If you’ve been considering a new protective style to try this summer, you probably know that your hair needs to be prepared correctly. And while you may think that a quick wash is the best way to prep your hair for installation, there are a few things you need to know to help keep your tresses their best before, during, and after you’ve gotten your new look.

Use a clarifying shampoo.

If you’re getting ready to wear a protective style for weeks on end, using a clarifying shampoo is the ideal cleaner to prepare it. Since you won’t be able to wash your hair as frequently as you would while wearing it naturally, it is important that your hair is as clean as possible before installing your protective style. Our Power Wash Intense Moisture Clarifying Shampoo can help with that.

Deep condition.

Deep conditioning is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your hair and doing so before installing a protective style can help your hair in many ways. For one, deep conditioning can help prevent hair loss, which will come in handy when your hair is braided. Deep conditioning will also replace the moisture that the clarifying shampoo removes from your hair, and it can also help to alleviate dandruff. Depending on the needs of your hair, our Coco Repair or the RESCUED! Thirst Quenching Recovery Conditioner could be best.

Be sure to moisturize well.

Regardless of the style you choose, moisturizing your hair before placing it into a protective style and while it’s in the style is extremely important. Not only does it keep your hair from breaking off, but it makes it easier to handle when you take your style out. Our Seal It Up — Hydrating Sealing Butter or any of our Natural Growth Oil Blends will work perfectly.

Stretch your hair.

Prior to getting your protective style, stretching your hair can make the process much easier—especially if you have Type 4 hair. Instead of blow drying your hair while it’s soaking wet, however, let it air dry about 50% of the way and use your blow dryer on low to dry the rest while stretching the section with your hand.