Protective styles are more than just a hairstyle choice, they are a statement of care, culture, and confidence. Whether you’re wearing braids, twists, wigs, or weaves, these styles give your strands a break from daily stress while helping you maintain length and moisture. But even when your hair is tucked neatly away, it still requires thoughtful attention and gentle maintenance to stay strong and nourished.
At Body Whip, we believe that protective styling and self-care go hand in hand. Healthy hair doesn’t stop at what you see on the outside; it starts from the roots, the scalp, and the love you put into your routine. If you’ve ever noticed dryness, flaking, or dullness after removing a protective style, it’s a sign that your hair needs a little extra support while it’s “under wraps.”
Here’s how to make your protective styles truly protective, with a mix of care, patience, and our favorite Body Whip essentials.
1. Moisture Is Still a Must
Many people think protective styles lock in moisture automatically, but that’s not always true. Styles like braids or twists can make it more difficult for hydration to reach your scalp and strands, especially if they’re tightly installed. To keep your hair happy, it’s essential to maintain a consistent moisturizing routine throughout the duration of your style.
The key is to use lightweight, nutrient-rich oils that absorb easily and don’t cause buildup. Our Coco Liqueur Hair Elixir is a perfect choice; It combines deeply nourishing natural oils that restore hydration while leaving your scalp soothed and refreshed. Just a few drops massaged into your scalp every few days can make a world of difference.
This practice not only replenishes lost moisture but also helps improve circulation to the follicles, encouraging stronger, more resilient hair growth.
2. Cleanse Without Disturbing Your Style
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. During protective styling, sweat, sebum, and product residue can build up quickly, especially if you live in a warm or humid climate.
To keep your scalp fresh, cleanse gently every one to two weeks using a diluted shampoo or scalp cleanser. You can also try a DIY cleansing spray made with water, a few drops of gentle shampoo, and a small amount of your favorite essential oil. Lightly mist your scalp and rinse with care to avoid unraveling your style.
After cleansing, restore hydration immediately with Coco Liqueur Hair Elixir. Its soothing formula helps calm any dryness from washing and leaves your scalp balanced and comfortable.
If you wear wigs, make sure to remove them regularly to allow your scalp to breathe. Use a soft cloth or cotton pad with a bit of rose water or toner to gently wipe away sweat and dirt. This simple routine can prevent irritation and keep your scalp healthy underneath.
3. Protect Your Style at Night
Your nighttime habits have a huge impact on how long your protective style lasts and how well your hair fares underneath. Friction from cotton pillowcases can lead to dryness, frizz, and even breakage around the edges.
To prevent this, wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf before bed, or use a satin bonnet that fits comfortably without pulling. If scarves aren’t your style, switch to a satin pillowcase to keep your strands safe from friction while you sleep.
This extra step keeps your style neat, your moisture levels stable, and your hair looking fresh for longer.
4. Don’t Forget Your Ends
Even though the focus is often on the scalp during protective styling, your ends still need care, especially if they’re exposed. They’re the oldest and most fragile parts of your hair, so keeping them moisturized prevents breakage and helps retain length.
Use a small amount of Shea Mousse or Shea Parfait to seal moisture into your ends. Both butters melt effortlessly into your hair, coating it in rich hydration without heaviness.
If your ends are tucked away, you can still apply a bit of product before installing your style. That way, your strands start off well-nourished and protected from the start.
5. Be Gentle When Taking It Down
Taking out your protective style is just as important as maintaining it. Rushing this process can cause unnecessary shedding or tangling. Instead, take your time and treat your hair gently.
Apply Coco Liqueur Hair Elixir to your fingertips and lightly coat each section before unraveling. This makes it easier to glide through tangles and minimizes breakage. Once the style is removed, follow with a moisturizing deep treatment using Shea Mousse or Shea Parfait.
After weeks of being tucked away, your hair will drink up the nourishment and feel instantly softer and more manageable.
6. Self-Care Beyond Hair
One of the best parts about protective styling is the extra time it gives you back. With less daily maintenance, you can focus on other forms of self-care; your skin, your body, or simply your peace of mind.
Use that time to unwind and nurture yourself in other ways. Try a warm bath infused with essential oils, followed by a gentle body massage using Shea Parfait or Shea Mousse. Both products melt beautifully into your skin, locking in moisture while leaving a soft, radiant glow.
At Body Whip, we believe self-care should feel luxurious but simple, something you look forward to, not something you rush through.
Protective styles are a powerful tool for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair, but only when paired with consistent care and the right products. Remember to hydrate your scalp, seal your ends, and treat your hair with patience every step of the way.
And when you take time to pamper yourself, inside and out, your hair isn’t the only thing that benefits, your whole spirit does.
Love,
The Body Whip Team