The number one way to lose your edges when rocking bundles is by not protecting your leave out. WHAT?! You mean I just got this weave and I still have to take care of my natural hair? Yes, girl. And probably now more than ever. Here's why: Although weaves and wigs are protective styles, when you rock them with hair left out--whether just in the front or around the entire perimeter--you usually have to manipulate your natural hair in some way to match your extensions. Sometimes that means you're pressing the life out of your locks with a flat iron to get that bone straight look. Other times, that means you're constantly curling it to get the curl pattern just right. Either way, all that manipulation leaves your hair stressed. And just like you on a Thursday night (after working 10 hours with little sleep, then eye rolling at Olivia Pope's latest foolery on Scandal) a real life breakdown is imminent. How can you ease some of that tension? Now that TGIT is on hiatus and there are no more of Liv’s shenanigans until the Fall, you can chill a little bit and focus on protecting your leave out!
Twist It or Braid It
If you're a low maintenance gal, try styling your leave out into your weave with a chic front braid or twist. You can do one across the top of your forehead, or like Keri, you can do one on each side. You'll be protected from the elements, and will take five minutes to do. Lazy girls rejoice.
Grab Yourself A Closure Or Frontal
Closures and frontals are EVERYTHING. If you don't want to leave any hair out but still want a natural look, look no further. Both closures and frontals give you the seamless look of having your 'natural' hairline out when your hair is really tucked away underneath--flourishing. Depending on how you want to style your hair, either a closure of lace frontal will do the job. A closure is usually 3 in x 4 in and sits on the front of your scalp, while a frontal is applied across your entire hairline from ear-to-ear. They can easily be removed and re-installed when you need to wash or moisturize your hair, but we recommend seeing your local stylist for tips on how to do it.
Wear A Headband
Or a cute scarf, turban--whatever! Having your leave-out brave the elements like humidity, wind or cold temperatures will leave it brittle and broken--and you sad and annoyed. Give your flat iron a break and throw on a cute headband or fly headwrap. We know you've been watching those '47 Ways To Tie A Headwrap That Looks Easy But It's Really Difficult As Hell' videos, it's time to give one of them a try, for the sake of your leave-out!
Leave Out Less
We've seen people leave out enough hair to cover the length of California, when all that was necessary was enough to cover San Diego. Only leave out enough hair to cover your tracks. The less you leave out, the better. California will thank you.
