Protective Style- Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Products

(Affiliate links are included in this post)

Here we have another protecting style using my favorite hair products from Dark & Lovely 'Au Naturale' Line. 

If you missed our review on these amazing products, you can find our full article here: Dark & Lovely- Au Naturale Product Review.

Ms. Bree's hair was washed and blow dried a few weeks ago and has been kept in one long braid.  While blow drying and keeping her hair in one simple braid made things easier for me, it's definitely not healthy for her curly tresses in the long run.  Bringing me to the decision to style her hair into this simple and protective style.  

Now, just because her hair is in this style doesn't mean I won't have to touch her hair for the next few days.  Contrary to everyone's belief, her hair still has to be co-washed, moisturized and her scalp needs to be protected from the elements by applying oils.   

Ms. Bree's hair was washed and dentangled.  Due to the length and thickness of her hair, styling her hair requires two days.    

Here are the products I used: 

1. D&L- Moisture L.O.C. Super Quench Leave In Spray;

2. D&L- Au Naturale Moisture LOC Soak It Up Oil Cocktail 
    (or your favorite oil)

3. D&L Au Naturale Anti Shrinkage Coil Moisturizing Souffle

3.5. Eco Styler Gel Argan Oil
      (just a small amount, adding a bit of gel at the same time you apply the souffle will 
      create a better hold and the style will last a bit longer)

As Ms. Bree gets older, her schedule is getting busier and busier.  She wore the above hair style for a week. 

After a week of sporting half of her hair in box braids, it was time to finalized her style.  Using the same products and following the same steps, I braided the top part of her hair. 

       

I also took advantage and re-moisturized some of the ends on the bottom braids and now her hair it's completely styled and ready for the next few days.  

Please remember and I cannot say it enough, protective styling too often can be detrimental to curly hair (give your scalp and hair a break in between protective styles) and make sure you continue to keep your hair clean even when it's in a protective style, co wash and re-moisturize your hair and scalp as often as needed. 

Hot Oil Treatments

     Hot Oil Treatments.. who doesn't remember getting those as a young child, I certainly do. My mother used to do so many things to my hair and "Pink" hot oil treatment once a month was one of them.  

     My hair is naturally curly, not as curly as my daughter's hair but one thing we all share is that "curly hair" is prone to get frizzy and/or dry.   The use of many chemicals and/or styling tools (especially heat) can damaged our curly strands even more.  

    There are a few things that we can do in order to prevent our hair from drying and breaking: 

Pre-Poos: (although our kids think this step has to do with a bowel movement, I can assure you it is not!); Pre-poo is just a shorter term for Pre-Shampoo.  

Deep Conditioning:  Deep conditioning at least every other week gives your curly strands everything that it needs to feel revitalize.  

     After every protective style or whenever I flat iron my daughter's hair I make sure I follow with a good deep conditioner, let it sit for thirty or forty five minutes.

Hot Oil Treatments: It gives your curly strands the very much needed shine, doing this will prevent any breakage and can also aid your scalp with any issues.  

NOTE:  You can use a Hot Oil Treatment as your "Pre-Poo" step.  If you can do a hot oil treatments at least every other week or once a month, trust me, your curls will thank you.     

While you can purchase many of the "Hot Oil Treatments" at your local stores, please keep in mind that you can make your own mix at home by using the very same oils you use when styling your hair. 

What do we use: 

*Olive Oil or Coconut Oil 

*Applicator

*Plastic Shower Cap

NOTE:  You don't have to limit yourself to just one oil.  Try several oils separately or create a blend of your own.  Make notes on how your hair feels after each treatment.  This will help you determined which oil or oil blend helps your hair the most.  

Oils that can be used:

Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Joboba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Rosemary Oil and so many others. 

How Do I apply it:

To do my son's hair is pretty easy, I just squeeze the warm oil all over the hair and massage the scalp with your fingers for a few minutes, then quickly place the shower cap and let it sit for thirty minutes; 

Since my daughter's hair is very long, I have to section her hair first, then apply the oil to each section until her entire head is coated, then I massage her scalp with my fingers (she loves this part); then I apply the shower cap and let it sit for 45 minutes. 

Rinse the hair out, shampoo and condition the hair like you  usually would, and them BLAM ! your DONE!! 

Hot Oil treatments can be done weekly if you have the time, they can be done every other week but it should be done at least once monthly.  

I believe that as long as you add at least one treatment your or your little one's regimen will be fine.  Hot Oil Treatments done in combination with Deep Conditioners can and will prevent dryness, breakage and ultimately will strengthen your tresses. 

Fans' Favorites:

Korrie owner of Korrie's Korner shares one her favorites: "Coconut Oil, Argan Oil and Peppermint Oil as my pre-poo, it gives a nice tingly sensation for my scalp" 

Do you buy your treatment or do you prefer a DIY?? Which one is your favorite?