Guest Post on Protective Styles

My buddy Arnizz (she's gonna hate that I used my nickname for her)  was nice enough to write up a post for me about another alternative to protective styles besides sew-in weaves or braids/extensions... the cap.  So if you're contemplating what to do as a PS this winter, add this to your consideration.

She writes:

I have been natural since 2003 and I can honestly say that I am never going back to a perm, but I’m not going to lie and say that I enjoy every moment being natural. I have no desire to submit into the power of the "creamy crack." Sometimes I just don’t feel like dealing with my natural hair. The hours of deep conditioning, finding a new product for your hair every other week, staying up late and waking up early to tame your mane is not my idea of a good time. In 2008, I got introduced to the idea of putting on caps and I've been hooked ever since. There are times where I see a style that I want to try that might require a perm or to have straight hair. I am not a fan of straightening my hair because I used to do it so much my hair never kinked back to its original state when it got wet. I think caps are safer than getting a sew in weave. Certain sew in styles require that some of your hair to cover the track forcing you to flat iron constantly to ensure that your hair blend in with the weave. Putting on a cap doesn’t require you to expose any of your hair.

My beautician braids my hair down and places two sheets of paper towel over the braids.  Afterwards she places the stocking over the paper towel. The paper towel is placed so that it prevents the glue from making contact with the braids. I choose to have the stocking sewn onto the braid so that I don't have to take the cap off at night. Some people choose to take it off at night. I have put a variety of stocking caps with different styles on my head. I like having the option of putting on a cap and going back to my natural hair. I find that my hair grows faster when my hair is underneath a cap because I am not messing around with it. I usually keep my cap for about 3-4 weeks depending on the style. And then... I throw it away. Some people take it off and wear it at different times. I’m more comfortable wearing a cap than wigs because it’s made on my head so the style fits and frame my face. I feel like it lays flatter than regular wig. I’m all for natural hair but sometimes I need a break. Caps are definitely a stress reliever. Remember you can’t do every style with a cap pick so choose wisely.

Here are a couple of her looks with the cap:

And here's me when I tried it out for NYE 2010:

If you do decide to try it out let me know how it goes for you.