Protective styling is the ultimate way of preserving the health of natural hair. Continuously wearing your hair out and manipulating it will eventually lead to inevitable wear and tear. It is crucial to occasionally give your natural hair a break and put it in a protective style. Protective styles should be gentle and tension-free on the hair to keep the hair strands and scalp healthy. Protective styles keep the ends moisturised and protected from dryness, single strand knots, or split ends.
Below are cute, quick, and easy protective styles that will retain moisture and length and promote the growth of your natural hair.
1. Two Strand Twists
Probably the easiest protective style. Whether it is mini, medium, or jumbo twists, they are easily created by roping two sections of hair around each other to create a twist. Two strand twists are very gentle on the hair and keep the ends well protected. They are extremely versatile when it comes to styling them.
Photo via @kimberlycherrell
2. Flat Twists
An easy protective style that is becoming very popular amongst naturals because it is so simple to do by yourself. If you are the unfortunate who do not know how to cornrow, flat twists are for you. They are a modified cornrow using twists. Cute, stylish, and takes minutes to create whilst keeping strands moisturized throughout.
Photo via @neffyfrofro
3. Cornrows
Who doesn’t love cornrows? By simply plaiting the hair in strips in multiple uniform patterns on the scalp. You can choose the thickness of each cornrow depending on your preference. One of the best protective styles to keep the hair hydrated and retain length.
Photo via @ravishing_tresses
4. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots have become a mainstream protective style over the years. It is a stylish and sassy look gaining popularity as an everyday protective style that will keep the curls well hydrated throughout its wear. Easily achieved by sectioning the hair by either twirling, two strands twist or braiding the hair, and finally wrapping the section around itself to form beautiful spiraled knots.
Photo via @damnthatschev
5. Braided Bun
It is an easy classic style that takes minutes to create, resulting in a gorgeous protective style that can be worn on any occasion. Braided buns help accentuate your facial features with your hair tucked away up in a bun.
Photo via @naturally_sarsil
6. Halo Braid
A beautiful protective style that radiates elegance. A popular and easy style that can be worn by anyone. The halo name is derived from the noticeable braid effect that stands out with this style. It is achieved by plaiting the hair in a chunky braid around the perimeter of the head.
Photo via @adannamadueke
7. Head Wrap
Yes, tucking away the hair in a headscarf is the easiest and most efficient way to protect your hair. The natural hair remains soft, moisturized, and shiny as it is kept hidden under the scarf. Wrapping the hair in a scarf does not have to be boring. There are dozens of ways to quickly and elegantly wrap the hair.
Photo via @jchenise
Protective styling is important to implement in your healthy hair care routine for your hair to thrive. So have a try on one of these cute, quick, easy protective styles we’ve recommended.