African women are blessed with beautiful, dense hair that can be transformed into breathtaking hairstyles. However, the natural dryness and brittleness of kinky hair require special care. That’s where protective hairstyles for natural hair come in.
Protective hairstyles for natural hair are essential to maintaining healthy, natural hair. These hairstyles are trendy and stylish and serve a protective function for your hair. These styles are trendy and stylish and can help prevent damage caused by environmental factors such as wind and sun exposure.
This article will explore 60 easy yet stunning protective hairstyles for natural hair. These hairstyles not only look fabulous but also aim to limit the stress of environmental factors on your hair.
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What are Protective Hairstyles?
Protective hairstyles are hairdos that shield your natural hair from damage caused by environmental factors, such as heat, friction, and manipulation. They help retain moisture and promote hair growth.
Benefits of Protective Hairstyles
Protective hairstyles offer numerous advantages, which include the following:
Reduced breakage
Protective hairstyles help minimize breakage by keeping the hair secured and protected from external factors that may cause stress on the hair strands. This reduces hair breakage and split ends, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth.
Less tangles
Protective hairstyles keep the hair in place and well-protected. This reduces the chances of tangling that may occur from exposure to wind, rain, and other environmental factors. Your hair remains more manageable and easier to comb through.
Retained moisture
Protective hairstyles help keep your hair moisturised by reducing the evaporation rate. When your hair is tightly woven and covered, it traps moisture that would otherwise evaporate as you go about your daily life. This helps to prevent dryness, which can lead to breakage, split ends, and dull-looking hair.
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Protection from harsh weather conditions
Protective hairstyles can shield your hair from harsh weather conditions like the sun, wind, and rain. These natural elements can damage your hair by drying it out, making it prone to breakage and split ends. Protective hairstyles provide a barrier that can shield your hair from these elements and preserve its health.
What is the Longest-Lasting Protective Style?
If you’re looking for a long-lasting protective style, consider box braids. These versatile braids can last several weeks, providing a stylish and low-maintenance option.
How do I Prepare My Hair for Protective Styles?
Preparing your hair for protective styles is crucial to ensure optimal results and maintain the health of your natural hair. Before diving into your chosen hairstyle, there are a few essential steps to follow in order to properly prepare your hair.
Deep Conditioning
Start by treating your hair to a deep conditioning session. This step helps to hydrate and nourish your hair, improving its overall health and strength.
Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas that may be particularly dry or damaged. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, allowing it to penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense moisture.
Moisturizing
Hydration is key when it comes to natural hair care. Prior to getting a protective hairstyle, make sure your hair is well moisturized. Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to your hair, paying attention to the ends and any dry areas.
This step helps to prevent dryness and breakage during the styling process and throughout the duration of your protective style.
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Detangling
Before styling, it’s important to detangle your hair to minimize any potential damage or breakage. Start by gently finger-detangling your hair to remove any large knots or tangles.
Then, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to carefully work through your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This process helps to prevent excessive pulling or tearing of the hair strands, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable styling experience.
Scalp Care
Pay attention to your scalp health before getting a protective style. Ensure that your scalp is clean and free from any product buildup or excess oils. You can use a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and remove any impurities.
Massaging your scalp with natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut oil, can help promote circulation and nourish the scalp, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth.
Trim Split Ends
If you notice any split ends or damaged hair, it’s advisable to trim them before getting a protective hairstyle. Trimming helps to get rid of any weakened or split strands, preventing further damage and promoting healthier hair growth. Remember to use sharp hair scissors and make clean cuts to avoid causing additional damage to the hair shaft.
60 Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair
Now let’s take a deep look at the amazing protective hairstyle options for you. From flat twist to upswept updo, there are so many options to choose from. Here are the top 60 protective hair options you can try on your next hairdo
Updo with Flat Twists
Create an elegant and versatile hairstyle with an updo featuring flat twists. This protective style combines the beauty of a bun with the intricate detail of flat twists, adding a unique touch to your look. It’s perfect for formal occasions or when you simply want to switch up your everyday style.
Embrace the timeless beauty of classic braids as a protective hairstyle for your natural hair. With this style, you can showcase your hair’s length and texture while protecting it from environmental stressors. Classic braids offer a low-maintenance option that exudes both elegance and simplicity.
Upswept Updo with Twisted Layered Bangs
Elevate your protective hairstyle with an upswept updo featuring twisted, layered bangs. This style adds dimension and interest to your look while providing a secure and protective base. The twisted, layered bangs frame your face and give your hairstyle a modern and fashionable edge.
Headband Flat Twist Updo
Add a stylish twist to your protective hairstyle with a flat headband twist updo. This look combines the functionality of flat twists with the trendy element of a headband. It’s a chic and effortless way to protect your hair while making a bold fashion statement.
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Flat Twisted Updo
Achieve a polished and sophisticated look with a flat twisted updo. This protective style keeps your hair neatly tucked away while showcasing the intricate detail of flat twists. It’s a versatile option that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Pineapple Updo
Embrace a playful and stylish look with a pineapple updo. This protective style gathers your curls into a high and voluminous ponytail at the top of your head, resembling the shape of a pineapple. It’s a fun and carefree option that adds flair to your natural hair while providing protection.
Twisted Protective Style
Opt for twists as a protective hairstyle that not only safeguards your hair but also offers a trendy and fashionable appeal. Twists provide versatility, allowing you to experiment with different lengths and sizes. Whether you prefer chunky twists or smaller ones, this style offers a fantastic way to protect and showcase your natural hair.
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Side-Parted Two Chunky Twists
Add a modern twist to your protective hairstyle with two side-parted chunky twists. This style brings a fresh and edgy look to your natural hair, emphasizing the thickness and volume. The side part adds asymmetry and dimension, giving your hairstyle a unique and eye-catching appeal.
Criss Crossed Cornrows
Rock a bold and intricate look with crisscrossed cornrows as a protective hairstyle. This style features cornrows that intersect and create a striking pattern on your scalp. It’s a statement-making option that not only protects your hair but also showcases the beauty and precision of cornrow braiding.
Twisted Chignon from Flat Twists
Elevate your protective hairstyle with a twisted chignon created from flat twists. This sophisticated updo combines the sleekness of a chignon with the intricate detail of flat twists. It’s a refined and elegant option that exudes grace and style.
Chic Natural Mohawk Updo
Make a bold and fashionable statement with a chic natural Mohawk updo. This protective hairstyle showcases the beauty of your natural hair while providing a trendy and edgy look. The Mohawk shape adds height and volume, creating a stunning silhouette that is sure to turn heads.
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Medium Layered Twists
Flaunt medium-sized layered twists as a protective hairstyle that adds texture and volume to your natural hair. This style offers versatility and dimension, allowing you to experiment with different lengths and layers. It’s a chic and modern option that combines style and protection.
Side Part Updo for Natural Hair
Create an elegant and sleek updo with a stylish side part. This protective hairstyle keeps your hair off your face while maintaining a sophisticated and polished look. The side part adds a touch of asymmetry and interest, making this hairstyle a standout choice.
Asymmetrical Halo Braid with Highlights
Stand out from the crowd with an asymmetrical halo braid featuring highlights. This protective style incorporates a halo braid that wraps around your head asymmetrically, creating a stunning and attention-grabbing look. The highlights add depth and dimension, enhancing the beauty of the braided pattern.
Chunky Mohawk Braid for Natural Hair
Embrace a bold, edgy look with a chunky Mohawk braid as a protective hairstyle. This style combines Mohawk’s fierceness with chunky braids’ thickness and volume. It’s a statement-making option that highlights your unique sense of style.
Twists and Cornrows Updo
Combine twists and cornrows to achieve a unique and eye-catching updo. This protective hairstyle blends the intricacy of cornrows with the texture of twists, resulting in a stunning and textured look. It’s a versatile option that can be customized to suit your preferences and personal style.
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Natural Bun Updo with a Side Twist
Keep it simple yet stunning with a natural bun updo accompanied by a side twist. This protective hairstyle offers a classic, timeless look that keeps your hair protected and stylish. The side twist adds a touch of elegance and detail, elevating the overall aesthetic.
Elegant Flat Twisted Chignon
What is something sleek? Opt for an elegant and sophisticated flat twisted chignon as a protective hairstyle. This updo combines the sleekness of a chignon with the intricate detail of flat twists, creating a refined and polished look. It’s a versatile option that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.
Crown Twist Braid with Chignon
Add regal elegance to your protective hairstyle with a crown twist braid accompanied by a chignon. This style features a braided crown that encircles your head, creating a beautiful and intricate pattern. The chignon at the back adds sophistication and completes the look.
Feminine Center-Parted Braided Updo
Embrace a feminine and romantic look with a centre-parted braided updo. This protective hairstyle combines a centre part with intricate braids that are gathered into an updo. It’s a graceful and charming option that complements any occasion.
Short Natural Twist Updo
Protect your short natural hair with a twist updo. This style allows you to create twists that add texture and interest to your hair while keeping it protected and stylish. It’s a versatile option that is suitable for various hair lengths and can be customized to suit your personal style.
Side Swept Flat Twisted Bun
Create a chic and modern look with a side-swept flat twisted bun. This protective hairstyle features flat twists that are gathered into a bun, with the bun positioned to the side for added interest. It’s a sleek, sophisticated option that adds flair to your natural hair.
Protective Hairstyle with Braids and Curls
Combine braids and curls in a protective hairstyle that showcases the beauty and versatility of your natural hair. This style allows you to incorporate both braided and curly sections, creating a dynamic and textured look. It’s a playful, trendy option that keeps your hair protected and fabulous.
Sleek Natural Hair Braid Style
Opt for a sleek and polished braid style as a protective hairstyle. This look features neatly braided sections that are sleek and shiny, giving your natural hair a sophisticated and refined appearance. It’s a classic and timeless option that works well for various occasions.
Asymmetrical Updo with Chunky Twist Braids
Make a statement with an asymmetrical updo featuring chunky twist braids. This protective hairstyle offers a bold and unique look, with chunky twist braids arranged asymmetrically to create a striking visual effect. It’s a daring choice that adds an element of excitement to your natural hair.
Cornrow Updo With Mini Twist Bangs
Rock a chic and intricate cornrow updo with mini twist bangs. This style combines the precision of cornrows with the versatility of mini twists, resulting in a visually stunning and detailed updo. The mini twist bangs frame your face, adding a touch of playfulness and character.
Two Knotted Braids with Symmetrical Cornrows
Embrace a trendy and fashion-forward look with two knotted braids and symmetrical cornrows. This protective hairstyle combines the uniqueness of knotted braids with the precision of symmetrical cornrows, creating a head-turning and stylish result. It’s a modern and edgy option that allows you to express your individuality.
Tiny Cornrows with Lush Twisted Bun
This style showcases the intricate artistry of tiny cornrows while providing a voluminous and textured bun at the back. It’s a glamorous and sophisticated option that exudes elegance.
Cute Protective Flat Twisted Updo
Achieve a cute and charming look with a protective flat twisted updo. This style combines the functionality of flat twists with the playfulness of an updo, resulting in a delightful and stylish hairstyle. It’s a versatile option that can be adorned with accessories to add a touch of personal flair.
Thin Black Fulani Braids
Embrace the beauty of thin black Fulani braids as a protective hairstyle. This style features intricate braids that are thin and precise, creating a visually captivating and culturally rich look. It’s a stunning and empowering option that celebrates African heritage and showcases the versatility of natural hair.
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FAQs
What is the Best Hairstyle to Prevent Hair Damage?
Protective hairstyles like twists, braids, and cornrows are the best hairstyles to prevent hair damage. These styles protect your hair from environmental factors like the sun and wind, which can cause dryness and brittleness.Â
Which Hairstyle Can Last for 3 Months?
The crochet braid is a protective hairstyle that can last up to three months with proper maintenance. This style requires the use of crochet needles to install hair extensions onto tightly braided hair.Â
Which Hairstyle is Best for Hair Growth?
Low-manipulation hairstyles like twists, braids, and locs are the best hairstyles for hair growth. These styles protect your hair from daily manipulation and breakage, which allows your hair to rest and grow.Â
How Can I Protect My Weak Hair?
To protect weak hair, avoid using heat-styling tools and minimize the use of harsh chemicals. Opt for protective hairstyles that prevent daily manipulation and limit exposure to environmental factors. Regular deep conditioning treatments ensure that your hair is moisturized and properly cared for.Â
Conclusion
Protective hairstyles are a great way to maintain healthy, natural hair while keeping up with the latest fashion trends. With the tips and hairstyles listed above, you can keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy without sacrificing style or convenience.
Remember to always take care of your hair by keeping it moisturized and properly cleaned before installing any protective style.
