clumps of your hair come out that don’t have the cuticle attached.
How To Choose The Right Style
The right style will depend on your hair. While extensions can be beautiful, some stylists recommend working with your own hair as much as possible. Using loose cornrows or simple twists instead of opting for extensions every time is a great option.
If you’d like to use extensions, however, look for those that are lighter or don’t put as much stress on your hair. For example, knotless braids are known to be easy on your edges.
How To Take Care Of Your Hair When Styled
According to many stylists, you can reduce the odds of damaging your hair with a few tweaks to your haircare routine. While wearing a style, you should still oil your scalp and keep your hair moisturized. Though it’s tempting to avoid oil-based products because of the resulting build-up, they’re better for your hair than water-based ones. Additionally, it’s recommended that you still shampoo and condition your hair regularly.
When you’re going to bed, it’s a good idea to wrap your hair and cover it. It’s also crucial to mix up the types of styles you put your hair into. Constantly using ponytails or an updo will put even more stress on your hair.
RELATED: Hair Styles That Can Lead to Hair Loss
When To Be Careful
While it’s normal to shed some hair while wearing a protective style, you should take note if you’re losing more hair than expected. Once you’ve carefully detangled your hair and allowed it to rest in between styles, take note if you continue to lose hair. It’s possible that there is damage that needs to be assessed by a doctor. Certain chronic conditions like alopecia can also result in persistent hair loss so it’s best to deal with that as soon as possible.
Protective styles can be great for your hair but only if you use the right ones and take care of them. It’s essential to prepare your hair for styling and practice careful aftercare between styles. If you have any concerns about damage or your scalp’s condition, talk to a professional.