Protective hairstyles are any hairstyle that keeps your natural hair away from being exposed to the sun, heat, and other damaging agents. A hassle-free look to refresh your image? Win your hair game with a multi-use hairstyle!
Topping the list are the box braids, crochet braids, wigs, and twists. From uncomplicated to detailed braids, micro to jumbo plaits – there exist a ton of chic ideas on how to style and protect your natural strands.
Your favorite celebrity fashion figures Solange Knowles, Keke Palmer, Angela Simmons, and Tessa Thompson just rocked their own versions of a protective hairstyle, and made all of us head over heels! With new and improved modern styling and braiding techniques, these hairstyles are looking way better than their original versions.
One more thing to love about protective hairstyles for black women is how low maintenance they are. By keeping your scalp moisturized and doing the correct hair care routine religiously, your braids are certain to feel fresh and healthy for a long time.
If you’re in serious desire of more inspiration, forget your worries! Give these extra trendy protective hairstyles a shot.
Crown Twist with Chignon
Pull off a crown twist with a chignon and feel the glamour it gives off! With sophistication, this protective hairstyle is sure to provide a royal vibe. It isn’t complete without the silver cuffs, which add instant sparkles to the locks.
Halo Braids
Accessorize your black curls with a chic halo braid style like this one. The streak of a caramel blonde shade adds subtle vividness on the braid. It looks pretty and will suit either your casual outfits or sophisticated ones, for sure!
Low Twisted Bun
Give feed-in braids a go if you need a new protective style to wear. Get that long and black hair to achieve this gorgeous low twisted bun. The plaits offer a neat, intricate design on the scalp so that you can stand out from the rest. Remember to moisturize your scalp with oil or grease to avoid dryness.
Fulani Braids with Beads
Very stylish, indeed! Sport a lovely protective style like these Fulani braids with beads for a dramatic finish. Opt for a long length that reaches the waist so that you can flaunt different styles like a half-up look.
Pineapple Updo
Never be afraid to go extra with your chosen protective hairstyle! This pineapple updo for African-American women features twisted braids on the scalp. It works great on your black, thick hair to maintain the fullness and shape of this lovely updo. When going out, use a dry texture spray for a long-lasting hold.
Braided Faux Hawk
Try this edgy braided faux hawk, and you’ll be an eye-catcher in no time! It’s a high-contrast look where sides are neat with braids, and hair on top and nape is voluminous and defined. Pops of golden brown hue on your black locks can carry out extra brightness to this protective style.
Side-Parted Twists
Got stubborn thick, black hair? Sure, you’ll love this shoulder-grazing hairstyle! These chic side-parted twists can protect mane while providing you with a trendy look. Take good care of your scalp and keep it moisturized with oil.
Flat Protective Twists
These flat protective twists offer an intricate design that makes a neat, lovely updo. Your black hair and its texture are what can uplift the fullness of such a look. Here’s a tip—spritz on a hydrating curl spray to keep your locks looking healthy.
Chick Mohawk Braid
You know you can slay such an excellent look if you’re blessed with black coils! This chick mohawk braid gives an edgy impression without you having to shave your sides. Opt for this trend if you want a neat updo that works great with your natural glam.
Protective Side Twists
This protective side twists hairstyle offers an intricate pattern on the scalp. It’s best on black locks for a neater edge, keeping the length at the shoulders for easy maintenance. Don’t forget that when you wear it, always moisturize your scalp with oil or grease.
Cornrow Updo
Revamp your everyday protective hairstyle, and explore a new one! This is the best cornrow updo to flaunt such a bomb look with braids on your black hair.
Natural Short Box Braids
Here comes one of the trendiest protective styles for your black curls! Pull off these natural short box braids, and be proud of your dense hair. Attach a few gold cuffs for a little embellishment and vividness, too.
Protective Box Braids
Such an exquisite look that won’t leave the trend list no matter what! Adding length to your locks and letting you try out new colors are what these protective box braids can do. This trend requires minimal upkeep while allowing your natural curls to grow healthy. With all these benefits plus its classic beauty, what else could you really ask for?
Natural Bun Updo
Featuring a hairstyle that doesn’t only protect your kinks, but also offers edginess! This natural bun updo with an undercut and shaved lines is sure to give your black hair its best form. Wear your best earrings and makeup because that’s how you complete your bold revamp.
Senegalese Twists
Too tired of everyday styling? If so, the perfect time to wear these gorgeous Senegalese twists on your natural black hair. Take a break from heat-styling tools as this look can grant you the same elegance. Wanting the long hair with hints of red? You can now achieve your desired outcome without damaging your locks.
Q&A with style creator, Britteany Moore
Braider @ Hair by Britteany in Las Vegas, NV
How would you describe this look?
This style is called Senegalese twists. My favorite thing about this look is that it is versatile. You can style this look in so many ways, and it fits any face shape.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Make sure you properly cover hair for bedtime with a bonnet or headscarf. This will help the style last longer. Any hair type can get the style.
