Protective styles are a great option for healthy hair maintenance. Braids, twists, wigs, and extensions reduce daily manipulation and help retain length, but without proper preparation and care while in the style, they can do more harm than good. A complete ritual, including nourishment and TLC before, during, and after styling, keeps hair strong, hydrated, and ready for whatever comes next.
What Is the Purpose of a Protective Style?
Protective styles are designed to reduce stress on the hair shaft, minimize friction, and shield ends from environmental damage. They help retain length and preserve hydration by keeping strands tucked away. But โprotectiveโ only truly applies when the scalp is cared for and the moisture balance is maintained. Healthy protective styling is less about how the hair looks and more about how itโs supported underneath.
How to Prep Hair Before a Protective Style
Start with strength, moisture, and a clean foundation.
- Detoxify: Buildup and residue can suffocate the scalp and weaken strands. Use Cรฉcred Detoxifying Shampoo for a deep reset. It removes extreme oil, dirt, and buildup in 1 wash, giving your hair and scalp a clean foundation while soothing and calming the scalp. Follow with Hydrating Shampoo to nourish and restore moisture.
- Nourish and Strengthen: Before styling, feed your hair nutrients that build resilience. Apply Oil Ritual, composed of 21 plant oils including manuka, peppermint, and African oil blend, to deeply nourish the scalp and restore softness. For fragile or chemically-treated strands, use the Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual. This 2-step protein treatment reinforces hairโs natural structure, making it 3x more resistant to breakage while improving length retention and shine.*
- Deep Condition for Flexibility: Follow with theย Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, infused with 12 rich butters and oils, to restore elasticity and make hair pliable for braiding or twisting.
*Tested in a 3rd party consumer laboratory using hair tresses.
How to Care for Hair After an Install
Once your style is installed, focus on scalp balance and hydration. Scalp care is paramount. Keep buildup and odor at bay with Scalp Refreshing Spray. Our PhytoFerment dissolves impurities, while peppermint oil soothes style-related itchiness or tension without disturbing your style.
Next up, moisture. Applyย Moisture Sealing Lotion to any exposed hair or leave-out to keep strands soft and manageable. Our Phyto-Seal Complex smooths the cuticle and prevents frizz. Depending on your style, you can opt for Cรฉcred Hair & Scalp Balm to relieve tightness and lock in moisture while in a protective style. The balm-to-oil formula protects the scalpโs barrier and restores shine to tucked strands.
Be sure to cleanse every 2-3 weeks, depending on buildup, sweat, and environment. Use sulfate-free formulas like Hydrating Shampoo to preserve moisture while keeping the scalp fresh. Between washes, refresh with Scalp Refreshing Spray for a clean, balanced feel.
How to Care for Hair After Taking Down a Style
The take down is a critical part of the ritual, as this is where you prevent unnecessary breakage. Take note of the following takedown and aftercare tips:
- Detangle: Spray Detangling Spray onto braids or twists before removal. Slippery elm and honey melt through knots while easing tension.ย Lightly mist Scalp Refreshing Spray first to loosen residue.
- Cleanse: Follow with Detoxifying Shampoo to remove heavy oils and buildup, then Hydrating Shampoo to replenish moisture.
- Repair and Restore: After cleansing, apply Reconstructing Treatment Mask, which features our patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment to repair the cuticle and fortify hair from within. Follow with Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to restore balance.
- Seal and Protect: Finish with Moisture Sealing Lotion and a few drops of Nourishing Hair Oil to lock in hydration and restore luster.
Protective styles work best when paired with a complete care cycle that includes prep, maintenance, gentle take down, and restorative aftercare. By following a consistent routine with nourishing products, hair comes out of every style healthy, shiny, and strong.