The Easiest Protective Styles to Maintain on Vacation
May 13, 2022
Vacation is meant to be fun and carefree, especially when it comes to hair care. According to Geneva Fowler, a natural hair expert and the lead of style at BEAUTYBEEZ, a low-maintenance protective style is perfect for vacation — especially when you might be at the beach, swimming in the pool or spending long hours in the sun.
Keep reading to find Fowler’s advice on how to maintain a no-fuss look, plus protective style ideas to try on your next trip.
Feed-In Braids
Avoid whipping out the blow dryer and try a feed-in braid style, which require very little upkeep and stay fresh after days of fun in the sun. Fowler loves cornrows for vacation as they give you more access to your scalp so you can moisturize more efficiently. “Because cornrows can be tight on your hair and scalp, it's best to take care of them while on vacation to avoid hair damage.”
Braided Updo
If you're looking for a style that requires no maintenance whatsoever (except for a few minor touch-ups), try a braided updo. You can pretty much rock this style for at least a month and all you’ll need is an edge gel, an edge brush and a silk head scarf.
Box Braids
“A true classic, box braids are a versatile option — they come in different styles, sizes, colors and lengths,” Fowler says. “This style keeps your natural hair sealed, protected and lasts anywhere from four to eight weeks.” Not only that, but you can typically swim with your hair in box braids without any issues. Just be sure to keep your hair moisturized after swimming in ultra-drying saltwater or chlorine. (We love the Hydrating Hair Mist from PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross for this.)Passion Twists
A fun alternative to faux locs or box braids, passion twists don’t really need help in the maintenance department. If they start to unravel, however, re-twist them with a hair mousse, like the äz Craft Luxury Haircare Elevate Luxe Mousse, to keep them together until you get home.
How to Maintain Your Protective Style on Vacation
Now that you’ve picked your style, you might be wondering how you can maintain it over the course of your trip. Fowler recommends using a silk pillowcase when you have protective styles in — even if you’re on vacation. “If you don’t feel like lugging around a pillowcase in your travel bag, opt for a silk wrap or bonnet,” says Fowler. She recommends the Dream World’s Large Satin Bonnet, which she says is perfect for chunkier braided styles.
In addition, Fowler suggests keeping a natural oil-based cream or grease, like the Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil, on hand to prevent scalp dryness and dandruff.
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