Taking care of your natural hair and keeping it healthy and beautiful can be a great experience. One way to do this is by using protective hairstyles. These hairstyles are meant to protect your hair from damage caused by the environment and help prevent it from breaking.
They not only keep your hair safe, but also give you different styling options to show off your personal taste while helping your hair grow and stay strong. From simple braids and twists to fancy buns and updos, there are many styles to choose from that work with different hair types and lengths.
In this article, we will talk about the 12 best protective hairstyles for natural hair that are chosen for their ability to protect and enhance your hair’s natural beauty. Whether you want a simple everyday look or a fancy style for a special event, these hairstyles will help keep your natural hair looking great.
The 12 Best Protective Hairstyles For Natural Hair
Certain hairstyles help keep natural hair healthy and looking good. Here are 12 great styles that can protect and improve your natural hair, while also giving you different options and a stylish look.
1. Long Box Braids
Long box braids are a classic hairstyle that can make your hair longer and give you different styling options. They are easy to take care of and can stay in for a long time, which is great for busy people. You can wear box braids in different styles like buns or ponytails, and they protect your hair from getting damaged.
The weight of the braids can also help your hair grow and prevent damage. By taking good care of your braids, like keeping them moisturized and handling them gently, they can be a fashionable and protective choice for your natural hair.
2. Braided Blonde Bob
The braided blonde bob combines a stylish bob haircut with the protective benefits of braids. It’s great for those who want shorter, easier to manage hair with a pop of color. The blonde braids give a modern touch to the classic bob, keeping your hair stylish and safe.
You can wear this hairstyle straight or with a slight wave for more texture. The braided bob saves time on styling and protects your hair from damage. To keep it looking good, make sure to keep your scalp moisturized and avoid pulling too tightly.
3. Marley Twists
Marley twists are a kind of hair extension that looks like natural hair. They add volume and are good for protecting your hair. Marley twists can be styled in many ways and blend well with your real hair. They make it easy to keep your scalp clean and moisturized. With the right care, Marley twists can last for weeks.
4. Low Puff
The low puff is a simple and pretty way to protect your hair by keeping it away from your face. You just gather your hair into a low ponytail and puff it out for a stylish look. It’s easy to do and great for everyday wear when you want a break from more complicated hairstyles.
This style works well on different types of hair, whether it’s stretched or shrunken. To keep your low puff looking good, make sure to moisturize your hair regularly and gently detangle it to prevent damage. You can also add a scarf and headband to make it look even better and show off your personal style.
5. Stitched Cornrows
Stitched cornrows are a neat and tight braid style that protects hair and looks polished. They can be worn alone or with other styles like buns or ponytails. These braids help hair grow healthy by reducing manipulation and tension.
With care, stitched cornrows can last for weeks. They are also good for other styles like wigs or crochet braids, making them versatile for natural hair care.
6. Twisted High Pony
The twisted high ponytail is a stylish hairstyle that combines twists and a ponytail. It involves twisting sections of hair and putting them into a high ponytail. This hairstyle is great for keeping your hair in place and looking fashionable.
You can use natural hair or extensions to make it longer and thicker. It’s important to keep your hair moisturized and handle it gently to prevent damage. You can also add hair accessories like hair cuffs or ribbons to make it more personal.
7. Flat Twisted Updo
The flat twisted updo is a fancy way to style your hair by twisting it flat against your head and putting it up. It’s great for special events and keeps your hair safe. You can add beads or hairpins to make it look even better. This style helps your hair grow healthy by reducing how much you touch it.
It’s important to keep your hair moisturized and handle it gently to keep the twists looking good and prevent damage. With the right care, you can wear this style for a few weeks, making it a convenient and stylish choice for natural hair.
8. Braided Top Knot
The braided top knot is a simple hairstyle that combines a top knot with braids to protect your hair. This style involves braiding your hair and putting it into a high bun, creating a practical and stylish look. The braided top knot keeps your hair safe and secure, making it great for active lifestyles.
You can use natural hair or extensions to add length and volume. It’s important to keep your hair moisturized and handle it gently to prevent damage. You can also add hair accessories like hair cuffs or ribbons to personalize your look.
9. Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists are a popular hairstyle that uses fake hair to make long, sleek twists. They are light and flexible, so you can style them in different ways. These twists protect your real hair and can stay in for a few weeks, which is convenient. They look smooth and classy.
To keep them looking good and avoid damage, you need to moisturize them regularly and handle them gently. You can wear Senegalese twists in different ways, like in a bun or ponytail, or just loose. They are a good choice for taking care of natural hair.
10. Low Bun
The low bun is a traditional and elegant protective style that involves gathering the hair into a bun at the nape of the neck. This style is great for formal occasions and provides a polished, sophisticated look. The low bun is easy to achieve and helps protect the hair from environmental damage.
Regular moisturizing and gentle handling are essential to maintain the bun and prevent breakage. The low bun can be adorned with accessories, such as hairpins or ribbons, to add a touch of personal style. This style can be worn for several days with proper maintenance, making it a convenient and stylish option for natural hair care.
11. Effortless Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a traditional hairstyle that twists small sections of hair into knots. They are both fun and protect hair, giving a unique look. You can wear bantu knots as a style or undo them for pretty curls.
Keeping hair moisturized and handling it gently helps prevent damage. You can add accessories like beads or hairpins for a personal touch. With care, bantu knots can last for days, making them a convenient choice for natural hair care.
12. Floral Box Braids
Floral box braids are a fun and stylish twist on classic box braids. They include adding flower accessories to the braids for a unique and pretty look. These braids are great for events and parties, adding a touch of charm and style.
To keep the braids in good shape, it’s important to moisturize and handle them gently. You can switch out the flower accessories to match your outfits. With proper care, you can wear floral box braids for a few weeks, keeping your hair looking trendy and beautiful.
These hairstyles protect your natural hair and give you many stylish options for different occasions. Using these styles in your hair care routine helps keep your hair healthy and beautiful, while also allowing you to be versatile and creative.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it interesting.
Read More: 15 Low-Maintenance Hairstyles That Stay Nice All Day Long
