By Chinwe (pictured above) of Hair and Well being
For many people, protecting types are an excellent methodology for size retention. A few of us have mastered carrying them for one week and even two or three. Then you will have these of us who put on them for the long run – 4, 5, six, or much more weeks. So, the query is: How can we do it? How will you grasp long-term protecting styling? Properly, listed here are six tricks to get you began:
1. Take child steps
In the event you at the moment put on a protecting model for one week, don’t instantly soar to a four-week routine. Take child steps. Progressively increment your model period by one week at a time and monitor your hair (particularly your edges) alongside the best way. It’s a must to study what your hair can really deal with earlier than leaping deep into it a long-term protecting model. In any other case, you would do extra hurt to your tresses than good.
2. Half in small sections
When carrying twists or braids as a long-term protecting model, it’s higher to make them small or miniature. Larger twists and larger braids are inclined to frizz quicker, thus lowering the period of the model. Do you’re keen on the look of mini twists however hate the single-strand knots that include them? Properly, hold your hair stretched whereas carrying them or go for mini braids as an alternative; single-strand knots are usually not as prevalent with these options. There may be additionally the choice of doing all of your twists barely larger – not too large, however not miniature.
3. Redo the perimeter solely
Redoing the twists or braids alongside your hairline and nape is crucial particularly in case your hair tends to loc simply in these areas. This behavior will assist to scale back breakage and thinning edges by inhibiting meshing. An added good thing about redoing the perimeter is that it’ll give your total model a brisker look. Making this methodology a weekly or biweekly behavior will assist you keep wholesome edges.
4. Use the rope/Senegalese twist methodology
For long-term twists, coil every of the 2 strands upon itself as you twist. The coiling makes for smoother, tighter twists that last more. For a tutorial of the rope/Senegalese twist methodology, take a look at this video by BlackOnyx77. Additionally, you’ll want to make your twists sturdy and tight versus free and weak. Naptural85 describes the “sturdy” twist methodology in additional element within the video beneath (beginning at 1:18).
5. Hold washes to a minimal
Relying on the kind, some protecting types can survive one or two washes (e.g., twists) whereas others can survive three or extra (e.g., braids). If you’re a frequent washer, you might wish to select field braids over twists or lower your washing frequency altogether. The much less the washing, the longer the model will final and the much less probably your hair will mesh and loc. You possibly can hold your scalp contemporary through the use of witch hazel or a combination of water and a necessary oil (reminiscent of tea tree or grapefruit). Moreover, hold product utilization to a minimal so that you could go longer between washes. NOTE: If you’re pregnant or have well being issues, please seek the advice of together with your physician earlier than utilizing a necessary oil.
6. Braid your twists/braids earlier than washing
If you do wash, performing this step will assist to maintain your model intact and cut back frizzing. Simply put your twists or braids into a number of large plaits previous to washing. Some naturals additionally cowl their twists or braids with a panty hose previous to washing so as to keep their model.
Now, long-term protecting styling isn’t for each pure, however for individuals who can profit from it, the following pointers will hopefully turn out to be useful.
Do you put on long-term protecting types? Share your ideas!
