Protective styles are summer go-to's for black girls everywhere. Since this is only my second time getting a protective style with added hair (faux locs), I've been thinking a lot about how to maintain my hair and scalp while giving myself a break from styling my natural hair for a few weeks.
We've talked about how to wash your hair with a protective style, but here are a few products of rounded up that you can use in-between washes or when your scalp needs a little TLC.
1.Cantu Refresh Root Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil
Amazon
Cantu's rinse is a reviewer favorite. Ladies with different hair types and conditions like postpartum hair loss and chronic dry scalp calling this "tingly" treatment a "must-have."
2.SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Scalp Tonic Treatment
I have been on the road quite a bit this summer, and this tonic has been my go-to because I can pop it into my carry-on and it calms my itchy scalp. I apply this each night before wrapping my faux locs in a silk scarf.
3.Girl+Hair RESTORE+ Restoring Hair Treatment Balm
Girl + Hair
I found the brand Girl + Hair (pronounced "Girl and Hair") during a Google search and was excited to read it was founded by Dr. Camille Verovic, a black girl boss that is a marketing pro turned doctor. Their treatment balm is made with five different oils, including shea butter and castor oil and is small enough to pack in your gym bag or carry-on without taking up too much space.
4.Uncle Funky's Daughter Defunk Hair Refresher Tonic
Amazon
Working out is always a good thing, even if that means a little sweat. Products like Defunk's Hair Refresher can help neutralize odor from hair and scalp post-workout, and it also "stops the itch."
5.Canviiy ScalpBliss
If you have sensitive skin or want a product made with cruelty-free, organic ingredients, SCALPBLISS's formula will soothe the scalp before and after protective styling. You can also purchase a "mini tube" to drop in your bag on the go.
6.Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil
Mielle Organics' Mint Almond Oil is a fan favorite and is known to help reduce breakage and balance the scalp.
7.LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Lotion
Amazon
Made with willow bark extract (exfoliates the scalp), coconut oil, ceramides (seals in moisture), this lightweight-formula is said to condition dry scalps and strengthen the hair.
8.African Pride Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse
Amazon
This rinse is not the braid spray you used in the 90s. Now, it is made without parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and petroleum. The micellar water, coconut oil, and peppermint oil based rinse will refresh and clean the scalp.
9.Taliah Waajid Refresh And So Clean™ Bamboo, Avocado And Peppermint Dry Gel Shampoo
Amazon
The thought of a gel shampoo intrigued me, and based on the product reviews —this shampoo is worth a try. Reviewers recommend applying the gel in sections, massaging the scalp, and then wipe with a cloth and let the hair and scalp air dry.
Protective styles are excellent options when you want to give your strands a break from manipulation during the summer months, but be sure you keep your crown in tip-top shape.
Featured image by Getty Images
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
20 Of The Best Protective Styles For Natural Hair
Goddess Box Braids Are Poppin' On IG & Here's What They Are
10 Protective Styles We Co-Signed In 2018
7 Tips For Making Your Protective Style Last Longer
- Keep Your Real Hair Healthy By Following These 10 Weave ... ›
- This Is Why Your Natural Hair Ain't Growin' - xoNecole ›
- Protective Styles Not Working - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- ITCHY BRAIDS? Say no more! Best Products For Braids & Protective ... ›
- Hair Shedding Products to Use After Wearing a Protective Style ... ›
- 15 Products Perfect for Protective Styling | NaturallyCurly.com ›
- 15 Products That Give Protective Styles Lasting Power – SheKnows ›
- 10 Things Natural Hair Bloggers Want You to Know About Protective ... ›
- 25 Products To Make Your Braids Last Longer - Hair Products for ... ›
- The Best Products for Braids, Locs, and Other Protective Hairstyles ... ›
- 11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style ... ›
- 12 Protective Style Products for Natural Hair To Help With Growth ... ›
RELATED
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
