Protective Styles For Natural Hair

Protective Styles For Natural Hair

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair - Box Braids
@braidsbyjosette on Instagram
Protective Styles For Natural Hair - Jumbo Box Braids
@braid.boss on Instagram
Jumbo Box Braids
@tiffanys_on_wood on Instagram

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair
@carolnyazika on Instagram
Three Bun Mohawk
@littlewithbigcurls_ on Instagram
Natural Hair Up-do
@fhuzohairport on Instagram

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.

Flat Twists
@transformedbyo on Instagram
Flat Twists Styled In A Halo
@queenteshna on Instagram
Protective Styles For Natural Hair
@transformedbyo on Instagram

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.

Flat Twist Up-do Mohawk
@herown.beauty on Instagram
Side swept flat twist up do
@yonous_hair on Instagram
Protective Styles For Natural Hair
@naturallyvanice on Instagram

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.

Bantu Knots

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.

Pop Smoke Braids Cornrows
@ashleydidmyweave on Instagram
Feed-In Cornrows
@twinkles__beauty on Instagram
Feed in Cornrows In A Bun
@pearlthestylist_ on Instagram

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair - Mini Twists
@naturallynella on Instagram
Ombre Blonde Mini Twists
@fancy_jai on Instagram
Mini Twists on Natural Hair
@brianalynee on Instagram
Mini twists on natural hair with gold accessories
@lavishlybritt on Instagram

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair
@thecrochetspecialist on Instagram
Crochet Senegalese Twists
@cassiethatgirl_ on Instagram
Blonde Crochet Braids
@dose_of_vanity on Instagram
Red Curly Crochet Braids
@curvesncurlsxo on Instagram

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair
@syeda_bombom on Instagram
Short Passion Twists
@marykbella on Instagram
Shoulder Length Passion Twists
@ikealooks_ on Instagram

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair - halo braid on natural hair
@syeda_bombom on Instagram
halo braid
@_trish_thestylist on Instagram

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.

Protective Styles For Natural Hair - Faux locs
@natanni.kya on Instagram
long faux locs
@everythingbeyondamazing on Instagram
Distressed faux locs
@bonitalocs on Instagram

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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