It's been approximately 2.5 weeks since I installed my 3D Crochet Braids and I loving them dearly! It's so easy to style not to mention the hair accessories added to any style really help to 'kick it up a notch'!  Oh and the random compliments are a bonus too :)

Here are my 4 go-to styles I've been rocking while wearing my crochet braids. They are super easy, cute, great for different occassions and gentle on the scalp.

My absolute favourites would be the Top Knot and the Side Flat Twist. Here is a quick pictorial of how I create these two styles:

Step 1: I place my hair accessories in my braids in areas that I like. You can get them at any Beauty Supply Store.



Step 2: I then start my flat twist from the right ear taking a few braids at a time.

L o v i n g this protective style💛 Getting ready has never been so easy plus I can easily moisturize my new growth/hair underneath👏🏾 Are you protective styling for fall/winter? #hairlista #protectivestyle #crochetbraids #topknot

A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Nov 17, 2016 at 5:00pm PST

Protect your hair this Winter with a few of my favourite tips from my "Winterized" hair regimen!



1) Increase & intensify your deep conditioning sessions
Amp up your conditioning sessions this season by deep conditioning for 30-45 mins long using a heat source i.e. steamer, heat cap or hooded dryer. As an extra treat for your tresses, add some penetrating oils (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil) to nourish and strengthen your hair and scalp.

2) Use Heavier Sealants
Provide your hair with an extra layer of protection by sealing with a thicker oil. Sealing with a thicker oil after moisturizing will lock in moisture for longer periods of time helping to maintain the integrity and health of your ends.

3) Hide Your Hair
Shield your hair from the harsh winter weather and tuck it away! Frequent exposure to winter weather may create dryness and split ends which will lead to breakage. Opt for styles where your ends aren't exposed to the elements i.e. Buns, updo's, weave, wigs, braids etc.

4) Wear Satin Lined Hats
Brisk weather can dry out your hair quickly! Invest in a satin lined winter hat to protect your hair and combat dryness.

5) LOC/LCO method
Preventing moisture loss is essential when combatting dryness. Using liquid, oil, cream or liquid, cream, oil layering method, for locking in moisture, will ensure your hair remains hydrated for longer periods of time during this dry winter season.


What are you doing to protect your tresses this winter season?

Lately I've been baggying my ends ... sometimes even my entire head for a couple hours each night. My ends are loving it! Since it's so cold outside, this is a great way to re-hydrate the hair and keep it moist. It's so quick and easy to do. All I do is moisturize with S-curl No Drip Activator (and seal if you want, I skip this step) and then place a plastic shower cap over my head. If I'm targeting just my ends, I moisturize my ends, put it in a bun and then place the plastic shower cap over it (secure it with a scrunchy). Done. I usually baggy for 2-3 hrs 2-3 times a week. It's my staple!!

How do you keep your hair/ends moisturized during the Winter months?

For those who live in colder climates (including myself), all know that winter will soon be approaching. The heavy winds, snow, and drier air can take a serious toll on our hair if we don't take the necessary measures to protect it.

Here are several tips to help you prepare your hair to withstand the harsh winter weather:

1. Cut down on Wash N Go's & Co-washes (walking outside with a wet head will probably get you sick). Co-washing 1-2x/week should be sufficient.
2. Wash your hair in the evening so that your hair air dries overnight as opposed to when you're outside.
3. Wear your hair up! Winter calls for thicker clothing, so wearing your hair up will protect your ends from snagging on wool coats, turtle necks, or sweaters you may be wearing.
4. Moisturize more often! Ever notice how your skin needs more moisture in the winter? Well so does your hair. Moisturizing morning and night will help combat dryness.
5. Bring out the heavier products! For example, Cholesterol Conditioners, Pomades, Butters (Shea, Cocoa, Mango).
   
   
   
6. Increase and Intensify your Deep Conditioning Sessions. The dry heat inside the house and the cold air outside can pull moisture from the hair. Remember to deep condition with a heat source (steamer, hooded dryer, heat cap) for at least 30mins.
7. Seal in your moisturizers with heavier oils. For example Castor Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil, or an Oil Based Moisturizer. This will provide extra protection from the brisk weather.
8. Try Hot Oil Treatments. You can do them as a pre-shampoo treatment (20mins with heat) or after you shampoo. For an extra kick, mix oils into your deep conditioners for a 2in1 treatment.
9. Add a satin/silk lining into your winter hats. You can even wear a satin or silk bonnet underneath your hats to prevent your hair/ends from drying out.
10. Hide your hair! Increase your protective styling. This will help retain length and lock in moisture. You can try buns, French Twists, Braids, Wigs (Half or Full), Weaves etc.

♥ Sunshyne