One of my favorite hobbies is learning how to braid my hair in different protective styles. Protective styles evolve every season, allowing me to build a skill I’ve developed since I was 10. When you invest the time to learn how to do your hair as a Black woman, you appreciate the time you carve out to enhance your appearance.
The market for natural hair care products tailored to Black women who opt for protective hairstyles is abundant. In this post, I will share the 5 products I use in every protective style that guarantees a sleek style.
Magic Fingers Styling Gel
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I discovered Magic Fingers Gel when I was fortunate enough to book an appointment with the popular Brooklyn braider this past year. My 4 feed-in braids lasted for 3 weeks! When I purchased the gel and used it on Passion Twist, I was amazed at how long the style lasted. Magic Fingers Styling Gel lays your hair in place ensuring the longevity of a style. I’m at ease knowing this gel is not greasy or sticky.
Castor Oil
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My scalp gets dry during the braiding process. After deep conditioning my hair and blow drying, my scalp needs some TLC and that’s when I use castor oil. One of the thickest oils, castor oil moisturizes, prevents frizz, and leaves my hair feeling silky smooth. I pour my castor oil into a bottle with a thin nozzle and apply it directly onto my hair however, applying this oil onto your hand and directly onto the entire style is another option.
Magic Fingers Mousse
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After completing my style, after I used enough gel and my scalp is moisturized, I need to use moose. Magic Fingers Mousse is a product used to lay down any flyaway hairs that pop out of a braid or twist during the process. This step can be intimidating because of the amount of moose needed for your entire style. Trust the process, applying a generous amount and watching the moose soak into your strands is another way to make sure all your hard work won’t go to waste.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-In Conditioner
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Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-In Conditioner is an excellent choice before a protective style for several reasons. Key ingredients, Manuka honey and Mafura oil, are deeply hydrating and nourishing, providing essential moisture to the hair. The leave-in formula helps to detangle hair, making it easier to style and reducing breakage during the process.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
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Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengtheming Hair Masque is the perfect deep conditioner to use before any protective hairstyle. My hair is in a protective style for a minimum of 3 weeks. Before my hair gets tucked away for this length of time, I make sure that it is completely moisturized during the washing process. Rosemary oil is known for strengthening hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.
Honorable Mention
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SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Shampoo
A shampoo with a good lather and moisturizing properties will always be my go-to. I love that this shampoo doesn’t leave my hair feeling stripped and squeaky clean. My strands feel soft enough to detangle in the shower and easy to manage. Paired with their conditioner, your hair will feel bouncy, be frizz-free, and be ready to be tucked away for a few weeks.
I care for my natural hair by allowing it to grow uninterrupted. That means less manipulation and more protective styles. Protecting the oldest parts of your hair, your ends, is a good way to maintain your hair’s length. While trimming and getting rid of shed hair is also part of the process, making sure your hair is moisturized is a natural main priority when it comes to hair care.
The products I used before and after my protective style is complete have never failed me and I hope this helps you too!
See you in the next one!