Set It & Forget It
7 Protective Styles For The
Medium Maintenance Woman
Soraya
A modest goddess who keeps it humble between mumbles. I'm a journalism graduate with a HERstory in digital media, print and radio. Roll the credits: Power 96, VH1, xoNecole, EBONY, SOHH. Deemed "Top 20 Women in Media" by Power 105. Bronx made me, Broward raised me.
Let's face it- 2020 is not quite the vision of peace and prosperity that most of us thought it would be. Not to mention, with the new decade kicking off with an unforeseen pandemic, it's easy to lose sight of a few things, including ourselves.
However, quarantining shouldn't put a damper on pampering. Afterall, health is wealth, and one of the ultimate acts of self-care is self-maintenance. Tending to our tresses can often bring out the best in our esteem and attitudes and hair growth, along with hair health, both start at the roots - literally.
In comes protective styling. Protective styles, with the help of extensions, are ideal for growth, because they allow for low-manipulation of our actual hair. Extensions enable us to increase our styling options, while making way for our natural hair to flourish. Plus, for the busybody woman, protective styles allow us to look our best, minus the effort and time that comes with doing so.
The pros of protective styling include:
Low manipulation on your actual hair, ultimately promoting to hair growth
Less breakage, leading to length retention
Time saving due to easier style maintenance and upkeep
Unlimited styling options
Protects hair from heat and harmful dyes
...and more!
So whether you're occupied with work from home, work at home or just working on your best self, here are some ways to rock protective styles, in style. After all, the goal is to make it "look" like effort, effortlessly.
Bob Babe
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @naesantana_
Look bomb in a classic bob. Whether you're stuck in the house, or making your 17th "Target" run for the week, a bob is a bomb protective style for any season.
The beauty benefits of a bob are endless for the summer. The shorter length allows you to provide maximum slayage with minimal hair, and is the ideal summer style for staying cool in the heat. The best part? No matter the length of your natural tresses, you can still achieve this shorter-length look without having to take a pair of scissors to your own hair. A chic blunt bob can be achieved either by sew-in or creating a custom unit, using quality bundles from Harlem Hair Co, as seen below.
Pro-Tip:
- To achieve optimal fullness, consider going up in density.
- We recommend 180 density for the perfect, bouncy bob.
HAIR: 12" 12" + 12"
- (2) 12" Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 12" Virgin Brazillian Straight Closure
STRAIGHT SLAY
STRAIGHT SLAY
If you can't decide which protective hairdo to do, you can't go wrong with a straight and sleek look. This timeless style is where simplicity and stylish meet. Low-maintenance in upkeep, classic straight hair can actually be customized in a number of ways.
Whether you're switching up from a middle part to a side part, rocking it half-up-half-down, or adding a couple of curls in later on, there are endless possibilities to this look. The awesome part? If you get bored half-way through wearing this 'do, add a bang for fun!
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @slaybyella_
Pro-Tip #1:
Indecisive on which length to opt for? Remember, the longer you start, the shorter you can always go later on.
Pro-Tip #2:
Not one for sew-ins? Take your bundles to a professional and turn them into a custom unit! DIY ways to create your own wig can also be found on countless Youtube demos, like this one.
HAIR (For layered look): 16" 18" 20" + 16"
- (1) 16" Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 18 "Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 20" Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 16" Virgin Brazillian Straight Closure
HAIR (For layered look): 16" 18" 20" + 16"
- (2) 16" Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 16" Virgin Brazillian Straight Frontal
PHONY PONY
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @paislib
Real hot girls know that a faux-ponytail puts the "pro" in protective styling. Super easy to style, and even easier to slay, extension-assisted ponytails can be achieved in as quickly as 1-2-3.
A ponytail keeps hair away from your face, for those who aren't a fan of too much fuss. If using straight hair, ponytails can also be styled by barrel-curling your hair, placing into a classic bun, or creating a classic French braid. Ooo-la-la!
Pro-Tip:
For less tension in the front and nape areas, consider
opting for a "low" ponytail, as to
reduce nape
breakage, and a middle part as to minimize pulling on your edges.
HAIR: 22" (+ "22 optional)
- (1-2) (1-2) 22" Virgin Brazillian Straight
Bundles (go up in bundles
depending on preferred volume)
A TAIL OF TWO PONIES
A TAIL OF TWO PONIES
The grown woman version of "pigtails," and modern spin to an otherwise childhood favorite.
Double ponytails are a fun and unique twist to the extendo-ponytail craze. This look can be
achieved with 1-2 bundles, per pony, depending on the volume you wish to attain. If you want to
get even more creative, opt for a zig-zag part versus a traditional straight part. Or, place
your twin ponytails into buns for fun. That'll really kick the childhood nostalgia up a notch!
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @robbieleeann
Pro-Tip:
Want to turn up the volume on your look? Go with the
body wave bundles, versus straight
HAIR: 20" + 20"
- (1-2) 20" Virgin Brazillian Body Wave Bundle
- (1-2) 20" Virgin Brazillian Body Wave Bundle
WAVY, SEXY, COOL
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @karinjinsui
Want curl-wand waves, minus the wand? Well voila! When it comes to achieving a beautiful, voluminous look, waves are the perfect solution. For the woman who craves a little more "body" with her hair texture, body wave extensions are the perfect protective style. Whether you're getting ready for your dream vacation, or dreaming you were on one, achieve a resort-ready look with these bouncy bundles. So whenever you actually do make it to a beach, you can bring both the sand, and the waves.
HAIR: 16" 16" 18" + 16"
- (2) 16" Virgin Brazillian Body Wave Bundle
- (1) 18" Virgin Brazillian Body Wave Bundle
- (1) 16" Virgin Brazillian Body Wave Closure
PRETTY IN PLAITS
Attention, attention: Plaits aren't just made for washdays! The muva of all protective styles since forever, plaits don't always have to be limited to the style you "hide" under your weave. Add some extensions to this otherwise vintage 90's hairdo, for an updated and modern flair.
Pro-Tip
You can also use plaits as a means of adding even more volume and texture to your extensions, creating a "deep waves” aesthetic, for added versatility. Simply plait-your hair the night before with mousse, and unbraid in the morning for beautiful waves.
HAIR: 24" 24" + 24"
- (2) 24" Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 24" Virgin Brazillian Straight Frontal
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @therealkylesister
LIFE'S A BLEACH... AND THEN YOU DYE!
Photo credit for inspired look:
Instagram @therealkylesister
Look to dye for without dying or frying your own hair. One of the ultimate pros of protective styling with weaves is not having to add a single chemical to your own hair, to achieve a bright and colorful look. Whether you opt for a bold blonde, a warmer copper or a wild card hue, live in color without living in fear of stressing your natural strands. After all, life's a bleach... and then you dye!
Pro-Tip:
Have fun with hair color and get a two-toned or ombre look!
HAIR: 24" 24" + 24"
- (2) 24" Virgin Brazillian Straight Bundle
- (1) 24" Virgin Brazillian Straight Frontal
As you can see ladies, you don't need to be a professional to put the "pro" in "protective" style. And there is absolutely no need to stress the tressnique. The modern day woman already has a million and one hustles, and our hair shouldn’t be part of the hassle. So grab yourself a few bundles, and give your hair a break, without breaking the bank.
For even more inspired looks, check out Harlem Hair Company’s official website.
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