Five easy steps to prepare your hair for a protective style. Proudly brought to you by #Afrobotanics

Lately protective hairstyles trends are just booming, and even when you already have a protective style you just can't wait to have the next one done.
 
Protective styles are a great way to shield your hair from damage, especially the ends. A protective style is a style that keeps you from touching your hair daily and keeps the ends of your hair tucked away.  The ends are the oldest parts of our hair therefore constantly manipulating hair without giving it a break can cause hair ends and the rest of your hair to weaken.
 
Damage to our hair can happen easily, by combing and styling it daily, we compromise our hair.  So if you want healthier and longer hair, you have to put your hair in a protective style for 1 week to 6 weeks depending on the style. 
 
Protective styles are necessary and applicable to those who wear their hair natural and those that relax their hair.

Examples of stylish and trendy protective styles:

• Box braid (can last for 4 – 6 weeks)
• Wigs (protective style under the wig)
• Cornrows
• Bantu Knots
• Crotchet Braids
• Weaves
• Twists with own hair
• Pigtails that tuck away the ends
• Up-dos like buns

However, it's imperative that we follow the right regimen before we put our hair into a protective style. When our hair is 'protected' it is not easy to get the much-needed moisture to the hair and could end up drying out. Dry hair is susceptible to split ends and breakage, defeating the whole purpose of putting our hair in a protective style.  That's why we have put together this guide of what you can do before a protective style in order to ensure your hair emerges healthier and longer after the protective style.
 

1. Pre-Poo

Wet your hair. Apply the AfroBotanics Amina Deep Penetrating Conditioner/Black Pearl Hydrating Conditioner before you shampoo your hair, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave for 20 -30 minutes. An alternative is to apply the Mukaya 5-in-1 Oil Blend, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave for 20 – 30 minutes before shampooing.These methods infuse extra moisture before you strip some moisture from your hair by shampooing, leaving it less dryer.

2. Cleanse Hair

Wash your hair using the Black Pearl Sulfate - Free Shampoo to remove all product build up and dirt. Leaving you with a head of fresh hair that is ready to absorb moisture.

3. Deep Condition

Deep Conditioning is one of the most efficient ways to get the most out of your conditioner. It is extremely hydrating and leaves your hair softer, shinier and with added elasticity, making your hair less prone to breakage. Rinse out.

4. Moisturize

The L.O.C Method will leave you with the most satisfying results. What is this? Apply our Nehanda Leave-In Conditioner to damp hair to moisturize hair, followed by the Mukaya 5-in-1 Oil Blend to seal in the moisture while providing your hair with nutrients. End this method off with our Asantewaa African Triple Butter to ensure that your hair is protected and does not lose any moisture.Then detangle or comb hair and partition braid hair in twists or pondos until it dries or overnight.
 
If you have HIGH POROSITY HAIR, that is hair that loses moisture quickly, then consider doing this step twice before braiding, so do the first L.O.C. two days before going to braid, and then L.O.C. again the night before you go braid.

5. Stretch

Stretch your hair without any heat by braiding it or doing twists the night before you have your hair braided. Doing braid out is the most successful method to stretch our hair. It will make it simpler for you when you comb-out your hair before the protective style. Your hair needs to be stretched to ensure that it all gets tucked in, which is essential to it being protected.

NB: Don't forget to hydrate your hair during the protective style using our AfroBotanics Modjadji Braid Spray or Black Pearl Hair Juice. This will you're your hair moisturized and nourished and will also minimize breakage when unbraiding and keep your style looking fresher and desirable for longer.  Also remember to apply our Asantewaa African Triple Butter to your scalp every few days to maintain a healthy and clean scalp.