03

Protective Natural Styles

No foreign hair. Just yours.

Braids, twists, cornrows and bantu knots built from your own hair. The real risk here is tension and product build-up under the style.

The routine

  1. 1

    Wash the scalp, not the style

    Diluted shampoo in a nozzle applicator bottle, scalp only, every seven to ten days. Rinse thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Dry completely

    Air-dry under a cool hood. Damp roots under a style invite odour and itch.

  3. 3

    Oil the scalp lightly

    A few drops of a light oil along the partings. Nothing heavy, nothing creamy.

  4. 4

    Takedown on schedule

    Finger-detangle with conditioner. Never comb a dry takedown.

Timing

Two to four weeks for twists and cornrows, and never past six on a fine hairline.

Keep

  • — Diluted shampoo in an applicator bottle
  • — Light oil on the partings only
  • — Leave-in applied at takedown, not during

Drop

  • — Creams and gels under a long-wear style
  • — Sleeping without a satin scarf
  • — Pulling the style tighter so it “lasts longer”