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Home · Hair Products & Tools

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready

There are many ways to seek temporary relief from a protective style. For some, it's a soothing head massage. For others, it may be good old fashioned patting. Although these go-to methods work for a moment, our scalps still remain in dire need of TLC. When left untreated, the dandruff and dirt laying just beneath our braid sets are capable of causing dry scalp and brittle hair strands. For many, regular washes and conditioning aren't ideal for preserving the fresh look of protective styles; braids, sewn-ins and faux locs included. Those challenges aside, we can still purify and nourish our manes with extension and braid-friendly hair products. From lightweight oils to cleansers formulated specifically for protective styling, these top-rated faves should be on everyone's radar. 
By Jennifer Ford · Updated October 26, 2020
01
Cantu Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair and Scalp Oil

Alleviate dryness and itchiness with this nourishing oil that contains pure shea butter, tea tree oil and jojoba oil. All three promote stronger and healthier hair, while nourishing and conditioning the scalp.  This product is especially recommended for use under weaves, hair extensions and braids. $6, target.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
02
Girl + Hair Sulfate-Free Cleanser

Thoroughly cleanse the natural hair underneath your protective style with this sulfate-free cleanser, made with tea tree oil and neem oil to treat an itchy scalp. Designed with a nozzle tip, this product can flow through any style and wash away impurities without making a mess. $17, girlandhair.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
03
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Sheen

This moisturizing formula is great for reviving dry, dull, and brittle hair. Shea butter and jojoba oil help to condition the hair while sweet almond oil extract strengthen and protect it from breakage. $12, target.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
04
Dr. Miracle’s Intensive Spot Serum Hair and Scalp Treatment

Condition,strengthen and moisturize brittle hair while stimulating hair growth with this spot serum. Apply directly to problem areas under your protective style twice daily. $7, walmart.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
05
Design Essentials Peppermint & Aloe Soothing Scalp Tonic

Remove dirt and oil buildup with this clarifying scalp treatment. It detoxifies, soothes and instantly relieves itchiness and irritation. Perfect for sprucing up braids, wigs and other protective styles. $5, designessentials.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
06
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner

Reduce shedding after taking out your protective style with daily use of this moisturizing leave- in conditioner that softens, strengthens, and condition your strands. $13, target.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
07
Mane Choice Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Oil

Unclog blocked pores and deeply penetrate your scalp with this conditioning oil, formulated to stimulate hair growth. Apply product directly to the scalp and under your protective style. $12, target.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
08
Eden Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Temple Balm

Nourish edges and prevent breakage/thinning with this moisturizing temple balm. This product is great for using under wigs and stocking caps. $7, target.com 

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
09
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk

Prep, protect and moisturize your strands while rocking protective styles with this light-weight leave in treatment that provides 25 benefits in just a few pumps. This unique formula shields hair from environmental aggressors, prevents split ends, seals cuticles and primes hair for styling. $20, ulta.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
10
ORS Hair Repair Vital Oils For Hair and Scalp

This blend of light oils penetrate the hair shaft to revitalize dry strands and relieve congested scalp, without weighing down the hair and clogging pores. $8, walmart.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
11
Oyin Nourishing Herbal Leave-In Hair Tonic

Feed your protective style all of the juices and berries it needs with this revitalizing spray. Besides the sweet smell, your second day hair is bound to look brand new in minutes. $14, target.com

11 Scalp and Strand Products That Will Keep Your Protective Style Photo-Ready
TOPICS:  Conditioners Shampoo
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