How to Take Down a Protective Style Without Damage

You did it. You gave your strands the royal treatment with a protective style—braids, twists, wigs, or weaves - keeping tension low and length on lock. But now it’s time for the takedown, and here’s the truth: this part matters.

Done wrong, it leads to breakage, dryness, and tangles galore. Done right? It’s the beginning of your next healthy hair chapter. Let’s walk through how to remove your protective style the right way - with healthy hair at the heart of it all.

Take Your Time (Seriously)

This is not a rip-and-go situation. Rushing through your takedown is the fastest way to end up with knots, breakage, and unnecessary shedding. So slow it down. Unravel your style gently, ideally with an oil on hand to help reduce tension and soften the buildup around roots and edges.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Start with an oil or detangler to soften buildup at the roots
• Use your fingers first before reaching for tools
• Gently separate and detangle as you go

Reminder: Shed hair is normal. Tearing through tangles is not.

Try This:
Use the Moisture Rich Scalp & Hair Oil on fingertips and parts to loosen tight areas and make takedown smoother. The lightweight blend of Olive, Jojoba, and Coconut Oils won’t clog the scalp or create buildup, but it will give you slip and shine.

Hit Reset with a Clarifying Cleanse

Once your style is out, your scalp is likely dealing with product residue, excess oils, and maybe some flaking. But aggressive shampoos are a no-go. Instead, go for a two-step cleanse that purifies while preserving your hair’s natural moisture barrier.

Here’s your duo:

Detox Pre-Wash Rinse
Use the twist-top applicator to apply directly to the scalp. Coconut Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Antioxidants help dissolve buildup and revive the scalp.

Cleansing Oil Shampoo
Follow with this ultra-hydrating cleanser to wash away impurities without drying out your strands. With Hyaluronic Acid and Olive Leaf Extract, this formula removes dirt while leaving essential moisture exactly where it belongs.

Pour It On with Moisture

After cleansing, it’s time to restore hydration from root to tip. Protective styles often leave your strands parched, especially if your routine slipped a little while your hair was tucked away. After weeks of tension, your hair needs a major dose of TLC. Deep conditioning restores moisture, softens dry ends, and creates the slip you need to safely detangle.

What to reach for:
A thick, creamy conditioner with major slip that helps soften, detangle, and prep your hair for styling.

Our pick:
Extreme Hydration Deep Conditioning Treatment
This mask is loaded with Coconut Water, Hyaluronic Acid, and Olive Leaf Extract to breathe life back into thirsty curls. Smooth it through section by section, detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and let the hydration do the heavy lifting.

Stretch Without Stress

Wet hair and shrinkage go hand in hand. If you want to avoid unnecessary tangles and breakage, give your hair a light stretch to reduce tension and keep curls elongated.

How?

• Use your RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer to stretch your hair gently and heat-free
• Work in sections to minimize tugging
• Skip tight bands or high-heat tools

A stretch now makes your next style way easier.

Let Your Scalp Breathe Before the Next Install

Protective style to protective style might be tempting, but your scalp needs a breather. Use this window to check in with your hair’s actual condition.

Give it a few days and:

• Massage in lightweight oils
• Use a nourishing leave-in to keep moisture up
• Style with intention, not tension

Need a go-to product?
Hydrating Leave-In Conditioning Spray 
A lightweight, buildable spray that adds softness, protects against heat, and helps reduce frizz. Use it before styling or stretching with your RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer for a smoother, faster finish.

Let Your Scalp Recover

Before diving into your next style, take a few days to let your scalp breathe. Use this downtime to nourish, massage, and re-center your routine.

Daily boost:
Add a few drops of Moisture Rich Scalp & Hair Oil to your palms and gently massage your scalp. It promotes softness and shine without creating greasy roots. This oil is light enough for daily use and powerful enough to seal in hydration.

Don’t Just Style - Strategize

Now’s the time to be picky. Not every style is a good follow-up. Go for looks that are easy on your roots and let your hair bounce back.

Some great in-between options:

• Twist-outs or braid-outs
• Flexi-rod sets
• Loose buns or puffs
• Low-manipulation updos

Whatever you choose, make sure your hair is fully detangled, moisturized, and protected overnight. Don’t forget your satin scarf or bonnet at night to protect all the progress you just made.

Check In with Your Hair

This isn’t a “one and done” routine. Pay attention to how your hair feels after the style is gone.

Ask yourself:

• Am I shedding more than usual?
• Is my scalp irritated or dry?
• Are my ends in good shape?

If the answer is no, now’s a good time for a trim or a moisture mask. Healthy hair journeys are built on consistent check-ins, not just wash days.

The Bottom Line

Protective styles are powerful, but the real power move is how you exit them. A mindful takedown, a moisture-rich reset, and a little patience go a long way in protecting your progress. Your hair has done its job. Now it’s your turn.