3 Trending Hairstyles That Won’t Damage Your Hair (and How to Do Them Yourself)
Though there aren’t many places to go or things to do outside of your home these days, the way you express yourself is still a valuable part of being You. Sure, changing out of pajamas is often optional in your day-to-day and loungewear has become your daily uniform, that doesn’t mean your hair has to stay stuck in a rut, too.
Why Change it Up?
Besides being a welcome distraction from the banality of working from home each day, changing your hairstyle regularly can also benefit your health. Wearing your hair in the same style each day can cause repeated damage to the same areas of the hair shaft or the scalp. For example, wearing a tight bun or chignon in the same place on your head each day causes stress to your entire head of hair. Tension on the roots of the hair can cause damage to the hair follicles, while wearing tight hair elastics on the same areas of the head creates a repeated crease in the same area of the hair shaft. Worse yet, if your hair is chemically processed with chemical relaxers, high-tension or high-heat styling each day causes breakage, weakness of the hair cuticles, and even Tension Alopecia: baldness and hair thinning caused by repeated tension styling. One of the easiest ways to prevent this kind of damage is to try something new! Here are a few of our favorite trending hairstyles and how to do them without the help of a professional.
1. The Big Chop
Ok this seems a little extreme, but all over Instagram and TikTok, you’ll find videos of women who have had enough of the damage caused by chemical relaxers. Whether they take the giant leap into a clipper cut, or cutting off just the processed ends after growing their natural hair for a few months, the Big Chop is a big deal! But it’s a big first step to embracing your natural texture.
Hot Tip: Before you take the leap into the Big Chop, look up some short hair styles for your hair texture!
2. Deep Conditioned Twist-Out
This style is a great alternative to the “wash n’ go” styles that can be a privilege of 1A-3C hair textures. Moisture is key to this style, and keeping the hair twisted until it is completely dry. Because no heat is used for this style, the deep conditioned twist-out is a healthy option for anyone who wants to show off their natural texture but may not have the defined curls or coils to do so like the “just add water” curly girls.
Hot Tip: Using the right products is key to keep your hair soft, moisturized, and healthy. Make sure to use products with natural ingredients, and don’t forget your scalp! Try using a scalp treatment like Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer day and night to help maintain moisture and boost the growth of previously damaged edges.
3. Short Passion Twists
While many parted protective styles can lead to damage, there are ways to protect your hair and scalp from the potential threat of Traction Alopecia or high-tension to the root and shaft of your hair. Making sure to fully clarify and deep condition the hair and scalp will help protect the integrity of your hair before styling. Also, when parting, be sure to take the necessary time to ensure against snagging, pulling, or tangling. The most important thing to avoid when trying a new protective style is excess tightness, tension, or weight of any extension added to the hair. This is why we love a shoulder-length style, opposed to a waist- or thigh-length extension. If you’ve got time on your hands, this is a fun style to try out on your own!
Hot Tip: Small parted sections will make a lot of work for yourself, but big parted sections can potentially increase the threat of tension damage along part-lines if you’re not careful. A medium-sized section is perfect. Twist firmly but not tightly to protect your hair and keep it looking fresh for up to three weeks.
So even if the only people who see you every day are your co-workers on Zoom, you deserve to feel and look your best. Have another style you love? Share with us on our Facebook Community Page!