15 BEST PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES FOR NATURAL HAIR 2024

Afro textured hair comes in different curl types and regardless of your hair type, your hair needs protecting in order to grow and retain length. The most tried and tested way to grow and retain hair length is by choosing hairstyles that keep your hair tucked in, protected from the elements, and styles that requires less manipulation and heat. Hairstyles that can make these achievable are called PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES.

Here’s a list of our 15 best protective hairstyles for your natural hair that are stylish, beautiful and fun to recreate

1. Classic Box Braids:

Box braids are a great and fun way to take a break from heated styling and change up your look. They allow you to get creative with colours and styles.

2. Bantu knots:

The Zulu people of southern Africa originated Bantu knots, a hairstyle where the hair is sectioned off, twisted, and wrapped in a such a way that the hair stacks upon itself to form a spiralled knot.  A fun and interesting part about bantu knots is that they give off curls after they’re let loose. You’re left with thick and bouncy spring curls, depending on your hair type and we definitely love to see!

3. Faux locs:

Locs but without the long term commitment. Think of any hairstyle that looks better as it ages- faux locs. It can be fixed by cornrowing your hair first and crocheting the locs onto the cornrows, tucking your hair into the locs using individual crochet method or wrapping your hair with faux loc extensions.

4. Twists:

Braids but make it twists. These are one of the quickest protective hairstyles that can be made..

5. Crochet Braids:

Pre-braided or twisted crochet are really great protective styles. They save you a lot of time when installing.

6. Wigs:

You can have your hairstyle switched up in several ways, thanks to wigs. Wigs give you the opportunity to play with different textures, colours and silhouettes.

7. Knotless braids:

For sensitive scalps, knotless braids are great options. The braids put less tension on your scalp and edges while made into box braids.

8. Fulani Braids:

These tribal West African cornrow braids are so versatile and stylish. Beads and metallic hair cuffs are the best hair accessories for the look. For a little twist and creativity, add some curly crochet braids and you won’t want to take it off.

SHOP CURLY CROCHET BRAIDS

9. Curly Crochet Braids:

Crochet braids are perfect protective hairstyles that are low cost, low maintenance and super easy to install and take down.

10. Cornrows:

Cornrows are one of the most protective and low-maintenance hairstyles you can try for relaxed hair. Cornrow style ideas are limitless and deserve an entire blog post.

11. Flat Twists:

Flat twist is a combination of two-strand twists and cornrows in one hairstyle. It’s a simple hairstyle that is easy to create and take down.

12. Natural Hair Cornrows:

Cornrows but without adding hair extensions.

13. Marley Twists:

These twists are created using Marley hair extensions. They are unique and fluffy twists that have a textured natural look.

14. Pineapple:

The pineapple hairstyle is a great way to stretch your hair at night. It can both be worn to bed as a protective style or worn out on a lazy day.

15. Passion Twists:

These unique  2 strand twists have different ways to install them. You can either braid your hair with curly extensions or fix pre-twisted crochet passion twists, either way you get a really cute hairstyle.

Written By

Tatyana Effa