Protective Maintenance

It's a tough job, but someone has got to do it...my previous blog (entered nearly a month ago) declared the stance I was taking against what I had been advised by some - NOT to braid my hair. Though all the reasons varied, they were thoroughly considered. As some of you may have guessed, I went ahead and braided my hair. With temperature indexes reaching +120 degrees here in DC, I was especially thankful for my braided hair. The DC humidity would have shrunken the "S-T-R-E-T-C-H" I touted earlier (that would not have been pretty). I've also been very busy (on the makeup front) working weddings and other special events, so it's been a help not to have to worry too much about my hair. I have been worrying about the hair of my clients --I have been spreading the protective love. Yep! Weaves and braids. When styling hair, I like to share some of my regimen (for protective maintenance) with clients. So, it's only fair that I share the same information with my readers...

Maintenance for Weaves
Human hair is better - there is really no other way to put it. Daring to comb through and/or style synthetic hair is risky. All hair gets tangled, but it is easier to de-tangle human hair.

1. Wash...Please - just because it the hair isn't growing out of your scalp doesn't mean you can't wash it. You can and you should, in most cases, just as frequently as you would your own hair. So wash away (even co-wash), especially if your weave is human hair. Synthetic hair does not always fair well once getting wet - another reason why human hair is preferred. 
2. Take care - there are a few weaved styles that require little maintenance, but in most cases you will need to moisturize, style and cover the hair nightly. 
3. Get to the root of the matter - don't forget to also care for YOUR hair underneath it all. I recommend continuing whatever regimen you use. For instance, I continue to lightly treat my scalp every night (it's fun to monitor the hair growth also). 

Maintenance for Braids

Braided styles can be ever so tricky and, if not careful, somewhat dangerous. Too much - too tight, can lead to Traction Alopecia (hair loss caused by prolonged pulling of hair). Maintenance is still very necessary for braided styles - From kanekelon to human hair braids. It is important to find a braiding professional that clearly understands the difference between taut and tight; and one that knows how to take care of your hair while braided. But in case you wanted to know how to manage once leaving the braiding studio, here are a few tips: 

1. A little goes a longer way - try not to get braided styles too frequently. If you must, then be sure not to get styles where the braids are very tight
2. Be careful - take it easy when it comes to pulling or tugging on your braided styles. Braided extensions already pull on the hair. I recommend a loose bun, if any manipulation to the hair is needed. 
3. Grab an extra pair of helping hands - finding a friend (who cares about your hair as much as you do) to help take the braids out can be a God-sent. Take full advantage of the help of friends - or better yet, seek professional help. Some braiding studios include this service. I personally bite the bullet and remove my own braids (but then again, I braid my own hair-lol).
4. See #1 of the Weave Tips. Wash braids too...really.

The Bottom Line

Be as picky as you like. It's not easy to find a stylist who is the perfect fit for you. When you find one, keep him/her close at hand. I have had the some of the same clients and professional service providers for over 15 years. It gives the service provider an opportunity to learn and understand the unique needs of clients (along with other nuances, but that's a different blog). 

Protective styling is used to minimize manipulation to the hair (i.e., curling, blow drying, over-styling, etc.). Braiding and Weaves are just two protective styling methods. You can also reduce manipulation to the hair by eliminating the use of heat on your hair (e.g., allowing hair to air dry, not using heated devices to straighten or curl the hair) or making loose buns of your own hair. If you have a sew-in weave, be sure to request that your stylist not braid/cornrow your hair too tight, and to use caution when sewing the weave in. Tight does not necessarily ensure the weave is securely installed, but it can almost guarantee hair loss if you're not careful.

Chronicle and enjoy your hair journey if the goal is to ultimately achieve healthy (relaxed or natural) hair.


Want Some Inspiration? 

Check out this Essence Online slide show of celebrity protective hairstyles!