That Thing you Do: Protective, Hair Saving Styles
I’m all about a protective hairstyle. ALL. ABOUT. IT. Since moving to the Middle East where the water has been the bane of my existence, I have become fanatic about protecting my hair.
Repeat after me – “Low manipulation (and Jesus) SAVES!”
Although I will miss the time I spent in the Middle East when I eventually relocate, the water is one thing I will bid farewell to without a backward glance. Hair aside for just a moment, the amount of body oil and lotion that I go through in a month, as a result of the terrible water, to keep my skin up to snuff could probably supply a retirement home filled to capacity with nothing but ashy old men for at least a year.
But I digress. Your go to styles when opting for a low manipulation protective style are:
a bun; or
a braid
That’s pretty much it.
Meghan Markel has recently popularized the messy low bun with just bobby pins and tendrils to accessorize. Let’s discuss an elevated version of that style, as broken down by my favorite hair type 2 blogger of all time Mary Orton. Mary’s messy bun tutorial is featured here. But hear this! Mary had me scratching my head and questioning life when she suggested “elevating” her bun with a …. BOW! A hair bow! A big ole’ 1991, Paul Revere, Charge of the Light Brigade, hair bow! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the look on her and the forever young Candace Cameron Burre (who recently had me in awe in a promotional interview for my favorite TV movies; The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. However, on me… a 4C? On me… who sometimes has to level the men I work with, with one blow of my tongue? I’m not exactly sure. Mary is a BOSS so it’s not personality that makes me feel like the barrette will fail to suit… I can’t pinpoint what it is. Mary recommends the bows sold here. For $12.92 I’m tempted to order one in the name of experimentation but I’m also cringing at the description; “[T]his larger than Texas satin hair bow…”
Full disclosure. My best friend has already cancelled this idea. Hard! I will take a firm stance this way. Pair a bow of any size with braids, (and you’re over the age of 13) I’ll disown you in the streets. I’m curious to know your opinion. Bow? Or no? Leave your comments below.