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Protective Styling: Is it Really Good for Your Hair & Hair Growth?

I am sure have heard about protective styles like braids and twists, and probably wear them yourself. There's a constant debate about protective styling and whether it's truly beneficial for helping your hair grow longer and stronger.


Let's chat about whether protective hair styles actually live up to the hype.

Less Breakage


Our hair is prone to breakage due to its unique texture and structure. When left loose, our coils and kinks can easily get caught on clothing fibers or tangled up with other strands. This constant friction and pulling can lead to breakage and split ends, which can be frustrating and damaging to our hair's health.


When we opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or even a sleek bun, we're providing a shield for our strands. These styles keep our ends tucked away and safe from harm, reducing the risk of breakage and preserving the integrity of our hair.

Keep Moisture In


Moisture is essential for the health and vitality of our hair, which tends to be drier compared to other hair types. Our coils and curls have a natural tendency to lose moisture more quickly, leaving our hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.


When done correctly, protective styles help seal in moisture and prevent it from escaping. By keeping our hair tucked away and shielded from the elements, we create a barrier that locks moisture in and keeps our strands hydrated. This is crucial for maintaining the elasticity and strength of our hair, reducing the risk of damage and promoting overall hair health. With protective styles, we can ensure that our hair remains moisturized, supple, and happy.


Our Handmade Hair Boost is made of 19 natural oils and butters with no fillers or additives. It's perfect for moisturizing your beautiful hair.

Preserve Hair Length


For many of us, achieving and maintaining length can feel like an uphill battle. Our coils and curls are prone to shrinkage and breakage, making it challenging to retain length and see visible growth.


Protective styles can be a game-changer in this regard. By minimizing manipulation and reducing the risk of breakage, protective styles help us hold onto the length we've worked so hard to achieve.


When our ends are tucked away and protected, our strands have the opportunity to thrive and grow without the constant threat of damage. Whether we're rocking braids, twists, or a chic updo, protective styles give our hair the opportunity to flourish and reach its full potential.

Tightness & Breakage


While protective styles offer numerous benefits, it's essential to be mindful of the tension applied during installation. Particularly with braids, weaves, or extensions, styles that are too tight can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. This involves gradual hair loss around the edges and temples due to prolonged tension on the hair follicles. The discomfort and potential long-term damage caused by overly tight styles can outweigh any benefits, so it's crucial to communicate with your stylist and prioritize your hair's health and comfort.


Opting for looser styles and avoiding excessive pulling or stretching can help prevent this painful condition and ensure that your protective style remains truly protective.

Dryness and Buildup

Proper maintenance is key to maximizing the benefits of protective styling and avoiding potential pitfalls. When protective styles are left in for extended periods without adequate care, they can trap sweat, dirt, and product residue against the scalp and hair. This buildup can clog the hair follicles, leading to irritation, dandruff, and even fungal infections. Additionally, lack of access to the scalp can hinder proper moisturization, resulting in dryness, brittleness, and breakage.


It's essential to cleanse your scalp regularly, using a gentle shampoo or clarifying rinse to remove buildup and refresh your hair. Hydrating your strands with a lightweight moisturizer or oil can also help combat dryness and maintain the health of your hair while in a protective style.


Stuck in One Look

Variety is the spice of life, and this holds true for our hairstyles as well. While protective styles offer convenience and protection, wearing the same look day in and day out can become boring. Prolonged use of certain styles can also cause strain on specific areas of the scalp, leading to discomfort and potential damage.


To avoid this, consider switching up your protective styles periodically, alternating between different braided or twisted looks, or experimenting with accessories and embellishments to add flair to your hair. Not only does this keep things fresh and exciting, but it also allows you to explore different styling options and express your creativity.


So, Is Protective Styling Worth It?

Protective styling can be a good way to help your hair grow longer and keep it healthy, but it's not a magic solution. It's essential to choose styles that don't pull too tight and to take good care of your hair while it's in a protective style.


Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to hair care. What works for one person might not work for another, so it's essential to listen to your hair and figure out what's best for you.


Here at Nae Nae's, we've got your back! Our goal is to provide you with natural, nourishing hair care products specially made for kinky, curly hair. We want to help you embrace and celebrate your beautiful curls and coils.

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