Protective Style: Yarn Braids

If you're on a healthy hair journey, whether you're relaxed, texlaxed, or natural, then you know protective styling is a must if you want to meet your goals. Right now, I'm focusing on having healthy and long hair. Notice the emphasis on healthy; if hair is healthy and strong, then length will follow.
A good protective style is one that minimizes the need to manipulate the hair on a daily basis, especially combing, brushing, etc. It is also one that reduces exposure to the elements which is ultra important during harsh winter months in colder climates. I have a TWA so I don't have as many options as those with longer hair. I can't bun or anything like that but I do have enough length for finger coils (single strand twists) and two-strand twists but for maximum protection, I've decided to wear yarn braids for most of the winter.

Yarn braids are no different from any other type of braid extension; instead of using human hair or synthetic hair, regular 100% acrylic yarn is used. Wool yarn will lock up your hair so stay away from that unless locing is your goal. I wear yarn braids for 4-6 weeks, take them out, and let my hair breathe for 2 weeks, and repeat the cycle. I'll be doing this until early spring 2011.
Whenever you wear extensions of any kind, it's important to give your hair a break because you don't want to start seeing breakage or thinning from the braids. Also, build up will become unmanageable and you don't want to have to cut your hair to get rid of it. Another important thing to remember is that you still have to take care of your hair with the extensions just like you would if you didn't have them. You still need to regularly cleanse your scalp and moisturize your hair.

Here is my regimen when I'm in yarn braids:
Every 7-10 days, I shampoo my scalp with Creme of Nature Detangling Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo.
Then I condition with either Creme of Nature Chamomile & Comfrey Healing Conditioner or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration.
Sometimes I deep condition, maybe every 2 weeks or so with the same conditioners. I just put a plastic bag on my head and let it stay in my hair for awhile.
After that I saturate my hair with Aussie Hair Insurance Leave In Conditioner.
Then I *lightly* oil my scalp with a blend of jojoba, extra virgin olive oil, and extra virgin coconut oil.

Every day or every other day, I moisturize my hair by spritzing the Aussie Hair Insurance in my hair.
Then I spray some Care Free Curl Instant Activator in my hands and smooth that over my braids.
Then I use a very small amount of castor oil to seal. If you use too much oil, you may end up with too much build up. I'm not taking any chances.

That's pretty much it. Oh, and I sleep at night with a satin bonnet which is par for the course.