Protective Styling…The Battle Within

I have developed a love-hate relationship with protective styling. Before I get into all of that let me explain what “protective styling” is for those who are unaware. Hair can become beat up and stressed out from day to day styling. From combing, brushing, ponytails, flat irons, blow dryers and of course our pesky fingers. All these things, whether by themselves or in combination, can cause over manipulation to our hair strands which can lead to damage. Protective styling allows our hair to take a break. In the African-American hair community that usually involves hair extensions. Some examples of this are wigs, braided or twisted extensions or sewn-in/ glued-in/ clipped-in extensions (yes we are a very crafty and creative people lol). The length of time that the extensions are left in is at the discretion of the wearer. 

Now back to what I was saying earlier. I have developed a love-hate relationship with protective styling. I have been protective styling since before I knew there was a term for it. The first time I got box braids I was in the 4th grade (and you couldn’t tell me nothin’ lol). At first wearing a weave was simply for style. I didn’t have hair that sashayed past my shoulders so I felt pretty cute finally having that experience. Moving into junior high school (insert body image issues and acne) wearing weave became a safety net. I was self-conscience about my appearance, including the look of my hair without weave. It was not long, it was not silky smooth (even with a perm) and it didn’t make me feel pretty. I wore a weave because I didn’t have to worry about being teased about my hair. Once I entered high school my hair insecurities had grown. I went from one weave to the next without hesitation. I had an idea of protective styling, however it was not for the health of my hair but for vanity reasons. “If I keep my hair braided long enough I’ll have tons of new growth.” Does that sound familiar to anyone? I was chasing “a look”. I was chasing acceptance. 

Fast forward to my college years and I had grown tired of weaves and impatient with my unacceptance of what lied beneath them. However I felt myself drifting back to the comfort and the ease of wearing my hair in weave. Then like a sign from the heavens (ok ok not that dramatic lol) I decided to return to my natural hair. Although I had dabbled in protective styles in my 1st year of being natural, by the 2nd year mark I had become in love with the hair growing from my scalp and was throwing so much shade at weave. Somehow I decided I didn’t need nor want a protective style. I wore my natural hair freely…daily. But recently, like what happens to most of us, life happened. You get busy, you get lazy and sometimes you just get in a rut. For me I had ended up with all three. I had grown too lazy to do my wash-n-go. Too bored with rocking my puff. Too “over” detangling to wear my fro. Life changes had caused me to have very little time for my hair and the time I did spend on my hair was not always to its benefit. 

“Girl, we knew you would be back” said Protective Styling. 

Yes I was back on board. One new wig and few bags of Marley hair later and I was back on board. Although I was a little reluctant to dive back in I quickly reminded myself of the end result. I had to remind myself that women protective style for various reasons. Some for style and some for a much needed break. I am glad now that I have grown out of the mindset of letting protective styling be a crutch for my insecurities. 

Of course while wearing any protective style it is important to remember your hair. It still needs some tender love and care. If your hair has been in a protective style for long you may need to wash it with a gentle shampoo or a dry shampoo. Remember you still need to add moisture to your strands and your scalp. I still love my hair and love seeing my curls. However I had to accept some assistance with its upkeep for now. My hair will be protected from external problems and my negligence. 

A healthy balance goes a long way. 

How do you feel about protective styling? What are your “go to” protective styles?

Keshia Whitelaw
www.colormyfootsteps.com