Choosing to implement a protective style can give your hair a break from daily manipulation. Likewise, it can save you a lot of time out of your morning routine. Regardless of the reason you choose to wear a protective style, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you implement the look. Here are five tips to prepare your hair for a new protective style.

Use a clarifying shampoo.

Although it may seem like a no brainer, you’ll want to ensure that you give your hair a good wash when preparing for a protective style. When your hair is in one of the many protective styles out there, the access that you’ll have to your scalp is minimal for however long you keep it. So, you’ll want to do all you can to get it as clean as possible prior to. The Power Wash Intense Moisture Clarifying Shampoo is a premiere choice for this first tip.

If you don’t usually deep condition, make it your point to do so now.

Since you won’t have direct access to your scalp or majority of your hair while it’s in a protective style, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve done your best to preserve as much moisture as you possibly can. Deep conditioning with a product like our Rescued! Thirst Quenching Recovery Conditioner can help get your hair the preparation it needs.

Don’t skip your trim.

If you’re running low on time, it may be tempting to steer away from your trim schedule. If it’s needed, however, you’ll definitely want to ensure that you take care of your ends. Not only will doing this help you to prevent breakage or excess shedding, but it makes for a neater look when your style is completed.

Use a leave-in conditioner.

Using a good leave-in conditioner is a great way to keep your hair protected while it’s in a braided style. The leave-in — like Quench – Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner — will help keep your hair moisturized in the style and make it manageable prior to achieving the look.

Seal the moisture in and protect your edges.

After you’ve taken all of the necessary steps to cleanse and add moisture to your hair while the access to it will be at a minimum, you’ll want to solidify all of your hard work by sealing your moisture in with a light oil. Additionally, you’ll want to use the same oil to protect your edges from becoming dry and breaking off while in your protective style. The Nourish My Hair – Flaxseed & Monoi oil — which is fortified with Jamaican Black Castor Oil — is one to keep in mind for this.