I’ve spent the last 6 months or so wearing my hair in a protective style with braids. It wasn’t planned.
I just had to focus for a while on work and I couldn’t spend as much time on my hair as I like to so I decided to throw it in braids.
I am very pleased with the results and I’ve decided to go on a protective style challenge for myself in 2016 but readers are welcome to join me as well.
While you’re on, don’t forget to join the list and download your free resources from the beauty library HERE.
Protective Style Challenge Rules
I recently ordered a lovely wig and will be alternating this with braids but I would say I will be in the wig roughly 90% of the challenge. The rules are very simple:
- Wear hair in protective styles under the wig
- 2 – 3 week break in-between every style
- Take care of my hair while in the protective style
- Measure hair length only twice. At the beginning of the year and at the end of the year.
Wig Recommendations
This is the first time I’m wearing a wig long-term as a protective style so I invested in the right kind of wig. I had it custom-made for my head and the length I prefer.
It’s 14 inches, body wave in color Ib. It’s 100% human hair and can be cut, styled, washed, straightened, and curled. I’ve tried all that with it and it has held up well.
You can find fantastic custom wig makers on Etsy HERE. They’ll customize it how you want. It costs a little bit more but it’ll last for years.
Below are some pictures from out of the pack to various styles I’ve tried with it.
Unboxing the Wig for Protective Style Challenge
Bendy Rollers Set for Protective Style Challenge – Look 1
Curlformers Set for Protective Style Challenge – Look 2
Excuse my struggle wig head. It has seen better days. lol. Just because you have a straight wig doesn’t mean your hairstyles will be boring.
You can create a wide variety of styles on your wig with different types of hair rollers.
I will be updating the challenge every few months with wig care tips, hair care tips & tricks while wearing wigs, etc.
If you would like to join or have any questions about protective styling with wigs and/or braids, drop it in the comments section below!
If someone you know would benefit from this challenge, click below to Tweet it to them so they can join. The more, the merrier :)
The protective style challenge has ended. I hope you had loads of fun and achieved a lot of length retention.
Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty
Wednesday 7th of December 2016
I will be updating end of Dec/beginning of January but hair looks great!
Geri
Thursday 16th of June 2016
Is it too late to join this challenge since we are already mid year?
Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty
Tuesday 21st of June 2016
Hey Geri, nope. You can still join if you want to. We've got 6 months to go! What are your goals? Where are you starting from? You can also put up pictures if you want. :)
Nicole Hunter
Thursday 16th of June 2016
I will be getting crochet braids in the next week or 2 that I will be leaving up for 6 months with a month in between protective styles. My new growth is extremely manageable, soft, & moisturized. I've been using sodium bentonite clay to clarify, Amla, brahmi, & bhringraj powders mixed with Queen Helene cholesterol to deep condition as I've run out of Henna & plus I'm trying to get rid of whatever I don't plan to use from now on as I don't need a million & one products stocked up. I've combined Asha+Miel (etsy.com) super concentrated JBCO, Shea moisture JBCO leave in conditioner, some AVG I've had in my hair cupboard for some time now, & a batch of flaxseed gel I made to moisturize my hair. OMG! I think I have figured out how to manage my new growth & what may work for my natural hair as well! I will definitely never be big chopping again as length not texture was the issue with me being natural before, so Im thinking about transitioning by alternating between crochet braids & my circular braid & then once I'm natural I'll go down to 2 months of protective styling until my hair is shoulder length. Do you think this is a good idea?
Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty
Tuesday 21st of June 2016
Wilting down your product stash will help with retaining length. Sometimes, too many products ends up working against hair growth goals.
Transitioning with crotchet braids is a good idea as well as 2 months protective styling while growing your hair out but remember to keep at least 2 - 4 weeks in-between styles so you give your hair and scalp some time to recover. Also, take maximum care of your hair under the protective styles, and stick to a braiding style that doesn't put tension on the edges and massage your scalp and edges with a little oil every few days. #HHG :)
Nicole Hunter
Thursday 16th of June 2016
Ok this is my hair before & after I relaxed it after taking down my protective style
Nicole Hunter
Sunday 3rd of April 2016
I would like to join the PS Challenge!
Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty
Monday 4th of April 2016
Welcome aboard Ms Nicole. The rules are very simple so no one gets overwhelmed. Wear hair in protective styles under wig, 2 – 3 week break in-between every style and take care of your hair while in the protective style. To participate, just discuss, ask questions and post pics within this comment section. I usually reply within a few hours. Happy Hair Growing! :)