Everything Girls with Kinks and Curls Should Know About Growing Longer, Stronger Hair

One of the best ways things about natural hair is the endless possibilities for styling and protective styles are seductive for their ability to maintain hair integrity while creating a look. But just be mindful of your scalp with these styles because pain is not going to help you gain the length you inevitably want. "Some women twist or set their hair too tight, usually because they have different textures mixed in," Waajid says. "Some people have really tight curls, some people have a really kinky curl and they're not sure what to do so they either twist it or braid it too tightly, or they just neglect it, which is even worse."

Waajid suggests going to a professional who installs protective styles or weaves correctly (note: it's not supposed to hurt) and use sparing amounts of products designed for protective styles like Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under There Bamboo, Avocado And Peppermint Conditioning & Restoring Serum, $9.97. Also, protective styles have to be cleansed just like regular hair, so it's important to watch product buildup here as well.

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