The countdown to ESSENCEFest 2024 is happening, meaning it’s time to plan, pack, and strategize all the essentials for the 30th anniversary celebration. For the NaturallyCurly team, deciding which hairstyle we want to rock will allow our curls and coils to flourish in New Orleans. Before loading up our suitcases with tons of travel-size products, we decide the best way to style our curls and coils. Given the sweltering heat and humidity, the best option is a protective style.
Why We’re Opting For Protective Styles
Image Source: @euleticiapiuu
Going for a protective style can not only be beneficial to save time and energy from constantly styling our hair each day, but there are endless options to choose from. Every season, we see braids, locs, and twists evolve into intricate designs and styles showing natural hair’s power. The climate of New Orleans can lend to humidity, heat, and frizz, which could be a winning combination or epic fail for your traditional wash-and-go, depending on your regimen.
Our team is dreaming up the perfect protective styles to have our curls and coils thriving during the summer heat while we sashay between all that ESSENCEFest 2024 has to offer. Between panels, concerts, and hanging out with our NaturallyCurly readers, we want to ensure our styles are sleek, frizz-free, and manageable.
Interested to see what protective styles our team could wear at ESSENCEFest 2024? Read more below.
The NaturallyCurly Teams Share Their Style Choices
Ayeshah, Social Media Manager
Hair selections: Perm Rod Set, Knotless Twists, Faux Locs
What do you love about these styles?
Image Source: @teerachelle_
What I love about these hairstyles is that they are effortless and bring out my personality. I love how my natural hairstyles can speak for themselves.
Why would they be good options for ESSENCEFest 2024?
Image Source: @akemurrr
These on-the-go styles are great for ESSENCEFest 2024 because they require little effort. I can style each hairdo in various ways.
What would be your prep routine for a protective style and any products you use?
For my styles, I will be prepping my hair with the Olaplex No. 3, followed by the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner. I want to make sure strands are protected and hydrated. I use the Innersense leave-in conditioner, followed by Doux’s heat protection spray, silkening fluid, and bonding polish before I blow my hair. These products combat heat damage. Also, I’m ensuring my ends are trimmed properly after my blowout. Then I use a cream like Melanin hair care twist elongating cream to seal my hair before installation.
Desiree, Editor
Hair selection: Knotless Braids, Micro Braids, Marley Twist
What do you love about these styles?
Image Source: @braidsgang
I love that these are very easy to style and manipulate, besides just wearing them down. I can choose the color, length, and size, which allows me to customize my overall ESSENCEFest outfits.
Why would they be good options for EFOC?
Image Source: @braidsconnect
At best, all I have to worry about is hydrating my scalp and oiling the braids to prevent frizz, but they don’t require much upkeep. This makes moving between events easy during the weekend and saves me prep time in the morning.
What would be your prep routine for a protective style and any products you use?
These styles will require me to stretch and straighten my hair, so I’ll want to use a good deep conditioner like the OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque to make my hair soft and strong. I’ll follow it with the Moroccanoil Intense Smoothing Frizz Control Serum to reduce frizz and create a good slip for my braider.
Keturah, E-Commerce Manager
Hair selections: Island Braids, Fulani Braids
What do you love about these styles?
Image Source: @kp_thestylist
I love how timeless they are. I can look back on photos and feel good about what I chose.
Why would they be good options for EFOC?
Image Source: @justbraidsinfo
They’re good for festivals because they keep my hair from my face and let my scalp breathe in the NOLA heat.
What would be your prep routine for a protective style and any products you use?
I know I would lay my hair down at night. I would ensure I had an excellent scalp oil and some edge control. I like the Mielle rosemary mint collection!
Stay tuned to our ESSENCEFest 2024 coverage next week to see what styles we’ll be rocking at the event!