Protective styles are a go-to for many of us when it comes to maintaining the health of our natural hair while switching up our look. Whether you’re into braids, wigs, or sew-ins, hair extensions are the perfect way to give your natural hair a break from daily styling and manipulation. But, girl, even when your hair is in a protective style, you’ve got to take care of it to keep that hair thriving underneath! Here’s how to use extensions as a protective style while keeping your natural hair healthy and happy.
1. Prep Your Natural Hair
Before installing any extensions, prep is key. Think of it like setting the foundation for a masterpiece. Wash your hair thoroughly with a moisturizing shampoo to get rid of any product buildup. Follow up with a deep conditioner to keep your strands hydrated and strong. If your hair needs a little extra love, try a protein treatment for added strength and elasticity. Finally, make sure your hair is completely dry before installing extensions. Damp hair trapped under extensions can lead to breakage or even mildew—no thanks!
2. Choose the Right Installation Method
Not all protective styles are created equal, and different methods work better for different hair types and lifestyles. If you’re using wigs, make sure they fit well and that you’re protecting your edges with a satin wig cap or headband. For sew-ins, avoid installing too tightly; you want your scalp to breathe! And if braids are your thing, keep them neat but not too tight—your hair should never feel like it's being pulled. Her Love Hair Co. offers a range of lightweight yet luxurious raw and virgin hair extensions that won’t weigh your hair down or cause tension.
3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Just because your hair is tucked away doesn’t mean it’s off the hook from moisturizing! Protective styles are meant to shield your natural hair from damage, but dry hair can still sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray that won’t weigh down your extensions but will keep your natural hair nourished. Focus on your scalp too—apply oils like jojoba or tea tree oil to keep your scalp healthy and itch-free.
4. Take Care of Your Scalp
Speaking of your scalp, it’s the root of it all (literally!). A healthy scalp means healthy hair growth, so don’t neglect it. Keep your scalp clean by washing your hair extensions regularly. Yes, you can (and should) wash your extensions while wearing them! Focus on the roots and massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. After washing, follow up with a light oil to lock in moisture. Her Love Hair Co.’s extensions are designed to withstand regular washing and care, so don’t be afraid to give them the TLC they deserve.
5. Limit Heat and Tension
While we love a sleek, polished look, overusing heat tools like flat irons or curling wands on your extensions or leave-out can lead to heat damage. Opt for heatless styling methods like twist-outs or rollers when possible. When installing extensions, avoid excessive tension on your edges, as they’re the most fragile part of your hair. Protective styles should protect, not pull!
6. Don’t Leave Extensions in Too Long
We all know how tempting it can be to leave a good sew-in or those fabulous braids in for just a couple more weeks, but sis, your hair needs to breathe! Keeping extensions in too long can lead to buildup, tangling, and even hair loss. A good rule of thumb is to switch up your style every 6-8 weeks. If you’re wearing wigs, make sure to take them off at night and let your scalp and hair rest.
7. Proper Removal is Crucial
When it’s time to take down your protective style, do it gently. Rushing through removal can undo all your hard work. If you’re removing a sew-in or braids, take your time to avoid snags and breakage. Detangle carefully with a wide-tooth comb, and once your extensions are out, give your hair a deep cleanse and conditioning treatment to restore moisture and elasticity.
8. Give Your Hair a Break
While protective styles are fabulous, it’s essential to give your natural hair some time to breathe in between installs. Allow your scalp to rest, and focus on nurturing your natural hair with deep conditioning treatments, scalp massages, and low-manipulation styles like twist-outs or buns.
By following these best practices, you can enjoy all the benefits of protective styling while maintaining the health of your natural hair. Remember, Her Love Hair Co.’s premium raw and virgin extensions are not only luxurious and affordable, but they also work in harmony with your natural hair—making protective styling a breeze!
Ready to give your natural hair the ultimate break? Shop Her Love Hair Co. for the best in premium, long-lasting extensions.