10 Common Natural Hair Habits You Should Stop…Now

8. “Protective Styling”: Wrapped & Weaved edge

Often times I’ve had clients talk to me about the protective styling they do. Be careful about receiving “protective styling” advice from YouTube and other non-professionals (remember how your hair is different and works different from others?). Yes, the cold air of the winter can dry your hair out and require extra moisturizing, but be careful that your protective styles are not causing damage. For example, wrapping your hair up in a scarf everyday can inhibit growth. Your hair is like a plant. It needs air and sunshine to grow. Also, wrapping your hair in cotton scarves can dry your hair out and even tug at your delicate edges, causing thinning and breakage–the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.

Speaking of thinning and breaking edges, another “protective style” I’ve often heard about and seen is the idea of keeping your hair braided under a sew-in weave. I do not completely oppose this, but rocking a sew-in becomes unhealthy when you wear it longer than 6-8 weeks. Another MAJOR mistake made with sew-ins is weaving up your edges. Braiding and sewing extensions onto your edges is something very stressing on your edges. It can cause major thinning and breakage to your edges. So I’ll say this: Let your hair breathe! Don’t wrap your hair in cotton and LEAVE OUT YOUR EDGES when weaving your hair!