@yarashahidi

Those withcurlyandcoily hairknow that summer is peak protective style season.

And these days, there are so many ways to put a spin on all types of protective styles.

If you’re in need of some protective style inspo this summer, we’ve got you covered.

Yara Shahidi wearing braids

@yarashahidi

Ahead, we’ve rounded up 20 unique and chic examples of protective styles perfect for the warmer months.

Micro Braid Ponytail

Never worn micro braids?

Solange is making a good case for why you should this summer.

Issa Rae at Spiderman premiere

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Her chic micro braid ponytailcomplete with perfectly swooped edgesis the perfect style for any occasion.

Fulani Braids

Fulani braidsare a fun braided look to sport during the warmer months.

Goddess Braids

Trade in your box braids for knotlessgoddess braids.

Solange Knowles

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The curly pieces add volume and flair to the braided style.

First off, her cornrowbunsare absolutely adorable.

Secondly, the copper extensions added to her hair offer the perfect pop of color.

Rihanna wearing fulani braids

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Kerry Washington enhanced the look by using a subtle two-color hair blend and chic hair accessories.

Here, she shows us how beautiful jumbo twists look when pulled up into a bun.

Decorative Space Buns

Space bunsare a fun and playful hairdo, making them perfect for summer.

Gabrielle Union wearing goddess braids at 2023 met gala

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Cornrow Ponytail

Cornrow ponytails are a timeless protective style.

They’re an especially great summer vacation style because they require minimal effort to maintain.

Just smooth away any flyaways and frizz using a mousse or lightweight gel.

Tessa Thompson attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

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Faux Locs

Keke Palmer’s fiery red faux locs are definitely worth recreating this summer.

Add a fun touch to the look by leaving the ends curly.

Half-Up, Half-Down Braids

Leave it toTracee Ellis Rossto deliver an unexpected take on braids.

Kerry Washington

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Here, the actress created a simple yet sophisticated half-up, half-down look with braids.

The look features two braids up top and one on the bottom.

Passion Twists

Essentially,passion twistsmerge the beauty of goddess locs and Senegalese twists.

Alicia Keys

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It’s the perfect carefree style for all of your summer plans.

Bows and Bangs

There are so many ways to style faux locs.

Braided Bob

For those with short hair, abraided bobis a must-try summer look.

Singer Tems wearing two space buns

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Don’t forget to accessorize the blunt ends with chic hair charms.

Classic Cornrows

you’re free to never go wrong with classic cornrows.

Here,Storm Reidopted for five braids going straight down her back.

Arianna Jaffier attends the ‘Downtown Owl’ Tribeca Festival Premiere After Party

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Bow Braids

These ponytails are far from simple.

Janelle Monae accessorized her two large braids with bows made from extensions, hair gems, and broaches.

Long Braided Ponytail

Looking for a statement-making style?

Keke palmer wearing red faux locs

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Consider a cascading braided ponytail.

After you take the twists out, you’ll be left with a chic, textured bob.

Then attach the ponytail to the bun, and voila!

Tracee Ellis Ross arrives at the Fashion Trust US Awards

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A protective style that is both easy and incredibly chic.

Blonde Low Bun

Michael Stewart/Getty Images

The best thing about braids?

you could even add in a bit of blonde braiding hair for extra dimension.

Quinta Brunson attends The Hollywood Reporter 2nd Annual “Raising Our Voices” event

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Try out Danielle Fishback’s jumbo fishtail braids.

And if you don’t know how to do a fishtail braid, check out ourtutorial.

Kiersey Clemons’s updated Rachel cut (complete with coppery red microbraids) is the perfect update.

Skai Jackson attends a limited edition capsule presentation by Rodarte

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Knotless braids, twists, as well as loose buns and ponytails are all great options.

Yara Shahidi attends the 39th annual PaleyFest LA - “black-ish” at Dolby Theatre

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Lupita Nyong’o, attends the 2022 EBONY Power 100

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Marsai Martin

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Storm Reid wearing cornrows

Janelle Monae wearing braided ponytails

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Zendaya wearing Large Knotless Braids

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Long Braided Ponytail on Beyonce

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Lupita Nyong’o wearing a short twists hairstyle

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Halle Bailey wearing goddess locs

Gilbert Flores/ Billboard via Getty Images

Gabrielle Union wearing curly high ponytail

River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images

Zoe Kravitz wearing blonde braids in a low bun

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Storm Reid wearing extra long cornrows

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Dominique Fishback wearing jumbo fishtail braids

Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images

Kiersey Clemons wearing layered microbraids