Newbie Series Part two: Building a styling routine.

This is part two of of my newbie series, part one was about building a washing routine. Part two is about creating a styling routine. Follow my blog to subscribe to my Newbie Series and to show your support. Don't forget you can leave a comment or email me (see contact me page) if you have any questions or suggestions. I'd love to hear from you.

Here is part one.
Part Three

Building a styling routine

So you have washed your hair following your basic washing routine but now what about styling? Your  hair is dry and now there are a few basic steps to creating a styling routine.

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Protective styling
Follow my pinterst for protective styling ideas

Remember manipulation leads to breakage, every time your hair rubs up against your clothes/ body parts or the other strands it counts as some sort of manipulation which can create breakage. Protective styling involves preventing this manipulation and helping retain length.

Protective styles includes buns, weaves, pony tails, plaits etc. I like to consider protective styling to be on a scale from mild to extreme. 

Mild protective styling includes styles which need updating everyday, or still leave some strand to the elements. This includes ponytails and buns.

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Extreme protective styling includes styles which do not regularly need updating, and leave no strands to the elements. This includes wigs.

Aim to protective style around 4+ times a week, for much of my hair journey I've been bunning almost 24/7. However,  remember not to have protective styles too tight, no tight waves and no tight buns. Also if bunning be sure to regularly change the position of it.

Heat reduction

Aim to only use heat once a week or less, women with the longest hair use heat monthly or less so if you're serious about having healthy long hair you really need to cut down the heat. 

Moisturising and sealing

In between washes hair often becomes dry as moisture is lost see this post for how to prevent this. Here is a great article on moisturising and sealing. Remember, if you're using heat on your hair you do not want to moisturise and seal your hair with products which cannot be used with heat, if you do you're going to get splits all the way up the strand. The best way to avoid this happening is to only use heat on wash day, never touch up your hair. Instead try out heatless ways to style your hair, such as this.
Moisturise and seal your hair, as often as it needs it. Some people do it every day, some every other and some twice a day. Listen to your hair needs.

Thats it for a styling routine, like I said it's all about trial and error. Let me know how you get on.

Don't forget to follow for next weeks episode in the newbie series!