buffer friction between extension hair and your hair while providing much-needed softness and lubrication.”
6. Cleansing hair weekly is a must.
Dirt and oil buildup can smell, clog and damage follicles, impede growth, lead to dry brittle hair and, it’s just plain old good hygiene to regularly cleanse your hair.
Roni states, “To cut back on frizzies, use an applicator bottle mixed with shampoo and water to cleanse your scalp. Take the time to rinse shampoo longer than usual so you don’t leave any residue that may stick to braids or twists. Use the same applicator bottle technique to condition braided [or] twisted hair. Use a rinse-out conditioner that doubles as a leave-in, as any residual conditioner left on the hair won’t hurt it.”
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7. Alternative styles should not be kept longer than 4-6 weeks.
Leaving your hair in an alternative style beyond 4-6 weeks puts your hair at risk. While your hair is not within reach for you to over-manipulate, it is at risk of becoming severely dry.
Within 4-7 days of being shampooed, the water acquired by the hair during cleansing evaporates. With each passing day, the hair becomes drier and drier. Wearing a protective style beyond 4-6 weeks can lead to buildup, increased shedding, and even thinning.
So there you have it.
“Protective styling” is not really protective but is an awesome alternative styling choice when you need to shake things up a bit. The best way to protect your hair all year round is by keeping your strands hydrated/moisturized by implementing a simple regimen of cleansing, conditioning and styling using water-based, water-soluble products with botanically-based ingredients.