Protective Styles: Protect Your Protective Style: Synthetic Wig Care

I use half-wigs as my protective style. Especially on days when I want to wear my hair down but for whatever reason my own hair isn't cooperating.



But since using half-wigs, I've noticed they get a bit old for the wear and the ends start looking ratty and fuzzy. So I just became resigned that I would have to purchase half wigs every so often. Then I came across a thread on wig care on LHCF and just had to post some suggestions here!

• Soak hair in baking soda and water to remove excess oils (usually from your natural hair)
• Spray a bit of oil sheen or wig spray on hair and brush thru
• Once hair is dry (usually overnight), test a section (bottom back of wig) and lightly iron (see next bullet)
• If test section is ok, iron hair on low heat with a pillowcase on top to tame ratty ends
• Or you can lightly blow dry on low heat for a similar effect (still test a section)

This is the link to the original article with the wig care advice.

This may not work for all synthetic wigs, but it's worth a try before you purchase another one. I will test it out this weekend and let you know the results!

Protective Styles: A Most Favorite Bun

So I've been labeled...yes I'm a hairophile. I stare and covet people's hairstyles. I totally blame LHCF for that...enablers! LOL

Well while working the other night, this girl walked in with the CUTEST BUN EVER!!!!! It was so full, cute and modern. Fit her face perfectly! It was effortless chic I tell ya! And those are the looks I'm beginning to love. Ones that look like you just randomly put your hair up, but somehow it turned out uber-chic. But I'll let the pic speak for itself....

She told me that she simply wrapped her hair and pinned in place. *sigh* alas I'm not sure it would be so easy for me , but as soon as I figure out a way, this will be one of my do's!

P.S. The front is a bang she pinned to the opposite side of the bun (almost like a mini hump).

Protective Style: Relaxed But Twisted

I know this was worn to a movie premeire, but this is cute do even for running errands on Saturday. I would probably do the front a little differently. I don't think I look all that great with a middle part. I think it would work best on freshly washed and flatironed hair or on a rollerwrap.

• Flat iron entire head first (optional if you are minimizing heat usage).
• Part hair in the middle and pull out two 1/2-inch pieces of hair to frame the face.
• Tie the rest of the hair into a low ponytail then separate the ponytail into two sections.
  Take right section and separate again. Twist one piece and use pins to secure to head.
• Wrap the second piece around the first and pin to head, creating a bun.
• Repeat on left side.

Protective Style: Classic 1940s Do with Modern Edge

The first time I saw this online, I immediately loved it! Perfect for a rollerset. I look forward to duplicating it one day soon!

• Part hair heavy to left or right side.
• For the bun, first pull hair into a low pony tail.
• To create the illusion of extra full long hair wrap a coiling foam piece around ponytail.
• Take strands of hair and wrap around the foam, pinning each strand randomly into both the actual foam and your hair.
• Keep it tight but a little messy for a sexy feel.

Protective Style: Cute Messy Updo

This style is perfect for a braidout or a rollerset. It's a great way to add a day or two to your do before you wash.

• The night before, braid hair or dry roll hair to get soft wavy texture.
• Beginning at the top of your head, pull back hair section-by-section in the shape of a half moon to create a pompadour. Use the width of your brow to measure how far the pompadour should spread (the width is generally from 3/4 of the way into each brow).
  Loosely twist and pin the sections of the pompadour to the top of your head and smooth the front lightly, using a teasing brush.
• Lightly slick sides back and start pinning hair directly into a "Mohawk" running down the back of your head. Twist and pin random pieces to create different textures.
• Finally, at the bottom section, make two ponytails side by side.
• Wrap and twist ponytails lightly into semi loose low buns, using bobby pins and hair pins to secure for an edgy modern look.

Protective Style: The Ever-Popular Bun

When people begin to think of protective styling, the ever-popular bun is usually at the top of everyone's list. On LHCF, there are a couple of bunning challenges...one to last for a whole year. Unfortunately, I can't bun for a whole year. I can barely bun for a whole week....I'd go hairstyle crazy! I love to change my hair almost as frequently as I change my clothes (LOL). But there is definite value to bunning and for my niko's cousins that can do it for that long, I salute you!

To keep you motivated, here are some buns I like...

One of the best bunners out there is my fellow LHCFer, DLewis. Her blog is full of ideas on different ways to wear your buns. It's hard to get totally bored bunning with her ideas.

There are days when I love the sleekness of buns. I feel regal and sophisticated, especially with a sleek outfit, perfectly applied makeup, the right jewelry and big ol' sunglasses (smile).

No autographs please! LOL

Protective Styles: What Is Protective Styling?

I started this blog to highlight protective styling and give those of us who do it or want to try it a gallery of hairstyles to choose from.

As someone who is trying to grow my hair and incorporate more healthy hair care practices into daily styling, one of the first concepts I was introduced to on LHCF was protective styling.

So what is protective styling?

There are a few variations on the definition (regarding use of heat mainly) but essentially most people would agree that protective styling is essentially a style that protects the ends of your hair from the air and environment and prevents it from rubbing against clothing.

Where some different interpretations come in concerns the use of heat, especially direct heat. Some are liberal in their interpretations and think that as long as your hair is up that it's protective styling, even if you use heat. Stricter interpretations say no heat.

The goal of protective styling is to retain growth and give your hair the best possible circumstances under which to grow and thrive. Since most hair afficionados agree that heat can damage hair (especially with prolonged use), most people believe that no heat is part of protective styling.

So now that the definition of protective styling is clear as mud (LOL), let's get to styling!!!!