I generally
wear my hair in protective styles, I’d say, 75% of the time. So to say that I
will be on a protective style challenge, I will really just be continuing my
habit of protective styling, except that I will include more long term
protective styles, so that I can reduce how frequently I manipulate or comb my
hair. My long term styles will involve extensions, because my fuzzy texture
just cannot keep my natural braids or twists for more than about a week at a
time (without me looking like a complete fuzz ball!)
I’m doing
this challenge for three reasons:
1. I’m trying
to retain as many inches as possible in time for my next nappiversary in
September. It’s going to be ten years natural, and what better way to celebrate
than with few extra inches! =)
2. My fairy
knots have been getting out of hand, and I know it is because I am wearing my
hair loose more often. My hair just prefers to be on a protective style/low
manipulation regimen.
3. I’m taking
on a few more projects in the next few months and I’m also expanding my product
line, so to say I've been busy is an understatement. While I’m making sure
everyone else’s hair is fabulous I’ll just be putting mine away for a bit! I
won’t be neglecting my hair mind you, but I honestly would really welcome the
chance to have to comb my hair less often.
I am inviting anyone who’d like to join me on the challenge! (I will be going
for 6 months, but you are welcome to try 3 months or even 2 months). Whether
you are growing out a short haircut, a dye job or just want to set a hair goal
for yourself and reach it, you are welcome to come on board! I've outlined my
detailed plan below, but you just have to make sure you follow these two
key elements:
1. Protective styles ONLY during the period you choose.
2. Maintain a
healthy hair regimen during the period, including clarifying, moisturizing, and
deep conditioning.
Check out my
post on Protective Styling 101 for tips on how to
protective style without damaging your precious tresses! Comment below and let
me know if you will be taking part in the challenge. I'll be back often to give
my updates! I'll also be tracking the challenge on the Facebook page, so you can check in there as well and let me know how you're going!
Protective
Style Challenge 2014 - My Plan
DURATION: February
1st, 2014 to July 31st, 2014
STYLE PLAN:
I plan to
wear the long term styles for 4 – 6 weeks followed by short term protective
styles for 7 – 10 days. Styles worn for more than 4 weeks will be refreshed at
the perimeter/hairline at the 4 week mark.
My long term
styles: crochet braids, box braids (with extensions).
My short term
styles: roll tuck and pin styles, half wigs, twists/flat twists, African
threading.
MAINTENANCE
PLAN:
Clarifying
& Deep conditioning:
I’ll wash and
condition long term protective styles once (at the 2 or 3 week mark). If I get
itchy before wash day I’ll clean my scalp with a witch hazel and rosewater mix.
I will
shampoo, ACV rinse and deep condition my hair after each long term protective
style. Since it will only be 7 – 10 days until my next long term style, I will
just co-wash and deep condition before the next long term installation.
Moisturizing:
I will spritz
my long term protective styles daily with my Herbal Hair Spritz and oil my
scalp with Oils n Herbs every 2-3 days. LOC method for moisture as needed on short term
protective styles.
Optional: Many
protective style challenges also include dietary changes, so you can encourage
healthy Hair from the inside out. For personal health reasons I’m already on a
programme which involves having to eat wholesome meals; I already take
vitamins/supplements and my water intake is good, though I intend to increase
it. My exercise regimen is sorely lacking, so I intend to improve on that!
You can feel free to make any health changes you may see necessary to encourage
healthy hair growth, such as dietary and/or exercise changes.
UPDATE: I completed the 6 month Challenge! =) Here are the update videos.
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