Ok Ok! So the person in the photo is not me, but after seeing one of my oldest friends' protective styles for her Indoor Rock Climbing Adventure, I couldn't resist. Not to mention, I just chopped a couple inches off my own hair, so this cool flat twist will not be making an appearance on this head anytime soon.

Now the best thing about this style is that, anyone can wear it. Not just us girls of the "Afro" persuasion, but also people with naturally straight hair (Emma, I'm talking to you). So, here is the premise: You're going on a hike, rock climbing, running, to a yoga class, etc., and you are getting fed up of your luscious mane getting in the way. You need to do an up do that will get you through the 5 hour trek, or the 2 hour yoga session, and want something a bit more inspired.Well continue reading and get Marcia's tips on how to recreate her elegant, yet practical protective style [also, see how she gets on with her first indoor rock climbing attempt].

If you wish to get Marcia's Hair Style, here is what she does:  
Wash Hair using Carol's Daughter Monoi Sulfate-free Shampoo, and Repairing Conditioner. Follow up with a Deep Condition using the Monoi Repairing Hair Mask. Leave Hair Mask in for about 30 mins under a shower cap. 
Detangle at the end of all that, in the shower, under the running water as you rinse out the conditioner. I wash my hair in 4 sections and keep those twisted as I go to make sure that everything is clean and conditioned.
 
Separate hair in two sections, making your part in front where ever you want it (middle or off to the side).  
Squeeze out the excess water, and add oil to seal in the moisture. I use a mixture of Carol's Daughter Tui oil, extra virgin olive oil, and Creme of Nature Argan Oil. 
Then load up with Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-in Conditioner. I also add a bit of Design Essentials Natural Defining Creme - as it helps tames the flyaways. 
Time to twist each side. I use small sections as i go and pick up hair from alternating sides of the braid (if that makes sense to you). Twist each side down to the end, and bring that end up under the other braid. 
Clip or pin that end INTO the inside of the other braid, and do same for the other side. 

Voila! A quick and easy protective style. This is definitely easier to do when wet if your hair is thick and unruly as it comes out neater.

Marcia A. is a Guyanese born & raised Scientist, fitness enthusiast, Bibliophile, wine lover, burgeoning foodie, and shoe addict. Based in the ATL (Atlanta, Georgia). Marcia A. has so graciously agreed to let us use her amazing images and hair story, and for that we thank her ever so much.