A method of redirecting ejected ink droplets from a printhead is provided. The method compries the steps of: (a) providing a printhead assembly comprising: a printhead including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets onto a print medium, the plurality of nozzles being formed on an ink ejection surface of the printhead; and a nozzle guard positioned over the ink ejection surface, the nozzle guard having a corresponding plurality of channels therethrough, the channels being aligned with the nozzles such that ejected ink droplets pass through respective channels towards the print medium; and (b) ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles. The channels have hydrophobic sidewalls, such that misdirected ink droplets rebound off the sidewalls and continue through the channels towards the print medium.