Taliah Waajid has been changing the haircare game for over 25 years as she revolutionizes stigmas on beauty with her line Natural Hair in addition to founding the World Natural Hair Show. Her journey to natural hair care began at the age of 14 when she started her first natural hair care business and in 1988 opening her first natural hair care salon in Harlem, New York. As a beauty industry veteran, she prides herself on adapting to change and representing a brand that reflects her culture. This beauty Titan shares some of her best tips for protective styles on-the-go and when traveling with some of her favorite products.
When traveling there are many protective styles to wear and braids have become an easy, versatile way for vacation. Waajid shares in an exclusive interview with NaturallyCurly, “Braids offer the styling versatility of being worn loose, pulled into an updo or accessorized with a beautiful scarf or headband. For those who don’t care to wear braids, textured weaves are also a fantastic option because they don’t require heat styling.” One of the most common questions in regard to braids is what is the best type of hair to use, Waajid recommends Kanekalon hair, she says, “Lighter, softer synthetic hair often used for extensions—lasts longer and is more durable. For weaves, it is best to use high-quality human hair.”
Prepping for vacation goes beyond deciding what clothes to pack. When traveling you want a protective style that will hold for the duration of your trip. Many curlies ask, how far in advance should you schedule to get your hair done? Waajid says, “It is recommended that you have your style installed about four days to a week before your departure.” Even when your hair is in a protective style it’s important to cleanse your hair and maintain a healthy hair regimen. If you’re not sure what to do or use on your trip, no need to worry Waajid shares her protective styling routine, “Prior to protective style installation, you’ll want to cleanse your hair by shampooing with Protective Styles Thick and FullTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Moisturizing Mint Shampoo. Then deep condition your hair with a hot oil treatment using Protective Styles Gro Hair GroTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Growth Oil. Follow your hot oil treatment with an application of Protective Styles Intense MoistureTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner to your hair strands.”
Now when you’re on vacation, maintaining a protective style requires the right product, patience, and time. Waajid shares her recommended night time routine for braids and weave, “For braids, at night, simply apply Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under ThereTM Bamboo, Avocado, and Peppermint Conditioning & Restoring Serum to nourish your hair underneath your braids, then tie down your braids before bedtime. For a textured weave style, also use Healthy Hair Under ThereTM on your hair underneath your weave style. To maintain the weave curl pattern, apply Protective Styles Gro Hair GroTM Bamboo and Coconut Milk Growth Oil to sections of the weave and place sections in twists. Tie your hair up for bedtime and untwist and go in the morning.”
Once you are ready to take down your hair it’s essential to “Trim your hair after it is taken out of a protective style and repeat the cleansing and oil treatment process,” says Waajid.
Protective hairstyles are so unique, versatile and fun! When wearing these styles, you have to make sure you care for your hair and scalp to maintain a healthy hair regimen. Be sure your scalps are clean, your ends stay hydrated, conditioned and moisturized! The more you care for your protective style, the longer it will last.
Do you have a protective style this Summer? Share what products you’re using below.
