51 Protective Hairstyles For Natural Hair
Sahiba Tandon
Updated At 16 Jul 24
Do you want to protect your natural hair from everyday manipulation? Then you are in the right place. Following are the best protective hairstyles for natural hair that any hair type can wear!
51 Best Protective Hairstyles For Natural Hair
1. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are not only chic but also easy to do and maintain. They can transform your look while being a beautiful protective hairdo that looks modern while being a traditional hairstyle of Africa!
2. Stitch Braids
Stitch braids are among the top protective hairstyles for natural hair that are as stunning as they are neat. They are called stitch braids because they are made very close to the scalp and project an image of stitches!
3. Butterfly Locs
The butterfly loc hair uses pre-looped hair that resembles butterfly wings! It is fair to say they provide a unique vibe with their textured effect.
4. Karoba Braids
Want to maintain curl definition for your hair? Why not try a beautiful type of cornrow braid, i.e., Karoba braids? Experiment a bit with this edgy style that incorporates a neat pattern!
5. Halo Braid
With most of the tresses tucked away with pins, you might project a straight hair image with the halo braid, so if you are looking for a protective hairstyle that looks sleek, this is the hairdo for you!
6. Bohemian Braids
A stunning combination of box braids and waves, these braids, just like their name, give you a boho-chic appearance. The extensions used provide a beautiful texture and are low-maintenance as well.
7. Flat Twist+Braid
Why go with only one protective hairstyle when you can obtain a versatile look by combining two? Yes, by flat twisting some of the hair while braiding the rest, you can go for a creative take on your hair!
8. Mini Twists
Mini sections of hair are braided together for this hairdo on your locs, which results in tightly textured tresses!
Nick Justin Kersten, an experienced hair stylist and founder of Nick Hair Studio, recommends how to make tight curls for hairstyles such as mini twists:
“To create this beautiful hair, it is important to use moisturizing products.”
9. Island Twists
Island twists add a relaxed, bohemian twist by following a rope-like design. Both short and long hairstyles can carry this style flawlessly!
10. Stitched-Cornrows With Fluffy-Braids
Cornrows alone can make your hair look sleek but if you want to project a more voluminous image, then consider adding fluffy braids as well to the look for texture and volume.
11. Cornrows
Cornrows is a classic protective hairstyle for both men and women. The hair is braided very closely to the scalp and forms a “row”, that's how they got their name!
12. Goddess Braids
Goddess braids can be termed larger cornrows. The tresses flow in a regal pattern in this look, which gives it a dramatic appearance! Following, Geneva Fowler, an experienced Los Angeles-based hairstylist, recommends how to make the installation of Goddess braids easier:
"Following your conditioning treatment, I recommend blow-drying your hair straight to make installing the goddess braids easier for your braider.”
13. Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and a super versatile option that are similar to two-strand twists but offer more volume and last longer.
14. Crochet Hair
There are many types of crochet hair—straight, curly, or wavy—that you can choose to serve as your next protective hairdo! Many choices can be made as per your preference, hair type, and texture.
15. Knotless Twists With Boho Curls
If you want to do something unique, then try combining these tight twist styles with a modern curl hairstyle, i.e., the boho curls. This can be among the best protective hairstyles for long hair, as it shows creativity!
16. Boho Knotless Braids
There are many benefits to this stylish style; it frees you from feeling discomfort on your scalp, adds to hair growth, and, of course, protects your hair!
17. Sew-In Extensions
Sew-in extensions are a way to add extra length and volume to any hair type. This style features the use of threads and wefts (strips) on natural hair.
Jamika Wilson, a celebrity hairstylist, considers extensions a useful addition to hair! She quotes:
"Using extensions allows women to be creative, experiment with lengths, and change any look as they choose... They're a great hair accessory.”
18. Boho Braids
Looking for the latest in-trend protective hairstyles for natural hair? Try boho braids. These types of braids will look amazing on most hair types, whether long or short.
19. Invisible Locs
Invisible locs are secured tightly and meticulously crafted. This makes them ideal for a protective hairstyle that gives a refined look too.
20. Jumbo Twists
Jumbo twists, like their name suggests, are big and chunky. They are bold and often use large extensions as well for volume. The best thing about them? They take a lot less time than other twists.
21. Kinky Twists
Kinky twists are classy and chic at the same time! This style is an iconic choice, especially curly or coily, as it shows your natural hair without doing much work!
22. Havana Locs
Havana locs are thick dreadlocks that are most commonly created with marley hair. Even though they are a type of dreadlock, they have a softer image and texture than most!
Adachi Sanders, founder of Ankh Hair Co., quotes:
"Havana twists are natural fiber twist extensions worn as a protective natural hair style.”
23. Fulani Bob
A bob made with Fulani braids will give a nice twist to the classic hairstyle that will be easier to care for in day-to-day life while safeguarding your hair from environmental factors!!
24. Juicy Twists
Do you know what can make protective hairstyles for natural hair better? Low manipulation of the hair! This feature can be seen when you go with big, juicy twists like these on your hair!
24. Tuck and Roll
This is a different type of updo that can be secured in as many ways as you please. This hairdo is especially popular to be worn at formal events because of its timeless appeal!
25. Jumbo Knotless With Curly Ends
Protective hairstyles for long hair can be a great canvas to try different techniques! Just like we see here, the combination of curly ends with knotless braids adds a modern touch that's easy to maintain.
26. Front Braids
Haven't got time to do a twist, braid out, or get extensions? Turn towards the front braids! They can be made with just the front of your tresses and leave the rest of the hair as is for a dual look!
27. Faux Locs
Faux locs are a nice option for gals who want to try something unique every now and then. Since you'll be using faux hair, your real hair will be protected as well!
28. Baby Twists
Baby twists, similar to micro twists, are created using small sections of hair on different strands. They are not only protective but can be carried for days and days!
29. Turban Headwrap Style
The accessory addition of a turban head wrap can make your entire outfit shine! There are many ways to style this look according to your mood and hair length!
30. Braid-Out
An effortlessly chic and rather easy braid-out is a simpler hairstyle that gives a wave-like look to any hair type. This protective look doesn't require much or any extensions.
31. Twist-Out
Turn to the classic twist-out for a carefree and comfortable hairstyle option. They can be made easily by twisting sections of your damp hair!
32. ‘90s-Inspired Passion Twist
Get inspiration from the 1990s and make Chucky passion twists with different sections that make a dramatic and bold statement!
33. Box Braids Ponytail
These neat square-section braids look ultra modern so why not switch things up and go for a stylish ponytail with the classic box braids?
34. Headband Look
You might have seen many time-consuming protective hairstyles for curly hair, but did you try the easy way of using a silk headband? Not only does this style save you lots of time but it also adds a fun vibe to the attire as well!
35. Finger Coils
Finger coils, just like their name suggests, can be created with just your fingers. This technique is a classic and gives you springy curls that are especially useful when you are looking for short protective hairstyles.
36. Short-Afro
For easy protective hairstyles for short hair, go put on the most easiest and classic look of all—the short afro! With easy maintenance and versatility, this can be the ideal look for you!
37. Braided Beads Style
Hair-protective hairstyles for both curly, wavy, or even striaght hair can be enhanced with the use of some beautiful hair beads!
38. Marley Twist
Marley Twists, inspired by Bob Marley, are big and dramatic! Try adding a part for this style; it will help add volume and depth to your look!
38. Fulani Braids
Fulani braids as protective hairstyles for curly hair are amazing, as they will make a beautiful statement look without even requiring you to spend time creating them!
39. Soft Locs
For an easier and less intense loc style, try these soft locs! They are not as tight and even take less time than other popular protective hairstyles.
40. Space Buns
These buns are super cute and give off a youthful look! For perfect space buns, your hair would be sectioned equally to each side but you can always go with a off-center look as well for an edgier look!
41. Twists With Braids
When you truly want a protective hairstyle that can safeguard your hair while making you look on point, what would be better than combining two of the most popular styles, twists and braids?
42. Large Passion Twists
These twists can be thicker than their counterparts. This is what differentiates them and they are even called chunky twists because they project a voluminous image!
43. Bohemian Knotless Braids
Bohemian knotless braids combine two of the most popular braid styles, boho and knotless. The wavy ends that are braided loosely help reduce tension in the hair as well as promote hair growth.
44. Gypsy Braids
Gypsy braids are a beautiful mix of loose braids and curls! They create an eclectic look and are a go-to that you can see girls carrying to concerts and festivals.
45. Micro Braids
Micro-braids, like their name suggests, are tiny. They can be a sleek option for those who are bored with voluminous big locs and twisty hairdos. A protective and long-lasting braid type that can suit any hair type!
46. Pineapple Updo
We have seen many twists and braids styled as protective hairstyles, right? But a pineapple updo is something different that doesn't take much time, adds texture, and is low-maintenance!
47. Distressed Locs
Distressed locs have a rugged finish, which makes them unique. A durable locs hairstyle that provides a bohemian, carefree aesthetic.
48. Side Bangs With Braids
Do you know how you can turn a protective hairstyle into a trendy one? By simply adding some side bang! These will add instant definition!
49. Short Passion Twists
For a playful and chic image, get creative with short passion twists. Wavy extensions are used for this protective style, which ends up creating a soft and spiral effect on the hair!
50. Spring Twist
Looking for a lightweight, protective hairdo? Try spring twists! These are tightly coiled, bouncy extensions that add a phenomenal addition to any attire.
51. Taper Cut
If you want inspiration for protective hairstyles for short hair, the ideal short hairdo would be the taper cut! It is not only easy to create but to carry as well.
