over YouTube!)

• Naturally Nellzy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOVSthYI8oU
• Mini Marley -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70ZF6ZYUgAw
• TheChicNatural - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TleIHZ-DaAw
• THE DIVA 242 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYvs5lDz1uI

2) Braids: Box braids, cornrows, crown braids, crochet braids, braids galore! There are so many styles you can create with the braid. Using a styler/cream and moisturizer, apply that to your hair before you braid. Edge control or gel always tames those edges and creates a sleek look. There are so many different styles, but linked below are some of my favorites!

• iknowlee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09QNiteL7i8
• MissKenK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wlqtruRiGY
• Yolanda Renee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4s2Tvy-pm0

3) Twists: Senegalese twists, flat twists. two-strand twists, anything you could think of! Once you get the hang of it, you can't go back on it. There are so many styles you could do with twists. If you plan to leave them in for a while, use a leave in conditioner before installing. Moisturize your strands while creating the style. These are a great protective styles, and there are so many variations below.

• MyNaturalSistas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzMlHmqs8Ag
• Sadora Paris - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIqloyDgJU

As you know, the natural hair world is universal and there are so many more styles than what is listed here. These were just styles to get you started out. Go out and do your research, and do whatever is best for you. And, love your hair. Always remember to take care of it and just enjoy it. 

Much love.

**Questions? Comments? Tweet us: @NaturallyNi or @pennyroyalpry using the hashtag #nerdynaturals! Follow our Tumblr: CLICK HERE.