I am noticing more and more that a vast majority of African American women have started a journey to embrace their own natural hair textures.  So many of us have never quite known our real hair texture until making the decision to switch over from using chemicals and excessive heat.  Not that anything is wrong with having a good ole relaxer, some of us made the switch just out of curiosity of what our natural hair would look and feel like.

Now that we know what our true textures are, there are some days when we just wanna say, “Curl, Bye!!”  At this point, the option of protective styles come into play.  I am guilty of being tired of rocking my curls.  Yea, I said it!!  If you wanna know the truth, the everyday manipulation of styling and the environment can really take a toll on our hair.  With that being said, the next time you get frustrated with your hair, just put it away.  You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor.

Some of the advantages of wearing protective hair styles is convenience and promotion of hair growth.  Not only that, it’s always nice to have an overall refreshed appearance.

Check out these protective style ideas…

Alnita Vaught opted for custom-cut faux locs. To achieve this look, I cut the crocheted dreads and resealed the ends at staggering lengths so that they would look more realistic.

Natasha McKinnon opted for a wavy bob.  To achieve this look, I layered the crocheted extentions so that they would frame her face while remaining full in the crown.

Teresa Jones opted for a sew-in faux hawk.  To achieve this look, I focused on giving her lengthy bangs and height in the top while keeping the nape area tapered.

Tamika Samuel opted for long cornrows.  To achieve this look, I braided in the shape of her hairline to accent her face.  I also designed a braid pattern in the crown to add something interesting to the style.

Sheryta Samuel opted for long box braids. To achieve this look, I chose not to cut the bundle of hair in half, giving the style added length.

Autumn opted for long copper tone tresses. (Extensions were already colored.)   To achieve this style, I made sure the braid pattern was appropiate for long straight hair.  She will be curling this hair for her senior prom.

Amy Williams opted for a short curly bob.  To achieve this style, I stacked the crown for fullness, gave her long bangs, and tapered her around the nape area.