Protective hairstyle

Protective hairstyles are beneficial in mitigating these effects by keeping the hair tucked away and reducing its exposure to potentially damaging conditions.

[1] However protective hairstyles sometimes involve tension at the scalp, like braids with weaves and wigs,[2] and can cause thinning of the hairline.

[5] In 2007, radio host Don Imus caused an outrage when he called the Rutgers University basketball team "nappy-headed."

In present time Black women have created blogs and YouTube channels to embrace their hairstyles in positive ways.

Protective hairstyles, including various forms of braids, hold significant cultural importance in African history, with their origins tracing back thousands of years.

Historically, braids served as distinguishing markers of tribal affiliation and were indicative of an individual's wealth, religious beliefs, age, marital status, and ethnicity.

[7] In contemporary contexts, braids and similar hairstyles continue to be significant, often viewed as rites of passage and modes of self-expression, particularly among women of color.

Globally, women often feel compelled to alter their natural hairstyles to conform to societal norms, especially in professional settings.

[9] At the wake of slavery, many women and men from Africa were forced to shave their heads, stripping them of not only their hair but also their culture and humanity.

Most protective styles are left in for weeks at a time, and cleansing rids hair of product, dirt and oil buildup.

One of these ways is to wrap hair before sleeping in satin or silk to minimize friction and frizz created from bedding.

In colder climates, dry and frigid air increases the risk of hair breakage and dryness, while warm and humid conditions can lead to frizz and discomfort.

In colder regions, focus on hydration and protecting the ends from breakage is essential, whereas in warmer climates, using products to combat humidity and keep the scalp clean becomes a priority.