If you have natural, textured hair, protective styling is one of the best ways to minimize damage and keep your hair in its healthiest state. Protective styles (think braids, twists, and knots) help protect your strands from the elements and over-manipulation, while also allowing your hair the time and reprieve it needs to grow. What's more: protective styling also serves as a relatively carefree way to style your hair and only requires minimal daily upkeep once the style is created. It can remain intact for several weeks up to a few months depending on the type of style and how you care for it.
True, getting your favorite braids or twists installed can help protect your lengths and ends, but you still need to take care of your scalp, especially since many of these styles can cause tension on the scalp and around the perimeter of your hairline.
Not sure where to start? We created this four-step scalp care routine to ensure your scalp stays healthy and balanced while you’re wearing your favorite protective styles, and with this ritual, you’ll be supporting stronger, healthier hair.
Step 1: Prep your hair (and scalp) properly for your protective style. You’ll want to start with clean, hydrated hair and a fresh, buildup-free scalp. Here’s how to make it happen.
Get your scalp and strands wash day-ready with our Scalp Revival™ Pre-Wash Oil. It’s infused with rosemary, vitamins, and lipids and helps to soothe your scalp and strengthen strands to encourage longer hair.
Double cleanse your scalp: Start with the Scalp Revival™ Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo to loosen buildup and dead skin, then follow with our Megastrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo to gently dissolve excess oil and congestion.
Follow your double cleanse with the Scalp Revival™ Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask to hydrate, calm, and soothe your scalp.
While the scalp mask works its magic at your roots, prep the rest of your hair with an ultra-hydrating deep conditioner or moisturizing mask. We love using our Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Hair Mask to make sure lengths and ends have all the moisture they need to thrive.
Once out of the shower, apply our Destined for Density™ MegaStrength+ Peptide Density Serum. Its lightweight and fast-absorbing formula stimulates the hair follicles and promotes scalp circulation to increase density. Use daily for results in as little as 16 weeks.
Step 2: Protect your scalp while you’re styling. Make sure your stylist doesn’t pull your hair too tightly or you may experience breakage or hair loss in the form of traction alopecia. Even if it shortens the longevity of your style, it's a small price to pay to preserve your edges.
Step 3: Maintain your style with weekly cleansing, gentle care, and plenty of moisture.
Use a truncated version of your pre-styling scalp routine for your weekly wash day. Apply our Pre-Wash Oil to replenish scalp moisture prior to washing, then gently cleanse your scalp with a moisturizing shampoo, like our Curl Charisma™ Hydrating Shampoo—just make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Always handle braids and twist gently to avoid over-manipulation and always air dry to avoid using heat.
If you aren’t comfortable with a weekly wash routine, but still want a clean, hydrated scalp, use our Scalp Revival™ Treatment. This post-wash scalp serum is infused with tea tree oil, which is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, plus peppermint and spearmint oils to help soothe and hydrate scalp skin. Next, apply the Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray to your lengths and ends to infuse your hair with hydration and protect it from UV damage.
To help prevent thinning around the perimeter of your hair, apply the Destined for Density™ Serum to your edges, parts, and ends, either in the morning or before bed, to nourish the hair follicles and boost density over time.
Step 4: Reset your scalp between styles. After the removal of your protective style and before installing another, give yourself another double cleanse to deep clean the scalp and remove any dirt, oil, build-up, or bacteria. This time, use our Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask to strengthen and repair any damage or breakage, and to infuse the hair with the perfect balance of protein and moisture.
