Neal Farinah is widely recognized as one of the beauty industry's most esteemed and sought-after hairstylists. Continuing his long-standing creative partnership with Beyoncé, Farinah currently serves as the Lead Global Stylist for Cécred.
With over 20 years of experience, Farinah is known for endless iconic looks, but also for his ability to keep his clients’ hair healthy. Leveraging his expertise in haircare, styling innovation, and decades-long experience of cultivating iconic hair moments seen throughout Beyoncé’s career, Farinah contributes to the brand across education, innovation, and artistry.
Farinah shares his tips for weave longevity and maintaining healthy hair while in protective styles below:
Neal’s Core Philosophy for Protective Styles
Neal Farinah: “My core philosophy with any protective style, especially weaves, is making sure the style actually stays protective. That means installing it as safely as possible with minimal tension, letting the scalp breathe as much as possible, and also making sure it’s taken down when it needs to.
One of the biggest issues I see is someone leaving their weaves in too long. When that happens, you’re risking breakage, scalp issues, excessive dryness, and more. The other major challenge I see is overall neglect. Protective styles, including weaves, can only “protect” when they’re properly cared for. That’s part of the brilliance of Cécred’s Protection Collection, which gives you the tools to take care of your hair before, during, and after a style. It’s there every step of the way for you.”
Start With a Clean Slate Before an Install
Neal Farinah: “Before your hair goes into a protective style, you have to make sure it’s properly cleansed. This is where the Detoxifying Shampoo can come in, which deeply cleanses hair and removes extreme buildup before installing a weave. It’s also incredible as you’re taking your hair down, and it is one of the only products I’ve found that can take away months of buildup in just one wash.”
Daily Scalp Care Is Just as Important
Neal Farinah: “One of the most important things when you’re hair is in a weave is consistent scalp care. This is where Scalp Refreshing Spray, Restoring Hair & Edge Drops, and the Hair & Scalp Balm come in.
- Scalp Refreshing Spray is designed to be used daily, and instantly dissolves buildup while easing style-related tension and itchiness.
- Restoring Hair & Edge Drops should be used daily, and also all over your scalp–not just your edges! That’s a common question I get and I always remind people to make sure you’re using it all over. It works like magic.
- Finally, the Hair & Scalp Balm is just an overall hero. It’s a balm-to-oil salve that you can use over 10 ways, but I love to use it to help with braiding or to lock in moisture on the scalp.
By consistently cleansing, fortifying, and moisturizing, you’re helping to keep your hair healthy and making the takedown process less damaging.”
Always Lock in Moisture & Shine
Neal Farinah: “And, of course, I have to drop a little styling wisdom. No matter the end style, I’m always trying to keep frizz at bay and make sure the hair stays shining. Moisture Sealing Lotion locks in moisture and helps prevent frizz, and the Nourishing Hair Oil adds the perfect shine to any end look. These products are safe to use on human hair weaves and wigs are go-tos of mine when styling weaves.”
Most Importantly, Have Fun!
Neal Farinah: “Maintaining healthy hair is so important while you’re in a weave, but you also have to enjoy the freedom of self-expression it gives you! Weaves allow you to play with length, texture, and color in ways that might not be possible otherwise, all while keeping your own hair protected. I always tell clients: the beauty of a weave is that it lets you tell your story through style, but you also have to bring the care so you don’t compromise your hair health.”