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Here’s the scenario. You’ve maintained your protective style of choice (possibly hip-gracing box braids or mini twists) over the past month, and the takedown urges have finally arrived. The low-maintenance style has served its purpose. All that’s left is carefully unraveling the hair that you’ve hoped has grown to miraculous lengths after weeks of low-intensity styling.
While your new growth has reared its head, you’ve also been met with the seemingly alarming signs of breakage. Fortunately, NaturallyCurly is here to tell you it’s totally normal — and fixable. Ahead is everything you need to know about post-protective style breakage.
Shedding Vs. Breakage
Shedding is indicated by hair loss from the root. When taking down your protective style, it’s important to remember that the “daily shed” has been trapped across the duration of the style. Do not fret at the sight of a lot of hair shedding. Trust us! We’ve been there too.
Image Source: @dermatologysurgeon
The hairs that would normally fall out in your comb or across your satin-lined pillowcases have now accumulated into what may appear as excessing shedding. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it’s normal to shed between 50 to 100 hairs a day. Multiplying that number by the duration of style will amount to a lot of hair shed during takedown.
Breakage lives up to its namesake and occurs at a breaking point on the shaft. It’s often triggered by mechanical manipulation such as a constant rotation of protective styles that require the hair to be altered from its physical state.
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A post shared by Dallas Healthy Hair & Length Scientist (@thehealthyhairscientist)
Now, the easiest at-home trick to decipher between shedding and breakage is the hair bulb test. When inspecting your hair, look for a white bulb at the root. If it appears, it is indicative of shedding. If the hair appears to be shorter than your natural length, breakage might be at play.
How Time & Manipulation Play A Part
To reduce the presence of breakage and excess shedding, a few things must be at the forefront of your hair care. Protective styles have the sort’ve hands-off approach that may influence you to keep them in for longer than needed. The longevity of style is often a slippery slope that leads to procrastinating on in-style wash days or hair care.
The build-up of excess gels in the style — especially when the hair isn’t washed frequently — can clog hair follicles and dry the scalp out. This can negatively impact the scalp’s ability to generate positive growth after daily shedding. When the scalp isn’t tended to and adequately moisturized, the hair is depleted of its needed nutrients to resist the hair snapping.
Image Source: @tiffanicvd
Mechanical manipulation is a gateway to breakage. Tight installations and tense parting on the scalp are often correlated with the style’s ability to stand the test of time. To be frank, the style’s extensive longevity is never a priority over proper hair care.
The Go-To Steps To Reduce Breakage
1. Find The Style That Suits Your Hair
Hair thickness and density should be considered when selecting your protective style. Fine hair would experience more tension with faux locs because the weight of the style would burden the natural hair. While those with fine hair could wear the style, they may have to wear it for a shorter time than someone with coarse hair and a higher density.
In conversation with Essence, board-certified dermatologist Crystal Aguh, M.D. even suggests the one-inch ratio. Aguh explains that if extensions are a part of the installation then one inch of the natural hair should have no more than one inch of added hair. In short, if your hair is cropped into an eight-inch bob then your added hair (whether Marley twists or braids) should not exceed 16 inches. Overall, excess hair can ultimately lead to excess breakage-causing tension.
2. Prep The Hair With Moisturizing Products
Prepping the hair with a leave-in conditioner invites moisture retention into your hair — a valuable preventative measure. For extra reinforcement, a protein treatment a week before installation can begin to repair any weak portions of the hair. Protein is composed of amino acids that develop keratin. Keratin is a fortifier of hair that will keep fragility at bay.
3. Wash Days During The Style
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Your regular hair care tools may have been tucked away but be sure to leave out your clarifying shampoos because wash days are still regularly scheduled during a protective style. Every one to two weeks, grab a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build-up and natural lifestyle pollutants. A clean scalp is the prime environment for viable hair growth.
4. Scalp Oils, Massages, And Exfoliation
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Scalp massages are important to increase the circulation of blood to the scalp. If the scalp is exposed in the style, apply scalp oils as needed to replete the scalp of moisture. For extra scalp maintenance, try a general exfoliating cleanser.
5. Post-Protective Style Care
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The aftercare is just as crucial as the prep. Carefully detangle the hair in small sections and consider a pre-poo product to reduce tangling. Next, a deep clarifying shampoo is important to strip any buildup that’s been uncovered. Finish your wash day as normal and add in a leave-in conditioner if lack of hydration is a concern.
Your hair care calendar of protective styles may be fully booked but etching in a few weeks between each style it’s important to fully analyze and address your hair’s state. An intermittent breather is all it may need to fully rejuvenate.
To be frank, the hair industry can churn out a bevy of sparkling new products to purchase along the journey to achieve our lustrous hair goals. Consumerism — and never ending hair routines — can feel like the price we pay for the hair we love. The latest fad in hair health care? Filtered shower heads.
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Across TikTok, the product appears as the panacea to every hair problem imaginable. Filtered shower heads are said to not only elevate shower routines (and decor) but also reduce the contaminants that settle in water. After a simple do-it-yourself installation, all your brittle hair worries are supposedly washed down the drain.
How Does It Work?
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While the anecdotes across our For You Pages are pretty convincing, weighing out the pros and busting a few myths is necessary ahead of adding filtered shower heads to your shopping cart.
The number one selling point of filtered shower heads is the ability to eliminate water quality issues. Many popular brands cite that their filters target chemicals through a redox process. While the filters can mitigate the amount of chlorine in the water, it requires a bit more enhanced science to remove calcium and magnesium that cause hard water.
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“Hard water is not treated through redox reactions. It’s treated through ion exchange, and the best devices for ion exchange are water softening systems,” Javon Ford, an LA-based cosmetic chemist, says via TikTok.
Can Filtered Shower Heads Elevate Your Hair Routine?
Filtered shower heads do, however, address chlorine. Chlorine is a key agent in stripping the hair of natural oils, fading hair color, and especially increasing hair porosity.
Image Source: @oliviaamcdowell
It not only dissolves hair lipids that maintain sheen but its oxidizing nature can disrupt hair’s ability to reject excess moisture — ultimately leading to breakage and split ends.
Ultimately, filtered shower heads can amplify your natural hair routine if enhanced maximum product efficiency is the goal. First, the hydrating properties of water can penetrate the hair shaft easily when chlorine is no longer present.
The removal of chlorine-catalyzed chemical reactions will also allow for products to penetrate deeper as well. Shampoos and deep conditioners can access respective target areas sans the hassle of bypassing chlorine build-up.
Over time, your hair should adjust to a deeper cleanse and present more hydration, sheen, and production retention.
How to Maintain Filtered Shower Heads
The influencer hype seems to wane when the lifespan of filtered shower heads is considered. According to Culligan, the lifespan of filtered shower heads is up to six months, depending on water usage. Like any other filter, shower heads need replacements to ensure maximum efficiency.
Over time, the cost of filter replacements may not be a fair trade-off for consumers attempting to decrease their hair expenses. Some filtered companies, like Jolie, do offer a subscription-based service to avoid replacement days slipping your mind.
Ready To Test Out The Trend?
If you’re still joining the filtered shower head tread, all things considered, ahead are some of the fan favorites to test — in no particular order.
1. Jolie Filtered Shower Head
Image Source: @splantzz
It’s all the rave on TikTok with a cult following on the app constantly posting visual reviews to. Jolie reports that over 80% of its consumers “experienced reduced hair shedding with 46% less hair shedding on average.”
2. Canopy Filtered Shower Head
Image Source: @clararpeirce
What girl doesn’t love a detachable showerhead on shampoo days? If you hate cricks in your neck while lathering your hair, Canopy offers a detachable version.
3. Cobbe Filtered Shower Head
While the virality of filtered shower heads has resulted in an uptick in prices, this affordable version still offers all the perks of chlorine-reduced water for a fraction of the price.
4. Afina A-01 Filtered Shower Head
This derivative offers high pressure and focuses on aiding those of us who experience scalp conditions such as eczema.
5. Act+Acre Shower Head Filter
This viral shower head filter brings you closer to scalp health.
If you’re looking for more insight on the latest hair trends, be sure to follow Naturally Curly on Instagram.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
Planning a vaunted bridal hairstyle often involves a never-ending list of checkboxes. Is it the perfect volume? Is it heatproof? Does it have longevity? For many brides with thicker hair and tighter coils, the stress begins to trump the excitement of the awaited day.
Braided bridal styles can transform any desired look into an infallible version. From the ceremony to the reception, a braided style incorporating longevity and low maintenance is the best-kept secret.
Ahead are the braided bridal looks that are sure to garner the center of attention and turn heads — just like every bride deserves. Not a fan of braids? We’ve got you covered with loc and twisted bridal styles as well.
1. Low Braided Pony
Image Credit: @eli_capture
The understated elegance of a low-braided pony is incomparable. For those with tighter coils, use a similar texture blend for the added hair to ensure low manipulation.
2. Abstract Topknot Bun
Image Credit: @hairbyrelle
Move over veils! Abstract topknot buns are the newest bridal accessory. Whether you have box braids, locs or faux locs, abstractly architecting a topknot is the level of glamor every bride loves.
3. French Curl Braids
Image Credit: @stephanielinus
If you’re looking for the vibe of ringlet curls with a protective style, French curl braids offer long-lasting bouncy curls with no hot tools required.
4. Faux Hawk
Image Credit: T&S Photography
Faux hawks add a chic edge to any look, but a bridal version screams personality in every way. Swooping the hair into a braid or twist down the center of the head is the easiest way to achieve this look.
5. Side Pony
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre
A ponytail has limitless possibilities, and a side-swept pony is a creative variation for bridal styles. Try a twisted pony for an elevated look.
6. Waterfall Locs
Image Credit: @bonitalocs
If you want the look of locs sans the commitment, these waterfall locs frame the face with tendrils that can be curled, crimped or straightened into any bridal style.
7. Cornrow Bun
Image Credit: Melissa Nerovique
Wanting a low chignon without a copious amount of gel and spritz is possible with a cornrow bun. Adding designs — from flowers to stars — into the braiding pattern can transform the style completely.
8. Bohemian Knotless
Image Credit: @sharmainnn
Destination weddings call for non-conformist hairstyles like slender bohemian knotless braids. Try this look cropped for a shoulder-scraping bob.
9. Braided Bouffant
Image Credit: Tresses by Cris
Bridgerton has beckoned the love for Regency-era hairstyles. The allure of a neverending braided beehive is irresistible for daring braids.
10. Butterfly Braids
Image Credit: @hairbytia_
The whimsicality of butterfly braids perfectly couples uniformity and tousled curly strands for the bride who loves bohemian elements.
11. Cornrows
Image Credit: @diamondalicia_
This braided version of a sleek straight-back look is a match made in heaven for the low-maintenance bride. You can play around with the style by opting for large or smaller rows.
12. Fishtail Pony
Image Credit: Kaylee Chelsea Photography
Wispy strands throughout the fishtail pony intensify the effortless romance of this style.
15. Bantu Knots
Image Credit: @damnthatschev
With twists or braids, bantu knots are every Afro-centric girl’s dream.
16. Halo Braid
Image Credit: A Joyful Wedding
Textured hair extensions that match the natural hair will cover the slicked down hair under the halo braid. No worries about any flyaways or heat damage exist with this style.
17. Micro Braids
Image Credit: Zuri Hair Studio
If you’re not a fan of larger braids, micro braids are a great alternative that also offer longer longevity. Less tension on the hair will allow for more styling options as well.
16. Side Part Island Twists
Image Credit: @kimbriakreations
Twists have less tension on the scalp than traditional braiding styles. Twisting the hair into a side-swept style is a convertible style for side chignons, ponytails and more.
17. Cornrow Finger Waves
Image Credit: @laidtresses
Finger waves are a classic bridal style, but the braided version will last the entire ceremony without any touch-ups.
18. Braided Beehive
Image Credit: @bissakins
Merging a precise sew-in foundation and cornrows, this novel style has endless creativity for the brides who desire expressive hair.
19. Shoulder Chignon
Image Credit: @stanlophotography
A chignon that sits on the shoulder works well with braids or locs. The style allows for any bridal hair accessories — from floral pieces and pearl pins to diamond clip attachments.
20. Invisible Loc Updo
Image Credit: @kimbriaskreations
Installing invisible faux locs provides the illusion of the extensions coming from the scalp. To achieve the updo with longer locs, twist the loc upward around itself to shorten them.
Looking for more protective styles to add to your wedding look roster? Follow Naturally Curly on Instagram.
For decades, the loc community has faced the stereotype of their hair being restricted to a small fraction of hairstyles and hair accessories. These hair stigmas have been proved false in every way — especially as loc aficionados innovate novel ways to celebrate their hair.
From loc newcomers to veterans, ahead is a round-up of the best loc accessories to add to your styles.
1. Cowrie Shells
Image Credit: @topnotch.tresses
This tried-and-true accessory is perfect for those who want to adorn their locs without hassle of everyday application. Installation is as simple as threading the loc through the center of the shell with the help of a Bobby pin. For a short-term alternative, opt for cowrie shells fastened to a clip-on attachment for an easier takedown process.
2. Gilded Hair Cuffs
Image Credit: @hairinpeacebeautysalon
From barrel twists to pipe cleaner curls, these cuffs can accentuate any style and loc thickness. The lightweight flexibility allows it to accessorize the hair without disfiguring the style or causing any tension.
3. Pearl Pins
Image Credit: @fashioncrave
Pearl pins and loc buns are a match made in heaven. The accessory features a two-in-one capability of fastening hair into the desired updo with its pin and adding an extra flair with the pearl.
4. Spiral Loc Ties
Image Credit: @westindieray
Gone are the days of stressing rubber bands and cotton hair scrunchies over locs. After all, they pop, stretch out, and simply don’t get the job done. The malleable wire enclosed in these spiral loc ties allow for the control and sturdiness everyone desires for their ponytails.
5. Claw Clips
Image Credit: @maiya.Pilar
Whether achieving a French roll or a half-up half-down, claw clips are a one-trick accessory to save time. The trick is choosing the perfect length prongs to match the hair density. Longer prongs work well with thicker locs while shorter prongs clasp better with thinner locs.
6. Loc Sprinkles
Image Credit: @maiya.pilar
Sewing these micro metallic beads onto locs will leave the hair shimmering in every direction. Try a few beads throughout for a subtle effect or cover the entire head for a maximalist approach. The application requires just a smidgen of needle and thread craftsmanship, but the results are absolutely worth it.
7. Hair Rings
Image Credit: @fauxloclondons
If you’re in the mood for charms in your braided loc style, these hair rings are a quick addition to any morning routine. Simply, pull at the center of the wire rings and fasten them in the desired position.
8. Turban Head Wraps
Image Credit: @darkandlovelyk513
The urge to protect your locs doesn’t have to be anything less than stylish. With prints and patterns galore, turbans are a go-to accessory for the days when keeping the locs covered is preferred.
9. Beads
Image Credit: @comeheretamir
Rekindle the nostalgia of childhood by adding beads into your line up of hairstyles. Thread the loc through the beads and voila! A high or low ponytail are perfect companions to this look.
10. Satin Scarves
Image Credit: @headovrhill.customs
Satin scarves can add a fashionable and effortless approach to your hair down moments. Try different ways of tying the scarf, like double knotting or bows, for more creativity.
11. Bows
Image Credit: @beaut_tee_ful_
The coquette trend of frilly lace and flirty pastels isn’t exclusive to any hair type or texture. Join in on the wave by adding mini or large bows to any style.
12. String
Image Credit: @maiya.pilar
Threading metallic tinsel cords through straight-back barrel twists will create the perfect illusion of roped hair.
13. Jeweled Hair Combs
Image Credit: @rach.harris_
Elevating your high or low locs buns is easy as clipping these bedazzled hair combs wherever you’d like for some glistening pizazz.
14. Turban Hair Bands
Image Credit: @headovrhill.customs
Wide turban-style headbands made of high-quality cotton are perfect for slicking the locs backward while providing breathable, lightweight protection.
15. Trucker Hat
Image Credit: @fashioncrave
Want a cozy hair accessory without worrying about any hair sweat? A breathable trucker hat can protect your locs with its mesh lining — especially on the days you’re in a rush.
16. Butterfly Clips
Image Credit: @stylessbyherr
The resurgence of Y2K has prompted the return of the infamous butterfly clip. These mini clips can accessorize any hairstyle from space buns to spiral loc bobs.
17. Crystal Pins
Image Credit: @locsbeybeads
Placing these crystal pins throughout buns or updos will add an ethereal charm with its iridescent sheen.
18. Hair Cones
The touch of elegance from these metallic hair cones will leave any hair down style glowing in every direction.
Looking for more loc inspo? Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
From hip-nearing boho box braids to shoulder-cropped faux locs, TikTok has become a burgeoning hub of protective style inspiration. Stylists, beauty influencers, and DIY hair creators are virtual hair besties who help those of us who dare to accomplish every season’s most viral look.
What is the platform’s latest low-maintenance style to add to summer’s roster? The cornrow beehive.
Here’s How The Style Emerged
Video Credit: @tookiedidit/TikTok
Monteria Chisholm, the owner of Tookie Did It, posted her reimagined version of stitch cornrows to the platform in early April. The braiding pattern requires intricate craftsmanship to create the illusion of a singular braid endlessly weaving designs across the head. The Los Angeles-based braider’s video of the style — which she coined “The Braided Bald Head”— shot into virality across the app with over a million likes.
Image Credit: @neyhairs_/Instagram
“It’s so versatile, lightweight and low maintenance,” says Angie Duroseau, the owner of 2Perfect Braids. Shortly following the viral video, the trend’s momentum sprawled across the nation. In Miami, Duroseau’s clients have been booking the style for its multipurpose capability. The stylist notes her clients love the flexibility of wearing the braids and also converting them into the perfect foundation for an at-home wig install.
Image Credit: @knawtkai/Instagram
The hype around this hairstyle can be easily understood. Summer’s sweltering heat stands no chance against a style that doesn’t pass the shoulders, kanekalon hair is optional and its bold appeal is an easy addition to the vacay braid rotation.
Video Credit:@dianaeneje/TikTok
This style’s minimal chair time (three hours maximum) and no-hassle takedown is beginner-friendly bliss for first-timers ready to explore scalp braids. “The style is normally just one braid designed to look extremely intricate, so you can just take it out in one go. You wouldn’t have to spend the whole day taking out a head full of braids,” Duroseau says.
Video Credit: @juste.dominiquee/TikTok
For those who yearn for the dopamine boost of hair expression, the iterations of this style are never-ending. Woven flowers, hearts, dollar signs, stars, and zig-zags have all found their way into this trend. Duroseau recommends braiders strategize their client’s vision thoroughly to ensure all the designs are seamlessly intertwined rather than harshly segmented.
“Plan it out in your head ahead of time while you’re braiding. If you’re doing one design, you have to be already thinking about the next three and imagining how it would look,” Duroseau says.
Video Credit: @giftedsar/TikTok
If attempting this look at home, Duroseau emphasizes the importance of quality products: “The product you use can make or break this style.” A no-flake braiding gel and a sharp comb are paramount to create a precise stitch effect that won’t budge. Most of all, quality hair oil is essential to mitigate dryness and irritation that may arise from the exposed scalp.
Video Credit: @gvldentransformations/TikTok
Maintenance is equally important to the beehive’s longevity. “Wrap it up as much as you can,” Duroseau says. Overnight protection with satin bonnets and scarves will significantly reduce the frizziness that comes from nighttime friction. Lightly applying a leave-in conditioner spray two to three times a week will also maintain the sheen of both the braiding and natural hair.
Video Credit: @braidedwithprecision/TikTok
If fly-always do occur, mastering them at home is quite simple. Trim them carefully and gently apply a generous amount of setting mousse across the head. Using a setting mousse instead of a curling foam is important as it contains a higher water content that will easily revert the hair to its natural state.
Once the mousse is applied, tightly wrap barber neck strips across the entire head and blow dry on medium-high heat until completely dry. This step will melt the fly-always into the hair. Duroseau suggests a holding spray like Got2Be or a holding spritz for an added finish to maintenance day.
Looking for more summer hair trends? Follow us on Instagram for inspiration
