Tips from famous barbers to keep natural hair healthy while doing braids, twists and...

Protective hairstyles have become a staple for many women of color looking to give their natural locks a break, especially during the summer months.

These hairstyles can range from box braid extensions to faux locs, cornrows and more.

"A protective style is a style that protects the ends of hair strands from damage," Erinn Courtney , a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and natural hair care expert at StyleSeat, told Good Morning America.

"The advantages of protective models are that they are easy to maintain and effective in everyday life," he adds. "You also have the opportunity to maintain the length of your hair without damaging it from external influences, heat or chemicals."

Jourdan Dunn before Jean-Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall Winter 2022/2023 during Paris Fashion Week on July 6, 2022.

Edouard Berthelot/Getty Images

While these styles give women the variety and versatility to try a variety of different styles, ongoing care for your natural curls is vital if you want to maintain the overall health of your hair and scalp.

Many experts agree that it's also important to consult a professional about the lifespan of your protective style, webbing or extensions before removing and replacing them.

Ahead, Courtney, who's created protective styles for everyone from Willow Smith to singer-songwriter Goapele, breaks down her best tips and practices for caring for your natural hair while maintaining braids, wigs, twists, and more.

Clicking on these shopping links will take visitors away from Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites operate under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC receives a commission on purchases made through these links. Prices are subject to change from the date of publication.

Tips to preserve your natural hair while wearing protective hairstyles

GMA: What are your top grooming tips for those who want to wear box braids, tangle-free extensions, cornrows, etc.? this summer, but also to keep your natural hair healthy?

Erinn Courtney: Wearing these protective hairstyles really is the first step in keeping your natural hair healthy. When wearing these styles, be sure to dampen your natural hair with oil as synthetic hair tends to pull moisture out of your hair. Be sure to protect the style at night or while lounging with a silk or satin scarf to avoid ruining the look. Adding styling mousse to the look once a week before wrapping it in a scarf can also help keep the look longer and reduce frizz.

How do you properly wash your box braids without ruining your style?

To wash your braids without ruining the hairstyle, focus the wash mainly on the scalp area without rubbing too hard. Use fingertips to gently cleanse scalp, then rinse without touching curls with fingers.

What are the best practices for wearing protective styles while keeping your natural hair healthy?

Make sure you have a good base or braid. This will help protect the ends of the hair under the wig or weave. Groom your hair properly and trim it often to allow it to grow and maintain its length while under the wig. It's also good practice to moisturize your natural hair with oil or conditioner.

What are some of your best products for keeping curls natural while wearing box braids or protective styles?

I love Palmer's Shine Therapy hair and scalp oil . It is easy to use to evenly distribute the oil on the scalp and hair when wearing braids. I also like the Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh . Lightweight yet moisturizing, it's ideal for women who are active and on-the-go. Keeps hair hydrated and smells very fresh.

Try Adblock (Why?)