Protecting your natural hair is crucial for maintaining its health, promoting growth, and preventing damage. Protective hairstyles are designed to keep your ends tucked away, minimize manipulation, and reduce exposure to harsh environmental factors. Whether you’re looking for a style that lasts a few days or several weeks, we’ve got you covered with these 17 easy protective hairstyles that are both beautiful and beneficial for your natural hair.
1. Flat Twists into Pony
This versatile style combines the sleekness of flat twists with the ease of a ponytail, offering both protection and style.
Styling tips:
- Start with moisturized, detangled hair
- Create flat twists from the front hairline towards the back
- Gather all twists into a high or low ponytail
- Secure with a soft hair tie to prevent breakage
2. Boxer Braids
Also known as double Dutch braids, this classic style is perfect for all hair lengths and offers excellent protection.
Styling tips:
- Part hair down the middle from forehead to nape
- Begin Dutch braiding (braiding under instead of over) on each side
- Braid all the way down and secure with small elastics
- Apply edge control for a polished look
3. Faux Locs Half-Up
Faux locs offer the look of traditional locs without the commitment, while the half-up style adds versatility.
Styling tips:
- Install faux locs using your preferred method (crochet or wrapping)
- Gather the top half of the locs into a high ponytail or bun
- Secure with a hair tie or loc cuff for added style
- Leave some face-framing locs for a softer look
4. Loc Retwist Updo
For those with locs, this retwist updo provides a fresh, polished look while protecting your hair.
Styling tips:
- Begin with freshly washed and dried locs
- Retwist each loc, applying loc gel for hold
- Once dry, gather locs into a high bun or updo style
- Secure with loc pins or a loc tie
5. Cornrows with Twist Out
This combination style offers the best of both worlds: sleek cornrows and voluminous twist out texture.
Styling tips:
- Create cornrows on one side or half of the head
- Two-strand twist the remaining loose hair
- Allow twists to dry completely, then unravel for a twist out effect
- Fluff and shape the twist out section as desired
6. High Braided Ponytail
A high braided ponytail is a classic protective style that works well for various hair lengths and textures.
Styling tips:
- Smooth hair into a high ponytail, securing with a strong hair tie
- Braid the ponytail in a single plait or multiple smaller braids
- Wrap the base with a small section of hair to conceal the hair tie
- Apply edge control and a silk scarf to lay edges
7. Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs offer a softer, more textured alternative to traditional faux locs, providing both protection and style.
Styling tips:
- Start with braided or twisted hair as a base
- Wrap hair or loc extensions around each braid, leaving intentional loops
- Vary the size and placement of loops for a natural, butterfly effect
- Seal the ends by dipping in hot water
8. Flat Twist Bun
This elegant style combines the neatness of flat twists with the sophistication of a bun.
Styling tips:
- Create flat twists from the hairline towards the nape of the neck
- Gather all twists at the nape and twist into a bun
- Secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair pin
- Add accessories like flowers or jeweled pins for extra flair
9. Box Braids with Curled Ends
Box braids are a timeless protective style, and curling the ends adds a playful, romantic touch.
Styling tips:
- Install box braids using your preferred method and desired size
- Dip the ends in hot water to seal
- Use perm rods or flexi rods to curl the ends
- Set the curls with a light holding spray
10. Slim Soft Locs
Slim soft locs offer a more delicate, lightweight alternative to traditional locs or faux locs.
Styling tips:
- Start with small sections of hair or thin braids as a base
- Wrap with soft loc hair, maintaining a slim profile
- Leave out wisps of hair throughout for a soft, natural look
- Style in various updos or wear loose
11. Stitch Braids into Bun
Stitch braids, also known as feed-in braids, create a sleek look that transitions beautifully into a bun.
Styling tips:
- Create stitch braids from the hairline towards the back
- Gradually add hair to each braid for a seamless look
- Gather all braids at the back and twist into a bun
- Secure with bobby pins and edge control for a polished finish
12. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a protective style that doubles as a curl-setting technique, offering versatility and protection.
Styling tips:
- Section hair into desired size squares
- Twist each section and wrap around itself to form a knot
- Secure with bobby pins if needed
- Wear as is or unravel for a defined curl pattern
13. Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twists are a simple yet effective protective style suitable for various hair lengths.
Styling tips:
- Start with freshly washed, moisturized hair
- Section hair and apply a twisting cream or butter
- Create two-strand twists, maintaining consistent tension
- Seal the ends with a small amount of oil
14. Bubble Bun with Tendrils
This playful style offers protection while maintaining a fun, youthful appearance.
Styling tips:
- Create a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie
- Place additional hair ties down the length of the ponytail to create “bubbles”
- Wrap the end around the base to form a bun
- Pull out face-framing tendrils for a soft look
15. Flat Twist Halo
The flat twist halo creates a crown-like effect that’s both protective and regal.
Styling tips:
- Part hair from ear to ear, separating the front section
- Flat twist the front section around the hairline, connecting at the back
- Style the remaining hair as desired (twist out, bun, etc.)
- Secure any loose ends with bobby pins
16. Invisible Locs Bob
This style creates the illusion of a loc’d bob using extensions, offering protection without long-term commitment.
Styling tips:
- Braid natural hair in cornrows as a base
- Crochet or wrap loc extensions around the braids
- Cut and shape the locs into a bob style
- Style with a side part or middle part as desired
17. Pineapple Hairstyle
The pineapple is a simple yet effective protective style, perfect for preserving curl patterns overnight or for a quick daytime look.
Styling tips:
- Flip head upside down and gather hair at the highest point of the head
- Secure loosely with a soft scrunchie or hair tie
- Adjust the “pineapple” to desired height and fullness
- Wrap edges with a silk scarf for added protection
Protective hairstyles are an essential part of any natural hair care routine. These 17 styles offer a range of options to suit different preferences, hair types, and occasions. Remember, while these styles protect your hair, it’s crucial to continue moisturizing and caring for your hair and scalp. Properly installed and maintained protective styles can help you achieve healthier, stronger, and longer natural hair. Experiment with these looks to find your favorites and enjoy the versatility and beauty of your natural hair!