17 Easy Protective Hairstyles to Safeguard Your Natural Hair

Practical and stylish hairstyles that don’t take ages to create are a thing.

Natural hair needs some TLC, especially if you want to avoid breakage and retain moisture. Protective hairstyles offer a great solution. And they totally don’t have to be complicated! From braids to twists, here are 17 easy protective hairstyles that will keep your natural hair looking and feeling great.

1. Flat Twists into Pony

Where do we start to begin listing the perks of flat twists? They don’t tug on the edges and cause less tension on the scalp than cornrows. No tangles and knots, protected ends, easy to moisturize your hair… But most importantly – they feel lightweight and comfortable to wear.

2. Boxer Braids

If there is a beginner-friendly style, it has to be the boxer braids. They are easy to do and last for days, giving your strands a break from heat and styling. In this hairstyle, your hair is neatly tucked away to minimize friction and breakage.

@nashaycierra

3. Faux Locs Half-Up

To protect your hair from heat exposure, environmental factors, and combing or brushing damage, go for faux locs. Wrapped in loc extensions, your natural hair will be shielded and snug. While the style is in, it doesn’t require much maintenance and will last you for 6-12 weeks.

@oluwavickybraids

4. Loc Retwist Updo

Sustain the shape and structure of your locs by retwisting them at the roots. It helps your locks look neat, tight, and well-shaped. While you are at it, you might want to throw your locs into a stylish, scalp-hugging updo. It’s a lifesaver during a heat wave!

@beautyiskeynyia

5. Cornrows with Twist Out

Can’t decide between cornrows and twist out? You don’t have to! Combine them both in one chic hairdo. In this protective style, the slim cornrows run diagonally from the center parting and plunge into a glossy twist out at the ear level. Simple yet stunning!

@serenity_beautypalace

6. High Braided Ponytail

A firm believer that nothing beats a good old ponytail? Then you are going to love this high sleek masterpiece of a pony. Strong hold gel will help you achieve the desired level of smoothness and hair wax or pomade will keep even stubborn flyaways in check.

@kweenzlounge

7. Butterfly Locs

Butterfly locs make a fantastic protective hairstyle. For starters, they’re lightweight and allow your scalp to breathe. Plus, they offer tons of styling possibilities. Gather the top half of your locs for a cute half-up style, form a messy low bun, or go down the accessory road and add cuffs, beads, or ribbons for a personalized look.

@kaysbraidsandbeyond

8. Flat Twist Bun

This hairstyle is a great option for scalp protection and length retention. In general, twists reduce manipulation and help retain hair length, which is ideal for hair growth. What is more, the elongated Mohawk-style bun covers the scalp and prevents excessive exposure to environmental elements.

@ancybeautysalon

9. Box Braids with Curled Ends

Curled ends give your box braids a fun and feminine quality. Make sure you leave at least three inches of your hair unbraided so that you can curl it at the end. For the natural appearance, drop braiding at different levels so that the demarcation line between the braids and curls is blended.

@saharaglow_hair_nails_salon

10. Slim Soft Locs

If you are not a fan of volume and prefer more subtle styles, try knotless slim soft locks. They look super natural with a custom parting that adjusts to the shape of your skull and cute wispy curls at the ends. Highlights at the temple area will brighten up your face and look fabulous in half-up styles.

@crownedbygabs

11. Stitch Braids into Bun

Alternating chunky and slim cornrows create an eye-catching, textured look. You can decide to leave your braids running down your back or arrange them in a stylish braided chignon for a more formal occasion. Perfect if you love snug hairstyles that demonstrate the beauty of your head shape.

@saharaglow_hair_nails_salon

12. Bantu Knots

Type 4c hair thrives in Bantu knots! This type of hair naturally holds the shape without heavy styling products and promotes moisture retention in your locks. On top of that, they create beautiful curls when you take them down.

@thedemarah

13. Two-Strand Twists

Twists make a marvelous choice for short natural hair. They will keep your hair snug and coiled, preventing dryness and frizz. They’re simple enough to do yourself at home. Remember to begin twisting from the roots to keep them nice and tight.

@maggies_prime_beauty

14. Bubble Bun with Tendrils

Preserve all the volume of your textured hair by crafting a voluminous bubble bun. All it takes to do is to section your hair at the nape, creating three bubble braids, and pinning them around each other to form a beautiful puffy bun. You can braid or twist the section around your hair for a more textured look and leave out several tendrils to frame your face.

@frooona

15. Flat Twist Halo

There’s something sweet and angelic in a halo hairstyle! Part your hair off-center and flat twist it along your hairline, following the shape of your head. Keep twisting until you reach the other side, then tuck the ends and pin them for a seamless finish.

@curliekaye

16. Invisible Locs Bob

If Senegalese twists and locs had a love child, that would be invisible locs for sure. They are created by twisting the hair at the roots and finishing it with a wrapped knot at the ends. The bob length that adds more volume around the chin area will look fantastic on heart-shaped faces.

@_sweethairstyles_

17. Pineapple Hairstyle

We’ve all had them: days when we don’t feel like doing our hair or days when we just want to give our hair a rest. This is when a pineapple hairstyle comes into the picture. What could be easier than pulling your hair into a high puff? And it doesn’t stop its duty when the night falls as it makes a perfect protective hairstyle for sleeping.

@khadajeeee

With these easy protective styles, you can maintain your natural hair’s health without sacrificing style or spending hours on your hair care routine. Give them a try and enjoy the benefits!

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• Hairstyles