We spoke to several natural hair experts for their tips on transitional styles.
Ahead, check out 40 of the best hairstyles to try while transitioning to natural hair.
Hardges is a big fan of wet sets for the transition period.
João Ritter / Unsplash
Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twistsare a versatile protective style for natural hair.
it’s possible for you to twist hair while wet with a curl cream or foam, Hardges explains.
Head Wraps
@ceeceesclosetnyc
Head wraps are both stylish and protective.
@margeeyah / Instagram
To get the look, hair extensions are affixed to cornrows using a crochet loop.
This creates length and volume while allowing the scalp and natural hair room to grow and breathe.
The resulting extensions can be braided, twisted, or formed in faux locs.
@zendaya
The latter actually works tosuit round facesby drawing the eye upward and elongating the face.
Long Faux Locs
@_kaicealea
Faux locsare another transition style that offers up versatility and minimal manipulation.
First, understand the different types of braids: “Box are individual braids that are loose.
@alipearl_hair
To prevent the style from feeling too heavy, try theknotless braiding technique.
Twisted Updo
A pseudo-French twistwith curly ends looks so elegant.
The curls will fall over the forehead, creating a faux bang.
@ceeceesclosetnyc
Buns
Buns,topknots, and chignons are all easy and elegant ways to style transitioning hair.
Marley Twists
@kelliemwagner / Instagram
We know twisted styles come highly recommended as a protective style.
“Marley twistshave braiding extension hair added to the individual twists,” Hardges says.
@justineskye
Adding extensions, as with these super long twists, can help your style last longer.
Be sure to care for your edges while you’re rocking this style.
And as with any braided style, be mindful of how much tension you’re applying to your scalp.
@flawlessbraidss
Ribbon Detail
@noixq_ta
Sweet little details like aribbonor jewels add interest to a braided style.
Unless you’re an expert, this is a look for the styling chair.
Roller Sets
@cinammoncurls / Instagram
Hardges recommendsroller setsas another styling method to reduce heat damage.
@_kaicealea
Short Faux Locs
@jajaa_plz_
Faux locs don’t have to be long.
Here, cornrows lead into a low-slung bun that is a breeze to achieve.
Simply gather your cornrows at the nape of your neck and twist into alow braided bun.
@costtanath
For this reason, she recommends thesilk press.
Flexi-Rod Bun and Bangs
We love a style that adds a spin on a classic.
double-check to use acurl creamto keep coils hydrated and defined.
@narahairbraiding
Mini Twists
@iamkrissylewis
Mini twists can be time-consuming.
However, they can last up to six weeks.
Using the same technique from two-strand twists on smaller, tighter sections will create this look.
@_whitneythestylist / Instagram
you’re able to wash, condition, and trim them.
If your ends are still straight, add a few rollers to the ends.
Jumbo Marley Twists
@bwatuwant
Marley twists are a versatile and low-maintenance protective style featuring two-strand twists.
Getty Images
you might wear them long or short and as thin or thick as you like.
But we can’t get enough of this lengthy jumbo version with whipped baby hairs.
We love these tiny blonde locs on mid-length hair.
@kelliemwagner / Instagram
The varying lengths create dimension and lend shape to the overall look.
Butterfly Locs
This style of crocheted locs has a relaxed, slightly lived-in vibe.
With over 5,000 four-star reviews, the Niseyo Butterfly Locs get our vote.
@ars.directory
Protecting your hair from the inside of your wig is a must.
Curlformers
@madelynneross
Curlformersare another unique, heatless way to create waves.
They give off a slightly undone appearance that’s more boho than standard twists but still easy to maintain.
@noixq_ta
you could get the look with the same steps as two-strand twists, adding extensions.
Silk Press Topknot
A silk press creates an excellent base for any number of transitional styles.
Here, straight locks are piled into a loose topknot with a few curled strands hanging around the face.
*@pearlthestylist_*
Banded Ponytail
@shanicecox
Banded ponytails are such cute and easy protective styles to do at home.
We love this pigtail version with a crown braid.
Headband Wig
Can you believe that this is a wig?
@cinammoncurls / Instagram
The headband wig is one of the easiest, most natural-looking transitional styles that fully protects your hair.
Sensationnel’s Dashly Synthetic Headband Half Wig will keep you looking fly without breaking the bank.
Braided Bantu Knots
Bantu knots can be braided instead of twisted for a more advanced style.
*@jajaa_plz_*
This actually prevents shrinkage and helps to maintain the length.
Three-Strand Braid
Three-strand braids with styled edges are so classic.
Regardless of your braiding skills, you’re free to pull off this simple plait.
@freshlengths / Instagram
Braid-Out
The results of a braid-out can help you meld two textures into one.
Look no further than these gorgeous, voluminous curls as proof.
Transitioning hairstyles can be worn during your natural hair journey.
@silkpress.princess
They consider how to blend two different hair textures (e.g.
relaxed hair and natural hair) together in one style.
@iamkrissylewis
@bwatuwant
@shyinstar / Instagram
@locslovefitnesswithe
@_kaicealea
@alipearl_wig
@madelynneross
@xolovekailyn
@shanicecox
@celmaribas
@curlfriendari
