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Protective styles are widely beloved for many reasons.
Aside from their usefulness in maintaining overall hair health, there are so many protective styles to choose from.
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you’re free to braid your natural hair or opt for extensions.
To achieve the look, start by portioning out the hair into the desired-sized sections.
Braid from front to back, feeding more hair into the braid as you go.
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Historically, synthetic braiding hair, like Kanekalon, has been used to achieve the look.
However, there are now plant-based hair options like Rebundle.
Knotless Braids
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Knotless braidsdiffer from regular box braids.
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As the name suggests, they don’t use a knot at the scalp to attach the extension.
“[These] braids feature cornrows in the front with a center part,” Ashley explains.
“Then, [you install] box braids in the back.”
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Start by parting your hair down the center and dividing it into two sections.
Then, brush your hair up into two high pigtails and secure it with elastics.
Braid each side and add extensions if you want more length.
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“[The style] combines both braids and curls,” Sims says.
For this look, Sims recommends using synthetic hair to achieve French curls at the ends.
“A hydrating shampoo will help lock the moisture in your clean scalp.
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Using a rat-tail comb will help simplify parting your hair before twisting.
Once twisted, keep your flat twists nourished by moisturizing every couple of days before bed.”
“Marley twists are often compared toHavana twists.
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However, Marley twists tend to be thinner in size and more affordable.
Marley hair is typically recommended for this style for its coarse, textured nature.”
Two-Strand Twists
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Two-strand twistswork best onnatural hair.
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This style can last for weeks and requires minimal touch-ups.
To achieve the look, portion your hair into sections of the desired thickness.
Divide each section in half and twist both pieces around each other from root to end.
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Extensions can be added to enhance volume and length or create more complicated styles.
“After a few days, your twists may begin to feel dry,” Sango says.
“Simply spritz each of your twists with a small amount of water.
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This will reawaken the existing products in your hair.
If you feel that your hair needs more product, add accordingly.”
Passion Twists
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Passion twistsare essentially a curlier version of two-strand twists.
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“The protective gives you a bohemian look that’s natural-looking and easy to maintain,” Sims says.
“This hairstyle will look best with hair extensions with a looser wave or corkscrew curl pattern.”
Then, braid each section in a simple three-strand braid.
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Once all the sections have been braided, grab your pre-made faux locs and your crochet tool.
Use the crochet tool to hook the locs onto the root and weave the braid into the extensions.
To finish, roll the locs between your lightly gel-coated palms to secure the ends.
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Goddess Locs
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Goddess locsare another version of faux locs.
This look closely resembles regular locs but has curly extensions weaved in as well.
For the wavy or curly pieces, it’s best to use human hair for easier maintenance.
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“see to it you prep your hair with hydration,” Ashley says.
“This will ensure your hair is properly moisturized before [installing] the style.”
Begin with freshly cleansed, conditioned, and dried strands.
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Next, section the hair into manageable portions.
Take the first section and create a twist from the roots to the ends.
Then, wind the twisted strand up into the knot and tuck the end under.
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Continue until you’ve knotted all the sections.
To achieve this look, it’s important to prep your hair properly.
Once you dry your hair, choose your part.
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Ensure yourbaby hairsstay sleek with edge-control products.
Abraided bunwith smoothed edges is perfect, especially for formal occasions.
As an alternative, we love this super cute double-puff style.
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This look gives your hair a break from braids and twists but is equally chic.
Slick the hair at the crown of your head down with gel.
Pull the rest of your hair into two high pigtails.
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you might achieve this look with your natural hair or opt for a braided bun, as seen above.
To get the look, brush clean hair back into a high ponytail, using gel to tame flyaways.
Then, attach extensions at the base of the ponytail if using.
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Place elastics at intervals down the length of the ponytail.
Slicked-Back ‘Dos
Slicked-back hairstylesare a trendy, go-to look for many.
The simple, sleek style can easily be achieved with a brush and gel.
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While it’s mostly done with buns, a slicked-back, curly ponytail works wonders, too.
Flexi Rods
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Aflexi rodset can help you achieve defined, bouncy curls.
When prepping your hair, you’ll want to apply products with hold, such as balms.
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“Apply a small amount to damp hair and wrap your section around the rod,” Ashley says.
“Remember, your rod size will determine the result.
The smaller the rod, the tighter the curl.
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The bigger the rod, the looser the curl.”
“It’s best to sit under a hooded dryer for at least two hours,” she notes.
Braided Crown
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Crown braidsare a gorgeous protective style.
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To create them, you’ll want to create two equal-sized braids and crisscross them onto each other.
Then, secure them in place with bobby pins.
If you opt for the latter, start by slicking your hair back into a very sleek ponytail.
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All you need is a comb, gel, and bobby pins.
Start with clean, dry curls.
Brush them back tight against the head, securing them with combs for the mohawk shape.
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Add bobby pins to secure and complete by applying gel to your edges for a slick, long-lasting finish.
If your hair is braided completely beneath it, it’s not subject to daily wear and tear.
However, tomaintain hair health, it’s important to care for thehair beneath the weaveby utilizing hydrating products.
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“Then, sit under a hood dryer or diffuse hair until the roots are completely dry.”
Wigs
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Wigscontinue to be a popular protective style for several reasons.
“The best part ofwearing wigsis the versatility,” Ashley points out.
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you might opt for different colors and lengths without compromising your hair.
It’s a great option for when you want to take a break from styling your hair."
There are so many stylish options to choose frombrands likeInsertNameHereoffer endless varieties.
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These can also be used to protect your style further.
“Try not to sleep on cotton or without tying your hair up at night.”
Then condition, moisturize, and dry before putting your hair in a protective style.
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