Many women experience serious dryness and breakage of their hair during the winter months. The hair’s natural moisture is compromised from the air being so arid and the wind high. This causes the ends of the hair to snap off from everyday wear. We also wear hats and scarves, which are mostly made out of wool and tend to dry the hair out further. Especially if one’s hair is natural, the breakage probability is increased due to the natural dryness of coiled tresses.
Whether you visit a hair care professional on a regular basis or do your own hair, protecting the hair is key during this time of year. There are many hair styles that are versatile and conducive to protecting the hair until the weather warms up.
Crochet Braids
The newest trend in natural protective hair styling is crochet braids. This is the method where the hair is cornrowed to the back for the foundation of the style, then extensions – particularly natural textured hair – are looped through and knotted on the braid. After the extensions are attached to the braids, the hair is then set on rods and dipped in hot water to create and set the desired curl pattern.
I like this style because it can be done in so many options. The colors, hair texture and lengths can vary and be catered to one’s particular tastes. It only takes about two hours to complete the style, and it can last up to a month.
‘Marley’ Twists
Instead of getting braids, many women are opting for twists. During the winter months, twists can be most effective when trying to protect the hair. They aren’t as stressful on the edges of the hair as box braids or cornrows can be, and if done properly, they can look like one’s natural hair.
These can also be done many types of ways. Most use the “Marley” hair to have a more natural look, but versions using traditional “kanekalon” braiding hair can also be used, and the color options are endless. It can take up to five or six hours to complete the style, but most twists can last up to six to eight weeks.
Extensions
Extensions, aka weaves, are probably the most popular method of protecting the natural hair from the winter elements. Weaves can have many benefits if done by a professional. Not only do they protect the ends of the hair from breakage, they also can promote hair growth by keeping the hair from heat damage.
If one wants to get maximum hair protection while wearing a weave, wearing a closure piece can be an option. Weaves with closure pieces aren’t really my cup of tea, because they don’t look natural, but if done by an extension specialist they can appear to look like natural hair.
If not done correctly, weaves can be damaging to the hair. There can be too much tension on the hair line, causing breakage and/or thinning of the edges. One might have to pay more to ensure that the hair’s integrity is not compromised during the weave process, but it will be well worth it.
Most weaves take three to four hours to install, and they should be taken down around two to three months after being installed.
Roller/rod sets
If you are not down with wearing styles that requires extensions, doing roller or rod sets during the winter is a good option for protecting your hair. They don’t require direct heat, and they can be done on natural or relaxed hair. Roller/Rod sets can be done in different variations using various size rollers. This style only takes about an hour to roll and an hour to dry, but it can last up to two weeks. As long as moisture is applied to the ends of the hair, breakage is minimal and growth is promoted.
To get more information about protective styles to rock, follow Danie Rae, Style Broker on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or contact danieraestylebroker@gmail.com.
