protective styles
We are not our hair, but we still want it to be healthy. U-parts and goddess braids are protective styles that give our natural hair a chance to grow and thrive (because sometimes we just need to leave it alone), but there's another step that could help your tresses live their best life, shining from beneath your wig cap and beyond.
I remember swearing by Biotin vitamins a few years ago. I took them faithfully and even started using shampoo and conditioner that was infused with it. I must say, I was a fan of the fullness and volume my natural hair had in the rare moments it was bouncing and behaving. But I can't honestly say it was because of Biotin. I haven't taken them in quite a while, and haven't seen any regression since.
What I can say is I was loyal to prenatal vitamins when I was pregnant, and my hair has never been so healthy. I literally kept taking them after my little one arrived just to maintain the growth. For me, that was the way to go and I refuse to look back. But that's just my testimony. If you've ever wondered if hair vitamins actually work, keep reading.The Truth About Hair Growth Vitamins
Plenty of women are swearing by their favorite hair vitamins, and for some, they work absolute wonders on their strands and edges. So what does science say? I don't want to burst your bubble, but according to a few experts, even though hair supplement vitamins have ingredients that promote hair growth (like biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E), the impact isn't always inevitable. Many also haven't been proven to be effective via the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery told Cosmopolitan:
"A lot of the studies you find in support of hair supplements are actually funded by the brands themselves. The literature is sketchy at best, and most derms agree that supplements are not very impressive."
But are we falling for the okie doke? Maybe not.
A second dermatologist, Michelle Henry, a clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College, also gave the lowdown to Yahoo! Lifestyle.She noted that Vitamin D deficiencies and a lack of iron are typically reasons people experience hair loss, so many successfully take a vitamin to supplement and promote hair growth. And it works for them.
Dendy Engelman, M.D., and board-certified dermatologic surgeon echoed similar sentiments and told Prevention:
"Hair growth supplements are helpful for anyone who is experiencing hair loss, hair thinning, or for those who just want thicker or longer hair."
So, What's Really Legit? Here Are The Best Vitamins For Hair Growth
Most dermatologists seem to agree that it's best to find hair growth vitamins that include biotin, iron, zinc, and/or Vitamin B12, especially if you aren't getting enough in your daily diet. Vitamin A, magnesium, and vitamin D are also ingredients that promote healthy hair. Here are a few hair growth vitamins that are said to be the best in the game.
1. Nature's Bounty Biotin
Amazon
While I can't say that biotin was a key reason I experienced healthy hair, it's boasted as one of the best vitamin supplements out there for a reason, and many nutrition companies sell it. It's a water-soluble vitamin, and we all know water is the not-so-secret ingredient that leads to healthy hair, skin, and nails. So you might flourish in more ways than one with this vitamin.
2. VitaFusion PreNatal Multivitamin Gummy
Walmart
I can go on and on about this prenatal multivitamin and what it can do for hair growth. But I think it's all about what works best for your hair. FYI: You can still take it even if you're not pregnant. It has plenty of vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, and zinc -- pretty much all of the supplements you need that promote healthy hair. I must say they don't taste too bad either.
3. Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins
Hairfinity
Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins has only grown in popularity since it launched a few years ago. And if you're looking to support a black female business owner on your hair journey, look no further. Tai Lawrence Brock launched Brock Beauty after having her own struggles with her hair from overusing products and heat damage. I think we can relate to that. As for what's in it, Hairfinity Vitamins include vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, and biotin.
4. Love, Beauty and Planet Berry Extraordinary Vegan Hair & Nails Supplement
Target
Not only do these vitamins have lots of vitamin D, B12, iodine, and folic acid, they're vegan! Each bottle is made from recycled plastic, so they're also eco-friendly. They're also not too expensive either.
5. Movita Women's Multivitamin
Movita
This vitamin is full of fermented superfoods, so your empty stomach won't have too hard of a time digesting it. It has plenty of antioxidants and other products like biotin and turmeric that encourage hair growth. This is also black-owned!
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In the interim of anxiously awaiting our favorite salons to reopen, we're all looking for tips and tricks to keep our hair healthy. The options for protective styles are endless but can border on repetitive. First, we mastered jumbo twists and knotless braids; now, we're lusting after godless locs. A more dramatic protective style, goddess locs are the perfect way to break up the monotony, but only if you have a plentitude of patience.
What are Goddess Locs?
Different in various ways from its traditional counterpart, goddess locs are a more bohemian style with a curvy or wavy texture to them. The hairstyle can vary based on the type of hair chosen, but it's common to have a curl throughout the loc or unsealed ends. The look is soft, feminine, and ridiculously pretty, all amplified by the waist-or-longer length.
Unlike twists or braids, goddess locs can be a more difficult process. Even though they are more lightweight and easy to style, it can take three to three hours to install the style. There are two common ways to do it: an individual method and the crochet method.
Goddess Locs: The Individual Method
According to Jasmine Pierce, a celebrity stylist, the goddess locs individual method takes a bit longer than the crochet method (six to eight hours) but gives a more realistic-looking result. You start by braiding your natural hair, then feed in an extension, ensuring the ends are left loose and curly. She explains to Cosmopolitan:
"Then grab another piece of braiding hair and, starting at the root, wrap it around the braid really tight so it mimics a loc. You keep wrapping until you get to the end of the braid, and then seal it off with a couple of drops of superglue or nail glue."
The Goddess Locs: The Crochet Method
The goddess locs crochet method (think: three to four hours) is installed with a latch hook and doesn't put nearly as much pressure on the root as the individual method does. You start by braiding your hair into cornrows, then gently crochet in the goddess faux locs. Pierce says you can add a few individual goddess locs around your hairline as it looks more natural and hides the crochet.
The Goddess Locs: Maintenance
To maintain this look, simply keep the hair hydrated with oils that prevent dryness and breakage. An important tip to remember is to cleanse your scalp to break down any buildup - a little shampoo and a water bottle for easy application is a quick fix. Pierce also suggests if you use the individual method, to avoid getting your locs wet when rinsing your scalp.
Lastly, it's also a good idea to keep a leave-in conditioner and a good spritz nearby. This can be a great first step for anyone looking to begin their loc journey. And if you don't want to loc your hair, it's recommended to take your hair out after two months max.
If you're looking to achieve a bohemian look this winter, look no further than faux goddess locs. Keep scrolling to see how these ladies style their goddess locs on Instagram.
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Featured image by Giphy
Protective styling is a life-saver and a game-changer for natural girls. It's the perfect low maintenance way to let your hair grow and breathe while looking absolutely flawless. One major downfall of protective styling is that it can sometimes be costly. From box braids to getting sew-in weaves, protective styling is an investment. And much like any other investment, you need to protect it and not let your hard-earned money go to waste. Depending on the style, protective styles can last you anywhere from 1-3 months without damaging your hair in the long run.
If you're looking to put your hair in a protective style, what you need to keep in mind is that while protective styles are low-maintenance, you still need to maintain them in order to make them last and get the most bang out of your buck.
To help you maximize your protective styles, here are 7 tips for you to keep in mind:
1. Go with a Trusted/Recommended Stylist
Technique matters when it comes to long-lasting protective styles. Going to a stylist that can install protective styles without damaging your hair or compromising the style in itself is key. Specifically, when it comes to braids and twists, you need to ensure that the styles are done neatly so they can last. If you need help finding a stylist, try heading to StyleSeat, where you can see their work or, ask for a recommendation from a friend.
2. Wear a Scarf at Nighttime or Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
This may be a no-brainer for some, but covering your hair at night is a major key if you want your protective style to last. This will cut down on frizz and keep your style in tact.
3. Manipulate Braids or Twists with Oiled Hands
From high buns to half up-half down dos, we all know how fun having braids and twists can be. Before you manipulate, them rub a lightweight oil between your palms to cut down on friction. Absolute game-changer.
4. Limit Washing between Styles
Washing your protective style too much will not only cause frizz, but it will also potentially loosen the style due to all the manipulation from washing. Instead, use products like no-rinse shampoos to gently cleanse your scalp between styling.
Products To Try:
SheaMoisture Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal Build Up Blaster
Taliah Waajid Refresh & So Clean Bamboo, Avocado & Peppermint Dry Gel Shampoo
5. Moisturize Using the Spray Bottle Method
Low-manipulation is the name of the game when it comes to making protective styles last. Instead of moisturizing your hair with moisturizers that you need to massage through your hair, opt for using a spray bottle concoction instead. You can put water and an oil of your choice in a spray bottle to moisturize your hair with little to no manipulation.
6. Re-do the Perimeter if Needed
This specifically pertains to braids and twists. Usually the perimeter is the first of your protective style to look a bit old. If this is the case, try just re-doing those parts instead of re-doing the whole style.
7. Weave-Wearers, Get your Hairdo Tightened to Get More Bang for your Buck
If your weave starts to look loose, go back to your stylist to get it tightened. Typically, they also do a scalp treatment to ensure you're getting the most protection out of your protective style. It will come with a fee but not nearly as much as paying to get the whole style redone again.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Originally published on January 15, 2019
