The 15 Best Products for Protective Styles, According to Hairstylists
Aveda / Carol's Daughter / Aunt Jackie's / Shu Uemura
It's a common belief that you don't need to worry about your natural hair while wearing a protective style. This couldn’t be further from the truth. To ensure your hair and scalp remain healthy, it's important to care for both before, during, and after wearing a protective style. And when it comes to maintenance, it all comes down to using the best products for your particular style.
We asked hair care experts to share their product recommendations for every type of protective style, from braids to wigs. Find all their suggestions below.
Meet Our Expert
Angela C. Stevens is an Emmy award-winning celebrity hairstylist and Cantu partner.
Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union.
Edward James is a multi-award-winning hairdresser and salon owner. He also co-founded the online e-commerce site and platform The Hair Consult.
Johnny Wright is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founded the personalized hair care brand Our X.
Braids
The most important thing when prepping your hair for braids is that it is thoroughly washed and conditioned. Before braiding, you can apply a minimal amount of lightweight oil. James recommends using Shu Uemura's Art of Hair Essence Absolue Oil ($30). "The oil's main ingredient is camellia oil, which helps to moisturize hair and enhance shine without weighing it down," James says. "Camellia oil's antioxidant properties also protect the scalp and hair from environmental damage."
While wearing braids, keeping your hair moisturized is vital, as doing so can help reduce hair damage. Be sure to look for creams enriched with hair-strengthening ingredients such as amino acids and protein. Oribe's Supershine Moisturizing Cream ($54) is a leave-in conditioning treatment that can be used daily—you can gently run it over your braids to smooth and condition the hair. You can also apply a few drops of the Art of Hair Essence Absolue Oil to your scalp every so often to combat dryness or itchiness.
Once your braids have been taken down and your hair has been cleansed, James recommends choosing a treatment that will restore strength, like the Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum ($56).
Twists
Before installing twists, Wright recommends using a product that will remove all buildup from the scalp, like the Our X Scalp Purifying Solution ($26). The gentle exfoliating scalp tonic restores essential nutrients and optimal scalp pH. While wearing twists, you can maintain moisture by applying a lightweight oil or serum from root to end. Pattern's Argan Oil Serum ($28) promotes hair strength, leaving your twists soft and smooth.
To make removing the style easier, you'll need to use a detangling product that softens and hydrates the hair. Stevens recommends Cantu Protective Styles Conditioning Detangler ($8). "[Once you take down your twists,] divide your hair into sections and spray the detangler on each section of the hair before brushing it thoroughly from root to tip before moving on to the next section," she says.
Faux Locs
The foundation of a faux loc install starts with a deep cleanse. A detox shampoo is the best product to use as it will refresh your hair and scalp without removing any of its natural oils. The Curlsmith Wash and Scrub Detox Shampoo ($28) contains micro-exfoliating particles that gently unclog follicles without leaving any residue, leaving your strands shiny and revitalized.
While wearing faux locs, you might want to refresh them once in a while with the Flawless by GU Nourishing Scalp Spray ($11). "It’s a favorite of mine for replenishing faux locs and reducing frizz to keep them looking soft," Sims says. Once your faux locs have been taken down, our experts say you'll want to use a deep conditioning treatment. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask ($42) is one worth trying as it restores moisture, elasticity, and shine
Wigs
Wigs are a great protective style because they allow you to experiment with different hair lengths, colors, and textures without altering your natural hair. Before installing a wig, use a pre-shampoo treatment to strengthen the hair underneath, like the Olaplex Nº.3 Hair Perfector ($60).
When you're ready to remove it, it's essential to replenish your hair with moisture and nourishment. You should use a deep conditioning treatment like the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Intensive Treatment ($52). The treatment is made for all hair types, and according to the brand, you'll see visible results from one application. After deep conditioning and cleaning, Stevens recommends using a leave-in like the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream ($6).
Remember, although wigs do a great job protecting your hair, Stevens advises against wearing one too long. "Protective styles shouldn't be worn for more than three months to ensure you give your hair a proper cleanse, condition, and trim between styles," she explains. Anything longer could result in tangling and excessive damage."
Sew-Ins
With a sew-in, you need to care for your weave and your actual hair (if you’ve decided to leave some out). Before installing a sew-in, use the Curlsmith Essential Moisture Cleanser ($26) to remove dirt and buildup. Before braiding your hair down, you can run a lightweight hair moisturizer through your hair, like Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey ($13).
Something to keep in mind with sew-ins is that your day-to-day maintenance routine will vary depending on whether you are using synthetic or human hair. A light sheen spray is great for synthetic hair, while a small amount of argan oil can be applied to human hair once a week or whenever it needs a refresh.
After removing a sew-in, you’ll need to detangle and condition your hair. The easiest way to do this is to section your hair and use a detangling solution like Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy ($11) to remove any knots. You should work through each section gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Read the original article on Byrdie.
