30 Stunning Protective Hairstyles For Black Women
Protective hairstyles are like guards in protecting afro hair from breakage. They are the best when it comes to preserving hair length, and the Black community can't be more than grateful.
From Locs to braids and weaves, these hairstyles keep black women's hair safe from the excess heat of summer, manipulation, and chemicals, making them part of the hair care routine.
Whether you want to grow your hair, protect it, or prevent breakage, protective hairstyles are the answer. We've gathered 30 best protective hairstyles for black women, and you don't want to miss out on any. Check them out below.
Table of Contents
1. Cornrows
Cornrows are easy to make. They are well-known for their simplicity and versatility. The cornrow hairstyle can protect your hair while looking fashionable at the same time.
Divide your hair into different sections. You can portion it to your desired size. Start braiding from the front to the back. Once you're done, add a moisturizer to your scalp and gel to your hairline. That's it! The style is simple. Plus, you can add extensions to your cornrows or braid only your natural hair.
2. Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are fashionable and timeless. The braids are unlike the traditional ones that have knots at their roots. These knotless ones look more natural and feel light as they are created without adding extensions at the roots. That means there's less tension on your scalp as well.
3. Faux Locs
Achieve temporary dreadlocks with faux locs. With your hair in between the locs, your hair is protected.
You can install this on natural or relaxed hair so don't be bothered with that.
There are different methods you can use to install it. The first would be installing the locs on cornrows. Another is to divide your hair into sections and braid using the three-strand method. Then, install it to your roots and weave it into your natural hair.
4. Side Swept Braids
The side-swept braids are a natural-looking protective hairstyle. They use the feed-in technique, which makes them appear chic and elegant, like natural hair.
5. Flat Twists
The flat twists are twisted on the scalp. They are stylish and a good option to protect your natural hair. If you have relaxed hair, you can wear this style as well. It's versatile, easy to achieve, and does not need a lot of products to maintain. With your moisturizer, your twists can stay nourished, lasting up to a week.
6. Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are a unique braiding style that features cornrows with a center part at the front and braids at the back. The hairstyle is usually accessorized with beads, making it more stylish.
7. Jumbo Twists
Want something more fashionable? Try the jumbo twists. This protective hairstyle is big, bold, and beautiful. The twists are large, but they follow the two-strand technique. To achieve the size of the jumbo twists, you should use jumbo braiding hair extensions when braiding. They'll look fabulous if you do.
8. Protective Wig
Keep your hair protected with wigs. They offer you a fun, versatile, and easy way to protect your hair without doing a lot. First, braid your natural hair flat. Then, install the wig of your choice. There are many types of glueless wigs you can just install the wig without glue, like pre everything wigs, glueless 360 lace wigs, headband wigs, bang wigs, etc.
9. Low Bun
Here's a stylish way to wear your cornrows without making it look too casual- wrap it to form a low bun. The low bun can be a simple and chic way to elevate your style. To achieve the bun, use some hair extensions or your natural hair if it's long.
10. Box Braids
The box braids are a versatile styling option for black women. They are a popular protective hairstyle characterized by their box parting. You can wear this at different lengths and accessorize it with beads or rings. Remember that box parting is fundamental to this hairstyle. So, when you begin to style, make sure it's pared in squares.
11. Goddess Braids
A protective and go-to hairstyle you can wear this season is the goddess braids. These braids are usually referred to as box braids with with curly strands added to hair's mids or ends, resulting in a bohemian style.
12. Mohawk with Cornrows
Create a Mohawk with cornrows for a protective and unique style. Unlike the traditional mohawk, this hairstyle allows you to wear cornrows that meet at the top of your head. You can add colorful extensions to spice it up further.
13. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are one of the most popular protective hairstyles out there. The knots preserve your hair, prevent it from breakage, and maintain your hair's moisture. People create this hairstyle by either twisting, rolling, or braiding their hair. Divide your hair into sections and braid before wrapping it to form a knot. If you love to achieve full bantu knots, add extensions to your natural hair.
14. French Curl Braids
15. Marley Twists
The Marley twists, named after the reggae singer Bob Marley, are versatile and low-maintenance. They give a gorgeous look while keeping your natural hair hidden. If you're wondering how they should look, they should look textured and coarse.
16. Goddess Locs
Similar to faux locs, goddess locs are weaved or crocheted on cornrows. They offer your natural hair protection, keeping it safe. These locs can last months with the proper care and are very flexible. What differentiates the goddess locs from faux locs is its curly ends. You'll notice those curls from a distance, making the style unique on its own.
17. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids offer extra length and volume while protecting your natural hair from breakage and damage. The braids are attached to your hair using a crochet tool, giving you a realistic and beautiful look. You can install them quickly and style them in different ways.
18. Pigtail Braids
Pigtail braids are an easy way to protect your hair. They require little time to create and, if braided well, can last a few days.
Divide your hair into two sections and comb each section well. Put each part in a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Now, add extensions to the ponytails and braid them until you reach the ends. (You can keep adding extensions until you reach your desired length.)
19. Natural Twisted Updo
This natural twisted updo is a protective yet elegant hairstyle. It is lovely, keeps your tresses safe from damage, and makes you look amazing. Because it has beautiful twists, you can wear it for a long time and enjoy it.
20. Jumbo Braids
Like the jumbo twists, jumbo braids are gorgeous, lengthy, and big-sized. They are versatile, allowing you to express your creativity. To achieve this hairstyle, start by sectioning your hair into different parts. Then, braid each part using a lot of extensions.
21. Mini Braids with Natural Hair
Mini braids are easy, natural, and protective. They keep your hair safe while giving you a stylish hairstyle. You can have them for up to three weeks, but be sure to apply hair care products to maintain them and keep them shining.
22. Senegalese Twists
Also known as rope twists, Senegalese twists are an excellent protective hairstyle choice. The hairstyle can be created in different lengths and styled in numerous ways. If you'll be styling this, use smooth braiding hair.
23. Butterfly Locs
Look extra chic with butterfly locs. These locs are an effortless version of faux locs and can make you slay. They offer volume and dimension. But what makes them stand out the most are the varying lengths of the strands and freestyle look.
24. Two-strand twists for Short Hair
Natural hair girlies will thank us for this later! Try wearing two-strand twists for short hair to protect your hair from damage (that's if you have short hair). The hairstyle uses twisting to create a fantastic style that lasts for weeks. After styling, use moisturizing oil and water. You'll see your two-strand twists get finer as days go by.
25. Feed-in Braids
This cornrow braiding style gives you a natural look by gradually extending the size of your hair. It also allows you to start braiding with your natural hair and add extensions while braiding.
26. Stitch Braids
Stitch braids are a fun way to protect your natural hair. While they resemble normal cornrows, they are made using a different technique called stitch-in-braiding. Once you begin to style, you should see clean lines throughout.
27. Passion Twists
This protective style gives you a curlier version of the two-strand twists and looks breathtaking if you ask us. You won't have to do much with this hairstyle. It only needs a little touch every day, and you are good. Use hair extensions with looser waves to get the best version of this hairstyle.
28. Weaves
Weaves are a great protective hairstyle. They can preserve your hair and keep it from damaging. However, you must care for your hair beneath it. Take a day to wash, moisturize, and dry your hair properly.
29. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids are another protective hairstyle with intricate and beautiful partings. It uses the feed-in technique (the extensions are added to the cornrows while the hair is being plaited), making it very appealing.
30. Braided Ponytail
Section your hair into four parts. Divide a section further into smaller parts and begin braiding upwards to the crown of your head. Braid all four parts and sleek your edges with gel. You can wear this hairstyle for weeks.
And that's the 30 best protective hairstyles you can wear as a black woman. Know that when you have a protective hairstyle on, it's essential that you care for it. Take time to moisturize, oil, and refresh it.
Leave a comment