When did protective styles start getting a bad reputation in the online natural community?

[fluffyforever]

I agree with all of this.

I don't like that stylists are making it seem that no one has knowledge of hair except stylists who went to cosmetology school. Like no one can do their own research and learn what works for their own hair.

Another thing is if you do something a little different, that's not in the standard practices of current internet culture, they will immediately try to discredit you. They want to be told "the rules" and make it super rigid and the second you "experiment" or do something out of the norm, you are seen as "wrong".

The thing I am thankful for with this board is we were (and still are) more open minded about methods to grow hair. It's not so rigid. We are basically like "do what is working for you".

This all day.

I appreciate stylist that care about the health of hair, but even then they can promote some bad practices. People need to evaluate their own hair and be empowered to adjust their regimen based on what they are experiencing and what works for them.

For example, I go to a stylist to get a cut and she promotes wash n goes only and as a regimen. I love the way my hair looks and behaves in wash n goes and would wear them 24/7. I follow BGC and have for a few years now. My hair has never been so moisturized and looking healthy in the 20 years I’ve been natural.

However- I experienced my hair doesn’t like combing/brushing. My hair also doesn’t like being out in wash n goes all the time. I know this because I was losing so much hair on wash days. My full head of curls were thinning out more and more each week. I tell my hairdresser and she said it’s normal shedding- having a handful of hair each week- and to keep it up because my hair is thriving.

This past month was the first time I wore my hair in a protective style in over 5 years. I kept in mini twists that were in 2 large flat twists with the ends tied together at the nape for almost 5 weeks. The style was BORING compared to the popping coils I’m used to showing off. However, I took them down last night and I lost way less hair after 5 weeks compared to a handful on wash day.

I am a new convert to protective styling!!!