Braids, Buns & All the Fun: Protective Style Tips from a Natural Queen
Let’s Talk Hair!
Protective styles are a go-to for many naturalistas, and for good reason! They help you grow your hair, reduce breakage, and take a break from daily styling. But it’s not just about getting the style done, it’s how you care for your hair while it’s tucked away that makes all the difference.
We at ÈYÍ DÁRA had a quick chat with Oluwaferanmi (Feranmi) Oladapo, a natural hair lover who knows her way around braids, moisture, and maintenance. She gave us a peek into her routine, and honestly, it’s packed with lots of gems.
How It All Started
For Feranmi, her hair journey has been all about reconnecting and embracing her natural texture.
“Growing up, managing my hair wasn’t always easy. So I started doing protective styles to help reduce the stress and just keep things simple while still caring for my hair,” she shared. Over time, she realized those styles weren’t just practical, they were powerful. “They helped my hair stay healthy and grow, and that made me more intentional about my whole routine.”
Her Go-To Styles
When asked about her favorites, her answer was interesting: “Braids, especially box braids. They’re versatile and let my hair rest.” She’s also a fan of cornrows for the same reason.
What she loves most? “They stop breakage, keep moisture in, and they’re low-maintenance. Plus, I can switch up my look without doing too much.”
So… How Do Protective Styles Actually Help Your Hair?
According to Feranmi, they help in a few big ways:
- Length retention: “You’re not over manipulating your hair every day, so it breaks less and retains length.”
- Moisture lock: “Your hair’s tucked in, so it holds moisture better, especially if you prepped with oils or conditioners.”
- Less damage: “No daily combing, less heat, less exposure to sun and wind. All of that matters.”
In short, less fuss equals more growth.
The Prep Work (Yes, It Matters)
Before she installs any style, she starts with a clean slate.
“I do a deep wash with a gentle shampoo, then follow up with a good conditioner. Sometimes I even give my scalp a little massage to get the blood flowing.”
Her key steps:
- Deep cleanse
- Conditioner
- Scalp massage (optional, but nice!)
- Leave-in conditioner or oil to seal in hydration
This routine gets her hair and scalp ready for weeks of being tucked away.
How She Keeps Moisture in Check
Even though her hair is in braids or cornrows, the care doesn’t stop.
“I oil my scalp and massage it regularly. I even make my own oil mix, coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil, fenugreek, and some herbs.”
She uses a water-based spray every other day to refresh her roots, and finishes with oil to seal everything in.
At night, she wraps it all up literally: “I always use a satin or silk scarf. It keeps the style neat, reduce friction and keep moisture from evaporating. This helps maintain the style longer and keeps my hair underneath in optimal health."
Avoid These Mistakes (Trust Her)
Feranmi, also shared a few things she’s learned the hard way:
- Don’t keep the style in too long: “After 4 weeks, take it out. You’ll avoid matting and breakage.”
- Don’t forget your hair just because it’s hidden: “Moisturize, oil, massage your scalp it still needs love.”
- Skip the tight installs: “Too much tension = damage. Always speak up if it’s too tight.”
Basically, be gentle with your hair, before, during, and after styling. When It’s Time to Take It Down.
Taking out protective styles takes time and care.
“I oil the braids first to soften them, then slowly take them down. I don’t rush it.” Once everything is out, she detangles gently and goes right into a wash day.
Her go-to take-down routine:
- Oil before unravelling
- Gentle detangling
- Clarifying shampoo
- Deep conditioning
- Let the hair rest for a few days before doing another style
Changing with the Seasons
Your hair needs shift depending on the weather, and here are some tips to get you covered.
- Summer: “ moisturize more and keep your styles lighter.
- Cold months: “its advisable to go for richer products and pay more attention to my ends. They dry out faster.”
Adapt your routine with the season, it makes a huge difference.
Some Product Faves
Here are a few staples she always goes back to:
- A good "sulfate-free shampoo" like Eyidara Moisturising Shampoo Bar
- Deep conditioner with strengthening ingredients
- Leave-in conditioner
- Natural oils
- A refreshing hydrating spray for daily use
Final Words of Wisdom
Protective styles can be amazing tools for hair health, but the real magic happens with how you care for your hair while it’s styled.
It’s not just about getting braids or twists, it’s what you do before and after that really keeps your hair thriving.
So whether you're a newbie or a seasoned protective style lover, Feranmi's experience is a great reminder: don’t just tuck your hair away, treat it well while it rests.
Since we’re on the topic of protective style care, you might also enjoy “These 5 Mistakes Are Damaging Your Natural Hair” a wellness read on our page that perfectly complements what you’ve just learned.
We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts in the comments!
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