Protective hairstyles for Winter

When it comes to hair, we should protect it throughout the year, especially during winter. Now is a good time to start thinking about protective hairstyles that’ll keep your hair hydrated and well-cared for as it gets colder. Cold weather tends to dry out our hair, leading to breakage. That's why protective styles like box braids, faux locs, and fulani braids are essential in keeping our hair healthy.

Tips for protecting your hair

Like anything, healthy hair comes down to consistent care. Here are a few tips to remember:

Find a stylist that understands your hair type.4

Try not to pull too tightly when braiding your hair.

Keep your scalp and hair clean by washing your hair at least once a week.

Keep your scalp and hair moisturized by using a conditioner, mask or serum.   

Sleep with a satin bonnet to keep your hair neat and moisturized.

Don’t keep your braids for longer than 8 weeks.

Box braids

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Box braids can be done with natural hair or with extended hair for extra length, thickness, and fullness. The price of box braids ranges from R250 to R500. Here’s a tutorial on how to do box braids yourself.

Straight up

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Short hair can be braided into a series of curvy cornrows to achieve a modern and attractive protective style for natural hair. The price of a straight up ranges from R150 to R300. Here’s a tutorial on how to achieve this style yourself.

Fulani braids

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Fulani braids are a mixture of cornrows and box braids and can be worn with or without beads. The price of Fulani braids ranges from R250 to R500. Watch this tutorial to learn how to do these braids yourself.

Faux locs

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Faux locs are braids wrapped into your hair. Unlike dreadlocks, faux locs don’t make use of your own hair to form a dread or loc. The price for faux locs ranges from R250 to R500. Here’s a tutorial on how to do it yourself.

Bantu knots

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Bantu knots are a bold, beautiful protective hairstyle for natural hair. They’re small, spiralled knots created by twisting and wrapping sections of hair. The price ranges from R200- R450. Here’s a tutorial on how to do them yourself at home.

Protective styles help to keep hair healthy. Not only are they tried-and-true methods for preserving your hair, they're also really fun to style. They can easily be switched up to add length, or you can mix in different colours and textures to change up your look. Remember to keep your scalp and hair clean and don’t forget to moisturize. Your hair can truly do anything. Be bold and express yourself with your hair styling!

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).