Protective Styling All Summer '17

This summer has been HOT! And with hot weather comes lots of protective styles, so I wanted to create a space where my guests can get all the info they need and all their protective styling questions answered. 

what is a protective style in the first place? 

A protective style is just that, a style that essentially protects and tucks your natural hair away to give it a break from heat, tension, and stress. A true protective style gives you no real access to straighten or manipulate your natural hair, allowing it to rest from all of our daily stresses. Some FLY examples would be full sew ins (that means no leave out), full wigs, crochet braids, or regular braids. These styles give your hair a cute, long lasting look while protecting your hair- as long as they are done correctly. 

how do I make sure my hair actually gets a rest? 

The key to actually giving your hair a break, and making sure it can rest and grow stronger during a protective style is to make sure the styles are done with care. Protective styles often have potential for tension, and breakage if not done correctly with care, so no matter who your provider is, make sure that they know the importance of truly healthy hair from root to tips. Styles so tight that you have headaches or bumps from irritation are almost guaranteed to add excess stress and tension to your supposedly protected hair. The constant tension can be detrimental in the long run and sometimes immediately when dealing with such a style. Make sure that your scalp is comfortable and your stylist truly cares about the health and longevity of your hair. 

should I do anything before or after my protective style?

The answer is YES. Your hair NEEDS to be treated before after and during a protective style. Try to find a stylist that includes deep conditioning, and trimming before the style, and after, otherwise you'll need to seek a stylist who can treat your hair before you go to get the protective style. Our hair needs a deep condition, careful blow dry and de-tangling, as well as a possible trim both before and after a protective style. Think of it this way, you need to give your hair lots of what you wont be able to give it for the weeks it will be tucked away. During your protective style make sure you are keeping your hair and or scalp moisturized the best you possibly can. 

in conclusion...

Protective styles are not to be used to 'forget' about your hair for a while. You can never forget about something you need to take care of. Protective styles are for switching your look up while giving your natural hair a REST from manipulation and stress. Always treat your hair before during and after protective styles and be sure to find a stylist who promotes healthy hair and low tension styles. Follow these tips are your hair will be fly 365! 

Shear Black &Protective Styles

Be sure to check out Shear Black's all inclusive sew ins and wig maintenance options for protective styles. If you're visiting a stylist for braids be sure to come see us for The Protective Style Prep to treat your hair before your style. When reserving a service after a protective style be sure to add a treatment to your style to insure maximum hair health and care. See you soon! : *