Protective Styling is a means to an end. That "end" is healthy hair. There are several different types of protective styling techniques that can be used to achieve this goal:

1. Weaves or hair extensions (with a braided base): These can be used to shield hair from pollution and elements that can damage the hair as well as keep one from damaging their own hair if they want to try out a new style of hair color. However, if they are not installed by the right hairstylist it can also be damaging. Please make sure that your stylist is licensed and has training specific to installation of weaves and extensions. If they are upset with you for asking this question, run away fast!!! lol. Please feel free to check out the link to Herimports below to purchase high quality 100% virgin Indian, Brazilian, European, and Peruvian hair. My personal favorite is the indian temple wavy hair!:

HerImports (PS, use promocode 3SUM to get any 3 bundles for $250)

2. Wigs: This method can also be used to shield hair from pollution and elements that can damage the hair. Also, if its glueless you can remove it every day. You can also curl it and style it in different ways without damaging your own hair. Feel free to free to check out the link to Ohhhadelle wigs and extensions to purchase 100% virgin Indian, Brazilian, and European glueless lace wigs in any color or texture that you would prefer!

Ohhhadelle Hair

3. Box Braids:Box braids are amazing because they offer an excellent opportunity to extend one’s hair and wear versatile hairstyles which look exquisite yet are very simple to do. In addition, Box braids protect your natural hair and are low maintentance. The key here is installation. Please ensure that you go to a hairstylist who knows how to braid hair using hair extensions because the results can be damaging if you don't.

4. Cornrows, twist outs and braid outs:This is another great option because you can have your hair braided in any one of these patterns for about a week, and then remove them the following week to have an awesome textured style. Again, the braids or twists muct be done correctly for this protective style to work and your hair must be moisturized and sealed with oils like grapeseed, coconut, castor oil, avocado, or olive oil to achieve a soft and beautiful textured style when you remove the plaits. Please check out the following products that can be used to moisturize and seal the hair (I will be selling them on my website as well within the next few months):

Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk: http://www.mielleorganics.com/products/avocado-moisturizing-hair-milk

Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil: http://www.mielleorganics.com/products/mint-almond-oil

Inahsi Naturals Coconut Avocado Curl Defining Custard : http://inahsi.com/?product=curls-have-it-curl-defining-custard-8oz

Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter: http://shop.camillerosenaturals.com/almond-jai-twisting-butter/