If you are one of the people who want to try protective styles but don't know how long you can go without washing your hair, this article is for you.

Protective styling is a technique typically used to minimize breakage and eliminate or minimize damage. Protective hairstyles are usually created with the use of braids, twists, buns, and up-dos. Braiding your hair can be used as a protective style if you're looking to grow it out while minimizing breakage and shedding.The purpose of protective styling is not only to protect your hair but also to make sure that you don't experience any damage. With proper care, protective styles can help help retain length and even shield hair from the elements. However, there's a slippery slope between protective styles and neglectful ones.

Protective styling should not be neglectful.

While protective styles are often associated with neglect, there are plenty of simple ways to give your tresses the love they need while enjoying the benefits of being on lockdown.

• Use a gentle, localizing cleanser to target your scalp. The nozzle on our RESET hair cleanser is perfect for this (AND it's easy to rinse out).

• Apply a light oil such as avocado oil or sweet almond oil to damp hair to seal any exposed ends. We love our STIMULATE hair and scalp oil for this.

• Go hands free! Keep your hands out of your hair. Twirling your braids or locs around your fingers is a form of manipulation and counter-productive to your goals.

Conclusion

Wearing a protective style is not a license to forgo washing, hydrating, moisturizing your hair. But if you find a way to simplify your routine with high quality products utilized in sustainable ways, you'll find that caring for your hair while it's tucked away is quite easy.