21 Protective Hairstyles That Are Actually Easy And Super Stylish
From buns to braids, I'm a huuuge fan of protective styles when it comes to caring for natural hair. I'm always curious to find easy ways to give my curls a break from styling, and switch up my hairstyle every now and then.
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Protective styles are a way to protect the ends of your hair to minimize breakage, prevent overmanipulation, and help maintain moisture and healthy hair growth.
So I asked the Black women of the BuzzFeed Community to share their favorite protective styles, and I'm already taking notes. So if you're looking for any protective style inspo, here are some of the top responses:
Note: Not all submissions are from Community users.
1.These crochet box braids that use pre-braided hair to give the look of classic box braids for wayyy less work.
"Crochet box braids for the win each time. Crochet braids in the back. Individuals around the perimeter. Still have the versatility of traditionally styled box braids. I’m done in 2.5 hours. It's my go-to style!"
See how Tupo1 installs her own crochet box braids here:
2.This super-cute low faux bun you can do even if your natural hair is a shorter length. See how Adanna Madueke creates the style here:
3.These mini twists that you can do on your own hair without any hair extensions. Cute, inexpensive, and sooo easy.
"I’ve started doing mini twists on my natural hair, and I LOVE them"
4.And when you're done with the style, you can always rock them as a twist out, like mayahazel did:
"I love doing twists because they look so good when they’re untwisted. It's like two hairstyles in one!!!"
See how The Gloved Natural does her mini twists here:
5.These jumbo twists that can also be done on your own hair (or with extensions). Totally giving majestic vibes!
"This was my first time ever having jumbo twists. I did them myself, and they're my go-to style now."
See how StyledbyKami installs her jumbo twists here:
6.These Bantu knots that make a gorgeous protective style on their own — and can later be taken out for defined curls. See how LaToya Ebony does her Bantu knots here:
7.This halo braid, or crown braid, that is elegant *and* effortless. See how Bri Pile creates the style here:
8.These box braids that are a classic go-to. They're long-lasting, versatile, and can be styled in, like, a thousand ways.
See how Jenise Adriana installs her box braids here:
9.If you've been wanting to finally try wigs as a protective style, see how TheChicNatural installs her wig in this quick, beginner-friendly tutorial:
10.These Senegalese twists that use hair braiding and the two-strand twist method. See how Tupo1 achieves her twists here:
11.These curly crochet braids and other crochet hairstyles which use hair extensions that are looped through your natural hair.
"I love crochet braids! Helps my hair grow so much!"
See how tastePINK installs her curly crochet braids here:
12.This easy, high puff that keeps your hair tucked away and protected in a bun — and you can switch up the style with a faux ponytail. See how ForeverCryssy does her high puff here:
13.All of these fun protective styles — featuring flat twists, puffs, and more — that are perfect for short natural hair. See how Adanna Madueke creates these hairstyles here:
14.These jumbo braids that make a quick and sleek protective style. See how TruleyTalentedBeauty does her braids here:
15.For those who are on their own loc journey, Gvlden showed off her natural locs, and I'm absolutely here for it!!!
"Natural locs 💙."
See how withlovesb styles her locs here:
16.Or, if you want the look of locs without the commitment, faux locs are a popular alternative. See how Msnaturally Mary got her distressed, faux locs here:
17.Ariellej4 showed off this knotless style, a method that can be done on hairstyles like faux locs and box braids.
"Knotless bae."
See how Styledbypk does her knotless method for soft locs here:
18.These Passion Twists, created by Miami stylist Kailyn Rogers (The Boho Babe), that combine the look of goddess locs and Senegalese twists for a coily boho style. See how Mini Marley does her chic, short Passion Twists here:
19.This three-pony braid that's super creative and uses braiding hair for extra length. See how TheChicNatural creates the look here:
20.These classic cornrows that are simple, low-maintenance, and always stylish. See how Tatyana Ali does her cornrows here:
21.And finally, this easy half-up, half-down hairstyle that uses a half wig to achieve the look. See how TruleyTalentedBeauty creates the style here:
Which one's your favorite? Do you have a go-to style that's not on the list? Tell us about your fave protective style — and feel free to share a photo of you rocking it — in the comments below!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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