Think of all the things you could do if you didn't spend hours doing your natural hair each week. Hell, I could have become a five-star chef in the time I've spent twisting and blow-drying my strands! But this Spring, I'm taking a totally new approach to wash day and embracing protective styles. Luckily, #teamnatural on Instagram has provided plenty of updo inspiration to keep me supplied with ideas for months.
A protective style is any coiffure configuration that keeps your ends safely tucked away. These hairdos require very little daily upkeep and help strands stay moisturized. On top of all that, the looks also promote hair growth since you're not pulling and yanking (causing shedding). Not to mention, your fingers are less likely to fall into early arthritis due to constant twisting. Stick to these protective looks, and you'll have bra-strap-length strands by Summer 2015.
Source: Instagram user janae_raquel, Instagram user psimafro, Instagram user loopsalonatl, and Instagram user fo_la_mi