How much time daily would you like to spend on your hair styling? I bet minimum but you definitely wouldn’t like going out with your hair sticking out in some sort of explosion on your head. Well, African-American women are blessed with thick dense hair that can be skillfully shaped into breathtaking hairstyles. However, natural dryness and brittleness of kinky hair is the other side of the medal that needs special care. Protective hairstyles aim to limit the stress of environmental factors on natural hair. Here we are going to share 45 easy yet very showy protective hairstyles and tips on how to care for your natural hair.
Benefits of Protective Hairstyles
Protection from the elements;
Maintenance of moisture;
Length retention;
Stylish look.
Maintenance of moisture;
Length retention;
Stylish look.
Protective hairstyles are priceless in themselves, since besides a flawless elegant look, they keep your hair ends tucked and protected from aggressive damaging factors. How can you boost the protective effect?
Tips for Natural Hair Care
Nourish your hair and scalp with natural oils or apply hydrating balms before styling your hair;
Let your hair dry overnight;
Wear a hat to protect your hair from high or low temperatures;
Sleep with a satin scarf on your head.
Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair
Okay, so now let’s see how you can style your hair in a protective way.
#1: Protection for Shorter HairCornrows work for short relaxed hair and natural hair that needs to be extended and protected. A quick trip to a salon will leave you feeling beautiful and confident in days to come.
#1: Protection for Shorter HairCornrows work for short relaxed hair and natural hair that needs to be extended and protected. A quick trip to a salon will leave you feeling beautiful and confident in days to come.
#2: Classic BraidsWhen it comes to free-hanging shorter protective hairstyles, the bob-length multiple braids all over the head are ideal. The best part of braids? They last for weeks and take slim to zero effort to maintain.
#3: Natural Flat Twist Style
One of the most common protective styles is flat twists because they resemble cornrows, but are easier and faster to do. If you are attempting to do an updo on your own and you want it to last for a couple of days, this is a must-try look.
#4: Twisted Protective StyleWomen with short natural hair have to deal with shrinkage after washing, which makes hair appear more cropped than it really is. Because of this, many updos are out of the question. If you want to add texture or flair, try individual twists or braids.
#5: Individual Braids with BeadsBraid clips are extremely popular now thanks to Queen Bey, who can be seen sporting them in various braided styles on her Formation World Tour. Individual braids or Senegalese twists are great for women who want the smooth look of relaxed hair.
#6: Multi-Size BunBuns are nothing new, but by combining large and small braids you can make them feel fresh. Just ask your stylist to braid your hair into a ponytail, which will give you the versatility to wear it in a coil as well.
#7: High Bun for Natural HairYou may not look at a high bun as a protective style, but any hairdo that tucks the ends, does not require heat and puts minimal stress on your hair counts. This is best for those times when you want to take a break between weave installs or blowouts.
#8: Asymmetrical Protective Braided UpdoThe one problem about wearing individual braids as protective styles for natural hair is that they can be bulky and their weight could pull on your edges causing breakage. Instead of opting for box braids, consider asymmetrical cornrows that end into a side ponytail or a cute side bun. This will cut down on the heaviness.
#9: Cornrow Bun Protective StyleThe best way to prevent breakage for black hair is to cut down on the amount of time you spend processing it and brushing it. Braids will give you this option, but how long they last depends on the size. Smaller cornrows and braids will last about 2-3 weeks.
#10: Goddess Braids in UpdoLuckily, braid crowns are coming back in style because they are perfect for naturalistas on the go. Easy natural hairstyles can be done the night before so that in the morning you simply take off your silk scarf and head out without giving your hair a second thought.
#11: Braids and CurlsBraid or twist your hair close to the scalp, starting at the nape of the neck up to the top. Repeat this in small sections all over the head and top it off with a head full of gorgeous ringlets. The stunning explosion of cute curls up top will become the focal point of your hairstyle at front, while the braids will enhance its visual interest from the sides and back.
