Written by Keysha Davis
Stress is a modern-day malaise that not only negatively impacts our mental health but can also affect our physical bodies. As we begin to learn more about stress, we are adopting a more holistic view of it, acknowledging that it can impact many aspects of our lives. This month marks Stress Awareness Month (April), and it’s a time when we are encouraged to talk about how stress shows up in our lives and remove the stigma of discussing the mental wellness challenges that we all face.
According to statistics published by The Health and Safety (HSE), women experience significantly higher levels of stress compared to men, particularly within the 25-54 age group. Ongoing stress can wreak havoc on the body, causing issues like anxiety, digestive problems, insomnia, and a compromised immune system. And when it comes to our hair? Well, stress plays a role in its health too. Stress can lead to hair loss, thinning, and even cause our follicle cells to slow down, triggering the telogen effluvium known as the hair’s resting phase.
Fortunately, protective hairstyles can help maintain hair health by reducing manipulation, preventing breakage, and promoting length retention. Below are some of the best protective styles to keep your hair strong and healthy.
1) Bantu Knots: A Timeless Protective Style
Many of us will have memories of having Bantu knots installed by our mums or carers on wash days, and it seems they were onto something. Bantu knots are an ancient African hairstyle that originated in the Zulu tribe. Its power and influence have rippled across the Diaspora, and it remains one of the most ubiquitous styles today. The elegant style consists of sectioning the hair before twisting it around itself into a small, coiled bun. Not only is the look uber-sophisticated and regal, but it’s practical and low-manipulation style too. Check out these gorgeous Bantu knots on Adwoa from @adeche.atelier achieved with Afrocenchix products.
Pro Tip: To keep your knots sleek and moisturised, use Afrocenchix Nourishing Twisting Butter - a rich blend of mango butter and avocado oil that locks in hydration and smooths hair strands.
2) Double Stranded Twists: Gentle & Versatile
Twists are one of the gentlest protective styles, especially when done without added extensions. They put very little tension on the scalp or hairline if installed properly. If you prefer adding extensions, like Havana or Senegalese twists, ensure that they are not installed too tightly to prevent scalp damage. Twists can be worn for several weeks with proper care. To maintain, moisturise regularly and keep the hair protected at night by wrapping it with a satin bonnet.
Scalp Care: Massage Afrocenchix Soothe Lightweight Scalp Oil, into the scalp every few days to prevent dryness and flaking. Our 100% naturally derived oil is blended with essential oils like lavender and cedarwood.
3) Cornrows: Classic & Functional
Cornrows are an excellent protective style, and practical in so many ways, think: preparing your hair for wigs/weaves, tucking away your hair at night, and styling your child’s hair in a neat, manageable style for school. If done correctly, and not done too tight, cornrows are one of the most low-tension styles and therefore a top choice for length retention and to mitigate breakage.
Hydration Tip: Often times the scalp gets dry and flaky when wearing protective styles, so keep the scalp nourished and flake-free by applying a softening and strengthening oil like Afrocenchix Restore Strengthening Oil. This gentle formula is made with chia seed and incha inchi oils to restore the hair’s natural barrier.
4) Single Braids: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Style
As summer approaches, many will start considering single braids as a styling option. Practical, stylish, versatile and long-lasting, single braids remain a favourite holiday hairstyle. Whether styled with synthetic or human hair extensions, braids protect natural hair from environmental stressors while allowing it to grow with minimal interference. For those who are seeking a more organic, environmentally friendly brand of extensions for their single braids, check out the brand Kynd Hair.
Maintenance Tip: While single braids are a great protective style, they still require proper care to keep your scalp healthy and your hair thriving. To prevent flaking and itching, we recommend regularly cleansing and hydrating your scalp.
Our Afrocenchix Ultimate Braid Care Set is the ultimate solution for maintaining clean, moisturised, and fresh-smelling braids—whether you're rocking them with your natural hair or extensions.
✔ Keeps braids soft and hydrated
✔ Soothes and nourishes an itchy scalp
✔ Prevents buildup while keeping braids lightweight
✔ Leaves hair smelling fresh
Incorporating the Afrocenchix Ultimate Braid Care Set into your routine helps minimise breakage and retain length, ensuring your hair stays strong and healthy throughout your protective style.
Dos & Don’ts of Protective Styling
DO keep the scalp clean by washing your hair once a week. We have a tendency to neglect wash day when we wear protective styling, which can lead to scalp issues like dryness and flakes. Each week gently cleanse the scalp with Afrocenchix Swish Sulphate-Free Shampoo using gentle finger massage strokes to keep the style intact.
DON’T overwear your protective style. Keeping them installed for too long can lead to breakage, traction alopecia, and scalp issues like flakes, build-up, and itchy scalp. Aim to wear no longer than 6-8 weeks.
DO wrap your hair at night with a silk/satin scarf or bonnet This will help to minimise friction and keep the moisture locked in.
DON’T install your protective style too tight. Although it might be tempting to do so to make the style last longer, it’s devastating to the scalp and hairline, potentially leading to hair loss and thinning.
DO keep your hair and scalp moisturised. Soothe your scalp with natural nourishing oils to keep your scalp moisturised and flake-free.
Final Thoughts
Protective styles are a smart way to retain length, minimise breakage, and maintain a healthy scalp—especially during high-stress periods. With the right care routine and nourishing products, you can keep your hair thriving while looking stylish.
Shop Afrocenchix's premium natural haircare range here to discover scalp-friendly products that support your protective styles and overall hair health.
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