Rooted Wednesdays Vol. 16 Do protective styles actually exist?

Whats On My Hair

I’m currently wearing a bun and compared to a bun I wore a few newsletters back, it feels like a completely different space.

During that previous newsletter, I put my bun in wanting a sleek look. I was chasing a certain style… using too much gel, making sure everything was laid, nothing out of place. Before the day even ended, my hair felt stiff, dry, almost restricted. I remember telling myself I didn’t want to do that again.

It felt like I was styling for perfection. Almost performance for others.

But today’s bun feels different.

No gel. No edge control.
Just my strands falling where they want.
My hair tie is secure, but not suffocating.

I’ve been seeing a lot of conversation lately about braids not being “protective” anymore… and I get where that’s coming from.

I’ve experienced breakage from buns but I didn’t blame the bun.

So maybe hairstyles matter less about what’s considered “protective” or “manipulative”… and more about how present we are while handling our hair.

I could’ve blamed the bun. But really, changing how I approached it made all the difference.

Whats On My Heart

I’m learning this lesson beyond hair too.

With the content I make. With new routines.
With expectations. With myself.

Not every season needs a dramatic reinvention.
Or a swing to the other extreme.

Sometimes it just needs a softer grip.

Sometimes it’s just about noticing what’s working and gently letting go of what’s not.

And for those who are doing this kind of work should remember it takes time.

Not shrinking yourself because you don’t feel like you’re learning fast enough but expanding your gratitude for the time you have to adjust, to grow, to try again.

From my wash day to yours,
Jasmine 💛