Looking for protective styles for natural hair? Here is a list of gorgeous hairstyle ideas. Keep your hair protected and look amazing. Plus, it will give your hair a break from styling everyday.
What is a protective style? A protective style is a hairstyle that keeps your ends tucked away and protected. The point is to give your hair a break from daily manipulation that can cause hair breakage. As a result, you are able to retain more length as your hair grows.
Protective Styles For Natural Hair
1. Box Braids
Box braids are a great protective style for natural hair. However, you should not keep them in any longer than 6-8 weeks. We have a full article that will tell you all about box braids and how to care for them.
2. Natural Hair Up-do
A natural hair up-do allows you to style with your natural hair texture. Get creative and pin the hair in different ways. Make sure to tuck under the ends of the hair so that they stay protected.
3. Flat Twists
Flat twists are another beautiful way to style your hair while keeping it protected. They are similar to cornrows but the hair is twisted instead of braided.
4. Flat Twist Up-do
Get creative and do a flat twist up-do. Some great ideas would be a twisted mohawk or twisted to the side.
5. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are the perfect protective styles for natural hair. But, they are also a great way to stretch your natural hair. Afterwards, you can take them out and enjoy pretty curls and ringlets.
6. Feed-in Cornrows
Feed-in cornows are cornrow braids that extension hair is added to make longer. The concept is the hair starts small and then gradually gets bigger so that it looks like the braid is growing from your scalp. They typically last 2-3 weeks depending on the size of the braids.
7. Mini Twists
Mini twists are small two strand twists that are created with your natural hair. They are very popular this season and it’s easy to see why….. they are gorgeous! Check out our article Ultimate Guide To Mini Twists on Natural Hair for more information and photo inspiration.
8. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are a great protective styles for natural hair. The reason is because all of your natural hair is braided. Then synthetic hair extensions are crocheted into the braids using a latch hook.
You can have tons of fun by choosing different hair colors and textures. Try curly, straight, crochet twists, red or blonde. There is no limit to how many creative styles you can do with crochet braids.
9. Passion Twists
Passion twists are like two strands twists but with synthetic hair extensions added. The synthetic hair allows for the style to last longer. Also, you can do different lengths and hair colors. Check out our article 50 Stunning Passion Twists Hairstyles for more ideas.
10. Halo Braid
For an innocent and carefree hairstyle try a halo braid. A halo braid is a thick braid that is plaited around your head like a crown. Add accessories and jewels to spice it up.
11. Faux Locs
Faux locs are like dreadlocs, but they are created with added extension hair. This hairstyle is definitely has a bohemian vibe. It can last anywhere from 4-12 weeks with routine maintenance. Read all about faux locs in our article Beautiful Faux Loc Hairstyles.
What’s your favorite protective styles for natural hair? Let us know in the comments below. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated when we release new articles related to your natural hair. You will love these articles:
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