Protective styles are a great way for naturalistas to wear their hair regardless of the season. Protective styles work by keeping your hair bundled together, so less surface area is prone to damage from pollution, temperature and friction. Braids, locs, twists, weaves and wigs are some examples of popular protective hairstyles. However, despite popular belief, protective styles aren't a set it and forget it situation. In fact, when done wrong, protective styling is not that protective and can lead to unhealthy, damaged hair. Here are some ways to make sure you are reaping all the benefits of wearing a protective style.
1. Washing Your Hair In A Protective Style
Regardless of how your hair is styled, keeping it clean is critical, especially to maintain the longevity of your protective style. Many start their natural hair journey and reduce the amount of shampoo they use or cut it out altogether. This is particularly common with protective styles since washing braids or locs can be difficult, create frizz and take long to dry. However skipping wash day can cause dirt, product and sweat build-up, and even be the catalyst for infections, dandruff and a dry itchy scalp.
Cleaning your hair while in protective styles doesn't need to be difficult.
One of the best ways to cleanse your scalp while wearing a protective style is using a cleansing foam. This is a foam dry shampoo. A cleansing foam is convenient to use because it keeps the hairstyle dry while still cleaning the scalp so it doesn't require drying time, it also acts as a styling foam reducing frizz and helping your style longer. Also washing your hair the traditional way while wearing extensions can cause breakage as the hair extensions ( braids, twists, etc) will be pulling your natural hair when it is in a weak state from being wet.
To use our No Rinse Cleansing Foam, apply 3+ pumps of your foam into your palms and massage directly into your scalp. This will help to remove sweat, lint, and product build-up as well as freshen your scalp. This is particularly effective after exercise. If there is excessive build-up, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue or dirt and oils. An alternative to dry shampoo is to use traditional shampoo, dilute it with water and apply it to your scalp using a washcloth.
2. Moisturising Your Scalp and Hair in a Protective Style
Since you should be cleaning your hair under your protective style you also need to make sure you are restoring moisture back to maintain your protective style. Dry, brittle hair is more susceptible to breakage, especially if your hair is weighed down by extension hair, you want to be doing your best to keep your hair soft and moisturised.
The best way to do this is by using a lightweight water-based spray such as our Hydrating Hair Mist. With anti-inflammatory and anti-static natural ingredients like Rose and Hibiscus, you can spritz your hair and scalp daily to retain moisture. Remember you want to avoid heavy product buildup so any product that is water based will minimise blockage on your scalp. In fact, if you apply too much oil it can have the opposite effect and dry out your hair because heavy oil buildup will prevent moisture from penetrating into your hair shaft.
3. Sleeping in a Protective Style
To maintain your protective style, you need to protect your hair against friction at night. A great benefit of protective styling is that it lessens the damaging impact of friction to your individual strands, preventing single-stand knots and split ends. However, friction can still cause your hair to frizz and can reduce the longevity of your style.
One of the most effective yet simplest ways to do so is by wearing a silk or satin bonnet at night and or using a silk or satin pillowcase. Your hair tends to tangle when tossing and turning at night. If you are using a cotton pillowcase, cotton tends to create friction between your hair and the material causing breakage and eventually thinning. The best way to maintain your style and protect your hair is with satin or silk material to avoid snags, tangles, and friction.
After buying from a stall in Westfield, I can’t live without this for my 2 girls curly hair. Keeps the hair so moisturised and soft all day, even the next. A staple and must buy!!
✨ Review: Hydrating Mist + Hair Oil Duo ✨
My son has been using the hydrating mist and hair oil from this company consistently in his hair routine, and the results honestly speak for themselves. His hair looks healthier, shinier, and has so much more volume now. On Eid especially, his hair looked amazing — soft, defined, and full without looking heavy.
The hair oil has become his favourite part of the routine. He massages it into his scalp twice a week and leaves it in for a couple of hours before washing. It really helps keep his scalp moisturised and makes his hair feel stronger and smoother afterwards.
The hydrating mist works perfectly alongside it because it adds lightweight moisture and shine without making the hair greasy. He usually sprays it before styling with mousse, and it helps define the hair while keeping frizz away all day. ✨
What we noticed after regular use:
Shinier, healthier-looking hair
Softer texture
Better volume and definition
Less dryness and frizz
Hair feels hydrated but lightweight
Overall, this combination has worked really well for his routine, especially for keeping his hair looking fresh and styled naturally. Definitely products we would keep using. ⭐
Best beard oil on the market, has the exact results I want from a beard oil and I need to use so little to get my desired results, couldn’t recommend enough
I have only just started using the products. It’s maybe just three weeks now but this leaves my hair feeling so clean without any white residue like some other cleansers. It’s a must have and because I feel so clean and all residue is removed. I no longer wash my locs I just use this now and it gives me the same effect pending when I decide to redo my locs at the salon.
Since using the hair butter and hydrating spray my daughter’s hair has been easier to style and there has been less tears. Before her hair was dry but after using the products her hair looks shiny and healthy. We love how they smell too. Would definitely recommend.
i really like the hair mist so far, i don’t need to wet my hair anymore to refresh the waves i just use the spray and it brings it back to life that little bit more!! when i finish i’ll bring it back to refill!! xx
It absorbs beautifully without sitting greasy on top, which is rare. My hair drinks it up and just looks expensive afterwards. The frizz? Calm. The dryness? Gone. The ends? Sealed and behaving.
I RARELY write reviews so trust me when I say this product has my heart! I believe it's my fourth time purchasing it and honestly my hair absorbs and loves it. I find my hair to be frizz free and I barely get any breakage, I put that down to how moisturising it is. I also use it for my kids and their hair loves it too! I love how gentle the ingredients, it gives me a peace of mind
I’ve been using this hydrating hair mist for a short while now, and I’m genuinely impressed with the results. My scalp feels well-hydrated and comfortable, without any dryness or irritation. My hair feels noticeably softer, healthier, and more manageable, with a natural shine that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy.
What I really appreciate is how lightweight the mist is—it absorbs easily and refreshes my hair without weighing it down. It’s perfect for daily use, especially when my hair needs a quick boost of moisture. Overall, this product has helped improve the look and feel of my hair, leaving it nourished, refreshed, and well cared for. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to maintain hydrated, soft, and healthy hair.
I was recommended this by someone who works here for my 4 month old baby. I’d beg to differ.. essential oils and tea tree are definitely not recommended for a baby so young. I tried it on myself it’s ok but definitely won’t be buying from here again. I wanted to like it but it’s not for me
I’m from the US and was very hesitant about this product. So happy to see that this product gave me the look I wanted! Happy customer…….definitely will purchase again.
I was approached in Westfield Shopping centre as I have curly hair and was told the product would be perfect for my type of hair. I have been looking for something that would be light enough not to weigh my hair down but give it the moisture it needs. I was super excited to use the mist but unfortunately it just dried my hair out. It was very light on my hair but didn’t enhance the curl pattern any more than what it was. I am very disappointed with the product especially for the price. I have to use it with my original hair product for it not to dry my hair out. I would not purchase again,
Sorry 😕 I wanted to love it but it’s not for me!
Great with hydration. Great with making my hair shine. Smells amazing. And I got loads of compliments on how healthy my hair looks deffo will buy again.
Love this mist. It detangles, hydrates and softens my Afro hair. It also prevent breakage.
I have been using mist for a number of years and highly recommend it
3 curly kids and we love this stuff so much! We have the whole range, and I often borrow some on the oil or butter for my own hair. Genuinely wouldn't be workout this spray now. Best things I've used on my kids hair by far
Defines my daughters curls so well! By far my favourite product for my curly kids. And it smells divine! Taken 3 years to find what really works for her, so glad we took a chance on this range.
Second-time purchase of this product for me. I highly recommend it for flyaway or frizzy hair, and it smells great. Lasts a long time (on my hair anyway).
Lovely product, light with a lovely earthy scent. I notice my hair because thicker after a month of usage. I also purchased the hydrating hair mist which add life to my loc. I'm so grateful for this lovely products.yes! will buy again.
“Absolutely love this hair oil! It makes my hair so soft, manageable, and smooth. The scent is amazing too — not overpowering, just right. A must-have in my routine!”
I love this bonnet! 1) I've become a restless sleeper so I toss and turn quite a bit and this does not come off. I don't have to do the mid sleep checks anymore to see if it's still on my head 2) I've spent so much money on silk bonnet and it just not living up to the hype but this £8.50 satin bonnet has done everything i thought those silk bonnets would do. I have thick wavy hair and these have been amazing controlling the frizz!
I Decided To Try The Mist After Using The Oil For A Year. It's Great For When My Hair Is Styled; It Was Especially Good When I Was On Holiday In Ghana; My Locs Were Hydrated and When I Took Them Out Of The Style, They Were Moisured With No Need For Oil. I Only Need To Use It Once A Week In The UK; About Every Other Day In Hot Weather. Give It A Try; The Larger Bottle Is Great Value.
Have had issues with fizzy hair and this product helped very hydrating. Got this from Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and two ladies we very helpful and got tips. Will be purchasing more from this line
Really happy I found this product. I really struggle with definition with my hair and so far using this product my curls last and actually look like curls. Will definitely buy this again.
After doing the big chop I was so worried my hair wouldn’t grow back quickly but omg.. after using this hair oil (along with other TGH products) I finally feel like I have my crown back. I swear by this hair oil!! The scent, the texture and the way my hair has grown back so healthily! I even use it on my hair clients. I can’t fault it at all, thank you ThatGoodHair!! ❤️
This has been the best thing fir my itchy scalp. Been loving the oil and the hydrating Hair Mist for my cornrows. It keeps the style neater for longer and keeps my scalp moisturised.
