Elaisha Jade gives her advice on how to prep her natural hair for a long-term protective style while she travels. This is what you should do before protective styling.
Winter is Coming: Crochet Hair Bob Tutorial
5 Protective Styles You need to Try on your Next Trip
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If your hair is having a bad vacation, so are you. One of the first things I think about when considering my trip is what I'm going to do with my hair. For those of you not in the kinky/curly club, you've got to understand, it's more than vanity. Tangled curls can be painful to detangle and take the fun and joy out of any day. I avoid having to do anything more than shaking my mane and getting on with my day. Here are my go-to protective hairstyles when travelling.
Crochet Hair
London calling | #curlsunderstood #protectivestles #BGKI | #ElaishaGoes #BlackTravelFeed
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jun 25, 2016 at 5:10am PDT
Obviously, I'd start with my new favourite hairstyle! Crochet hair is BOMB! It takes less application time than similar looking styles (see: box braids) but looks just as good. Just get your braiding pattern right and you're set. Actually, now you don't even need to know how to cornrow to get it right.
Patty King > Cold Tea | @taylorbrycemcdermott #ProtectiveStyles #CurlsUnderstood
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jun 12, 2016 at 3:37pm PDT
There are a variety of styles from box braids to curls. This is a great choice when you're pressed for time but want a long-lasting style that you can customise.
Box Braids
LA #Vlog 1 is up {link in profile}
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jul 19, 2015 at 10:28am PDT
I remember seeing my grandmother come home from the hair dresser's with this style and knowing she was going on a trip. The advantage of this style is, when taken care of properly, they can last a long time.
Now on the #blog: how to look cool when it's #ElaishaGoes {link in profile}
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Aug 7, 2015 at 7:23pm PDT
I remember travelling to California with my already well-worn box braids and only needing to refresh the front once after 2 weeks. While the application can take a long time (sometimes days depending on the size), the result is priceless. This is a great style when in humid and wet climates.
Feed In Braids
So... because of Valentine's Day I wrote a super personal piece on why I'm single. #OnTheBlog
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Feb 17, 2016 at 8:48am PST
I remember rocking this style and feeling so cute. However, if you want to try it, get your hair bonnets and head scarves ready. This style, while gorgeous and slick requires extra care to ensure that it stays neat. It's a great style when you're going to be very active and need your hair out of your way.
Twists & Twist Outs
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Dec 23, 2016 at 6:45pm PST
There's truly nothing better than a classic twist style. If I'm travelling with this hair, I know I can take it out and separate my curls for a special occasion then get then right and tight that night by re-twisting it. Just make sure you bring along your favourite twisting products and detangling tools if you will be re-twisting frequently. This is a great style for more controlled (and dryer) climates.
Pulled Back Bun
When all else fails, I can't go wrong with slicking my edges and pulling my hair up into a classic bun! On trips, I usually bring along some hair gel to ensure that my edges are tame throughout my adventure. This is essential when I'm rocking this hairstyle.
I was smiling 'cause I just ate | @sephoracanada matte lip in #13 didn't budge even after my
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Sep 26, 2016 at 7:44pm PDT
I dampen the outer edge of my hair, grab a bristle brush or toothbrush then style away. I use a headscarf to quickly manage the drying process into a flat style (and to avoid fly aways). Then voila! The perfect bun. If my hair is battling shrinkage and I want a fuller looking bun, I'll bring along some synthetic kinky curly hair (that matches my own) and shape a natural looking bun!
What's your favourite protective style when travelling? Did it make the cut on my list? Let me know in the comments!
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#FitFam: 5 Ways to Stay Fit for Travellers
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After I had got back from Vegas, I was thrown into a new job and didn't take the time to focus on myself. I got comfy in my oversized sweaters and leggings and didn't realize that they were getting a bit tight! Then before I knew it, I was away the next weekend in Blue Mountain after Vegas then on a 3-week trip to Europe in the summer. I put together a little plan to make sure I can be fit and feel comfortable in my skin, no matter where I am.
I joined a Gym
While I've had steady results working out at home, seeing money leave my bank account is motivation enough to ensure that I get my butt moving before I leave on a trip and after I return. No matter how good I feel that I look, I'll ensure that I head out to the gym and put in work. Plus I love working out in classes! I've taken some of the moves that I've learned in those classes and personal training sessions and modified them for hotel room and hotel gym workouts.
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I Surrounded Myself with Inspiration
From the people I hang around to the body-positive Instagram accounts I follow, I try to surround myself with fitness inspiration every day. Jetsetter, Iskra Lawrence is one of my faves to follow on Snapchat and Instagram. From city to city, the Australian model works hard, trains hard and looks amazing while doing it all. Another is Canadian Running magazine cover model (and one of my faves), Sasha Exeter. The frequent traveller's body is ridiculous (she looks even better in person), and I love watching her fitness journey and Snapchat adventures online.
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I Made Fitness Part of my Adventure
From hiking across Ben Nevis in Scotland to walking over 10k in a day in Barcelona and New York, I try to incorporate some activity into my day when travelling. I can count only a handful of times that I've hopped in a taxi or Uber while away. I prefer to see and explore cities by foot and public transport. When stuck in a car most of the time in Scotland (while eating everything that came in my path deep fried...) I made it a point to find hiking spots along the way.
I Got out of My Comfort Zone
While I'm still a bit shy about walking right up to the squat rack to do some damage at the gym, I've tried to do things that make me feel uncomfortable. First thing: kickboxing. Oh my gosh, that class kicked my butt! And I felt super uncomfortable walking into it and punching the bag...let alone the warm up. But I did it! And while I haven't returned (yet) I know that literally anything is possible if I could survive that class. So next time I feel uncomfortable jogging across the shoreline in Cancun or hitting the hotel gym, I know I'll be able to move past that emotion and just do it.
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I loved My Body
I'm not getting fit because I hate my body, I'm getting fit because I love it! Maybe someday I'll get into some of the body issues I faced growing up, but for now, I just want to encourage you to find one thing to love about yourself. Then slowly you'll see the list growing until self-love just engulfs you.
How to do you keep fit while you're travelling? Let me know in the comments below!