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The Best Protective Hairstyle You Should Try

Many women believe that protective hairstyles can protect their hair from damage. But does it really protect our hair? Does it help our natural hair to grow? Let's find out!

What is a Protective Hairstyle?

A protective hairstyle aids in preventing damage to natural hair from manipulation, the elements, and daily wear. These hairstyles are a great choice for those with curly, coily, or textured hair, which is more prone to breakage and damage. Protective styles help reduce stress on the hair, retain moisture, and enhance overall hair health. One of the best protective styles is "Senegalese twists."

Senegalese Twists:

If you’ve never had Senegalese twists in your hair then you are missing out! Though it looks challenging, these twists are a lot easier than most braids for African American women to put in and take out. Plus, the look can be easily created with natural hair and hair extensions. You’ll also be happy to know that if you want to preserve your natural hair and keep it super healthy, Senagalese twists are one of the best protective hairstyles out there.

sengalese twists

Here’s a quick how-to guide so you can get your own Senegalese twists. Then stay tuned for some Senegalese twist hairstyle pictures for inspiration! You’ll find that this hairstyle is perfect for the summer and will keep your hair out of your face when you’re at the beach. Plus, you’ll look pretty chic too!

How to Get Senegalese Twists:

1. Hair extensions are ideal to use when braiding your twists. Extensions for bulk braiding is also available on our site, which is used to create hairstyles like this.

2. First wash and dry your hair. You can wash your tresses the night before and let them dry naturally, which is what we recommend. Wash your hair with our hydrating shampoo from the vital hair care line and if you need to further detangle your hair you can use a wide-tooth comb. A leave-in conditioner will also prevent any additional tangles.

It’s important to note that you should not use any hair oil before you braid your hair. In order for your twists to stay in, your hair should be straight and not oily. Your hair will coil correctly if you follow these instructions, especially if you’ll be braiding while wearing your extensions.

3. First part your hair how you would like it. Next separate a small section of your hair that’s in the lowest layer near the front of your head. Separate the rest of your hair so that it doesn’t get in the way.

4. Separate that section of hair into two separate sections of hair. Use your fingers to slowly twist each section to the right. Continue to twist until each section twists into a coil.

5. At this point, you should be able to wrap each coiled strand around each other. Overlap the right-hand section of your hair over the left section. Next coil the combined strands of hair to the right and continue to twist and coil all of your hair this way. Work over and under from the right until you reach the end of each combined section. The twist should be tight and stay in place before you seal it.

6. For the final step, you will seal the ends in boiling water. Please use caution when completing this last step. Sealing your ends will help hold your Senegalese twists in place for as long as you’d like. If your hair is fairly smooth you may want to knot the ends gently before dipping them in the water. Another option is to use hair elastics.

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After your water is boiling, remove the pan from the stove top. Next carefully place each individual end of hair into the hot water, fully submerging each twist.

A few more tips: Enjoy your Senegalese twists and only wash them once a week with diluted shampoo. Also apply a little bit of oil on your scalp up to a few times each week, which will keep your scalp moisturized. Last but not least, spray our leave-in conditioner on your braids daily and sleep on a silk pillow or wrap your braids in a scarf so your braids will look their very best each day.

Check out Brandy wearing beautiful Senegalese twists below. 

brandy wearing twists

The Importance of Having a Protective Hairstyle

  • Protective styles involve minimal handling and manipulation of the hair, which reduces the risk of breakage, split ends, and other forms of damage resulting from frequent styling.
  • The ends of the hair are tucked away or secured to protect them from the environment and friction.
  • Individuals can achieve length retention by protecting the ends of their hair and limiting breaking, allowing their hair to grow without the need for constant cutting to repair damage.
  • Protective styles include braids, twists, buns, wigs, weaves, and updos. This gives people a lot of options for changing their look while still protecting their natural hair.

Other Types of Protective Hairstyle

  1. Braids are a classic and flexible way to protect your hair. Box braids, Senegalese twists, and cornrows are some of the different styles you can get.
  2. Two-strand twists or flat twists are protective styles that help retain moisture and reduce tangling.
  3. Bantu knots are a protective style that involves twisting sections of hair into small knots. They are versatile and can be worn as a standalone style or as a precursor to curls.
  4. Wearing wigs or weaves is an effective way to protect your natural hair. They provide a break from daily styling and manipulation while allowing you to experiment with different looks.
  5. Faux Locs are protective styles that give you the look of traditional locs without the long-term commitment.
  6. Halo braids involve creating a crown-like braid around the perimeter of your head, which protects the edges and allows for various styling options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to use protective hairstyles?

Protective hairstyles protect natural hair from damage caused by styling, weather, and daily activities. They promote hair strength, length, and overall health.

How do I know if a protective hairstyle is suitable for my hair type?

Protective hairstyles are versatile and may be tailored to different hair textures. It's recommended to consult a hairstylist to get a style that complements your natural hair type and meets your tastes.

Can I create a protective hairstyle at home?

Some protective styles are suitable for at-home creation, while others might require professional installation. For the finest results, follow instructions or consult with hairstyling pros.

How long can I keep a protective hairstyle?

The duration varies according to the style and individual hair needs. Braids or twists can be worn for several weeks, while wigs or weaves can be replaced more frequently.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what a protective style is and the best protective styles you can try, it's important to consider your hair type to make sure you get the best out of it. While they help reduce hair damage and protect overall hair health, proper care is always recommended.

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Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks LLC

Priyanka Swamy

Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC

Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality. Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide. Connect with Priyanka on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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