Nikisha came out of protective styling with something most naturals can only hope for: more length, more density, and almost zero breakage. Her secret? She never skipped her scalp, even in braids, and then followed a full Kerry Berry reset routine the moment those braids came out.
Protective styling is one of the most powerful tools in a natural's toolkit, but only when you take care of what's underneath. Nikisha put that to the test with the Kerry Berry Organic Growth Bundle, documenting her full routine from braid install to wash day reveal. The results speak for themselves.
Here's exactly what Nikisha did, and why it worked.
Step 1: Oiling Her Scalp All the Way Through Protective Styling
Most people put their hair in braids and go on autopilot. Nikisha didn't. Whenever she had her protective style in, she made it a point to keep the Kerry Berry Strength Growth Oil in her hair, applied directly to her scalp, twice a week minimum.
In her own words: "Whenever I do protective [styling], I'm still gonna oil my scalp," and she made sure to hit every section between her braids to keep the follicles nourished and active the entire time her hair was tucked away.
"Be sure to apply this at least twice a week even when your hair is in a protective style."
This step is what sets Nikisha's results apart. Protective styles are only effective when the scalp stays healthy underneath. The Strength Growth Oil creates the environment for growth even when the hair is tucked away and you can't see it happening.
Step 2: Taking Out the Braids
The braid takedown is always the most anxious moment for naturals. Will there be breakage? Will the length still be there? Nikisha documented the reveal, and the verdict was clear: "I have extra growth and minimal to no [breakage]."
Consistent oil application kept follicles active. Nikisha came out of her braids with visible new growth at the roots.
A nourished scalp means stronger strands from root to tip. Nikisha reported little to no shedding or breakage during takedown.
"I have extra growth and minimal to no breakage. That's what I'm talking about."
This is what a truly effective protective styling period looks like: hair that comes out in better condition than it went in.
Step 3: The Organic Growth Paste Treatment
With her hair finally free, Nikisha went straight into treatment mode. She applied the Kerry Berry Organic Growth & Thickener Paste, working it through her hair from root to tip before washing. The paste is formulated to stimulate the scalp and strengthen strands, making it the perfect first step after a period of protective styling.
You can see her on camera holding up the distinctive green Kerry Berry packet. She let the paste penetrate before moving on to wash day. This isn't a step to rush. The paste does its best work when you give it time to sink in.
"This paste is no joke. I could feel it working on my scalp right away. I always let it sit for a few minutes before I rinse so it can really do its thing."
Step 4: Wash Day with the Aloe Flourishing and Flaunt Shampoo & Conditioner
Next, Nikisha washed with the Kerry Berry Aloe Flourishing and Flaunt Shampoo, followed by the Aloe Flourishing and Flaunt Conditioner. The shampoo gently cleanses without stripping, and the conditioner restores softness and slip so detangling is actually enjoyable.
After rinsing and working through the conditioner, Nikisha detangled with a brush, and you could see the difference immediately. Her hair was smooth, manageable, and full of life.
"The shampoo smells so good and my hair didn't feel stripped at all after. And the conditioner? So much slip. Detangling was actually easy for once."
Step 5: Sealing It All In with the Moisture Shock Hair Butter
After rinsing and drying, Nikisha finished her routine with the Kerry Berry Moisture Shock Hair Butter. This is the step that locks everything in: all the moisture from the wash, all the work from the paste, sealed into the hair shaft so it stays soft, defined, and protected.
The result: hair that was visibly fuller, shinier, and healthier-looking than when she started her protective styling journey weeks earlier. Not just maintained. Improved.
"Y'all, my hair felt like actual butter after this. So soft, so moisturized. I was not expecting it to feel this good. I'm not skipping this step ever again."
Nikisha's Full Organic Growth Bundle Routine
Want to replicate her results? Here's the exact order she followed:
The Takeaway: Protective Styling Works When You Do It Right
Nikisha's results aren't magic. They're the product of consistency. She didn't stop caring for her hair just because it was in a braid. She kept nourishing her scalp, and then she came back to it with a full Kerry Berry routine that cleaned, treated, conditioned, and sealed. That's the full picture.
If you're going into (or coming out of) a protective style and want to see real results, extra growth, minimal breakage, and hair that actually thrives, the Organic Growth Bundle is the routine to try.
