15 Best Protective Styles for Natural Hair: Twists, Braids, Locs, and Updos (2024)

Protective hairstyles such as Senegalese twists, Fulani braids, goddess locs, and plaited updos (to name a few), offer low-maintenance coverage to thicker and Afro-textured hair while promoting growth and minimizing damage. There are endless options ranging from simple to more complex, however, always stylish.

Protective styles assist in keeping textured hair healthy by limiting its exposure to sun damage and excessive manipulation. Natural hair, particularlyhair with type 4 curls, is typically more coarse Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source and easily prone to damage.

In colder months, protective styles become increasingly useful, as all hair types are often stripped of their natural oils by cold winds and climates. Such exposure often leads to hair breakage, whereby hair strands lose their protective, outer layer. Because naturally kinky and curly hair Trusted Source Wiley Peer reviewed journal Go to source types are already more prone to breakage than straighter hair, they may be more impacted by harsh conditions.

Protective styles serve as a helpful remedy to maintaining hydration and preserving natural hair. Moreover, protective styles offer those with natural hair textures a variety of fresh and fun hairstyles to choose from. They are often worn in different lengths, textures, and colors.

Most protective styles have Afro-Caribbean origins and were used to distinguish ethnicity and social class. However, today they are worn as a symbol of beauty and celebrated globally.

Keep reading more for insights on the 15 best, timeless protective hairstyles for naturalistas.

The following list of protective styles offers a range of looks, some of which can be achieved with a person’s natural hair, and others that may require extensions. It is important to note that the downsides to protective hairstyles become relevant if they are installed too tightly, so please choose and style with caution.

Protective styling should never hurt or be uncomfortable. Hurting can be a sign of damage to the follicles.

Box braids are one of the most popular options for protective styles, and the reasons for this are many. Box braids are easy to maintain and are incredibly versatile. They can be installed in sizes large, medium, and small, often utilizing hair extensions. The larger the sections of hair and box braids are, the less time it takes to braid.

Box braids can also be diversified with the addition of curly “goddess” strands, cuffs, or beads.

Box braids should be washed, but extra care must be taken to keep them looking their best. This can be done by applying a generous amount of shampoo and conditioner to your scalp and along your braids as desired, then rinsing thoroughly with water and allowing the hair to air dry. Be careful to massage gently, so as not to loosen the braids from your roots.

Marley twists offer a two-strand, texturized hairstyle which often combines Marley braid extensions to achieve natural and fluffy twists. This style of twist was named after the famous Jamaican reggae musician, Bob Marley, who sported freeform dreadlocks throughout his life.

Marley twists are another attractive option for protective styles, as they are stylish, versatile, and easy to maintain. Similar to most protective styles that utilize extensions, looks can be diversified by adding color, length, and accessories.

Faux locs are a temporary and easy-to-install exploration into dreadlocks.

Faux locs are typically quick to install and can be done through two methods: the crochet method and the braiding method.

The crochet method involves braiding your natural hairintocornrowsthen crocheting the faux locs onto the cornrows using alatch hook. The braiding method involves first braiding your natural hair into plaits, then wrappingthe hair extensionsaround each braid.

Pronounced shoo-koo, this all-braided updo style is equal parts royal and cultural. Inspired by the Nigerian-Yoruba culture, the plaited updo uses intricate weaving to produce a scalp-worn crown.

Shuku translates from Yoruba to “basket” in English, to denote the intricate style of weaving. This is a popular, regal, and accessible style that speaks for itself.

See Also

Protective Styles: How to Do Protective Hairstyles on Natural Hair

Bantu knots are perfect for any natural hair type, creating heat-free waves and tight curls. Larger knots produce looser waves. Bantu knots can be worn solo, or in combination with another hairstyle. The look that Bantu knots convey is timeless and fresh.

Bantu knots can be worn for up to 1 week with proper care. The takedown process will likely leave you with bouncing curls that can be sported and styled as desired.

Knotless braids are a trendy variation of box braids, with a high factor of desirability. This is because the style is achieved using the feed-in braiding technique. This technique is when braiders begin braiding with your natural hair, instead of adding extensions at the root to create a knot, as done with traditional box braids.

The benefits of knotless braids are less tension on the scalp and a decreased chance of breakage. This clean, Afro-chic hairstyle can last for up to 3 months, with proper care.

Flat twists are a great example of a style that can be achieved with or without hair extensions. It is adaptable to personal preference and desired look. A very low-manipulation protective style, flat twists can be fun and easy.

Furthermore, once you are ready to take them out, they often produce full and carefree curls that can save you a couple more days of hair-related worry.

Fulani braids are a fan favorite. The origin of these braids traces back to the Fulani people in West Africa, hence where the name comes from.

Fulani braids are a mix of cornrowed braids in the front, and box braids in the back. However, they are incredibly versatile as they can be braided in different directions, with color, with beads, as an updo, or with an afro.

These braids can make anyone wearing them feel like a goddess.

Perhaps somewhat controversial, the classic ponytail is irresistibly easy and chic. This style has been criticized for requiring excessive heat to straighten a person’s natural hair. However, in moderation and with safety precautions — such as applying heat protectants prior to straightening — it can serve as a quick and low-maintenance style.

It is also quite versatile. The ponytail can be achieved with your natural hair or with extensions, to achieve any length. The front can also be styled with braids and twists, should you desire.

Also known as “halo braids,” crown braids are simple, easy to install, and timeless. As their name suggests, they give the appearance of a scalp-grown crown. There are many ways to achieve this style, with braids, natural hair, and extensions each serving as options.

For more zest, you can even add a low bun to this summery look.

Originating from Senegal in West Africa, this rope-twist protective style is tried and true. Senegalese twists are usually done with braiding hair extensions.

As their name suggests, this style is achieved by first dividing sections of your hair, then twisting them around one another in order to form larger twists.

The bohemian twist that faux locs never knew it needed, you can never go wrong with goddess locs. Using a special braiding and wrapping method for installation, goddess locs produce curly, lightweight locs that can be styled to your preference.

The goddess version of protective styles — whether with locs, twists, or braids — is a great option for any upcoming tropical vacation.

Passion twists offer the ultimate hybrid between curly goddess locs and Senegalese twists.

Adding looser, wavy extensions, this look is achieved from two-stranded twists. Passion twists can be worn at different lengths, colors, and styles.

Stitch cornrows have certainly picked up in popularity. This style of cornrow is achieved using the stitch braiding method, where the hair is divided into uniform, horizontal lines. The end result produces some of the cleanest types of cornrows possible, often with the help of your favorite gel or pomade.

Cornrows are generally a good protective style for natural hair, requiring very minimal upkeep. It is important that any cornrow style be correctly installed to minimize tension or discomfort which could result in hair loss or other issues.

If all else fails and you are pressed for time, you can never go wrong with choosing a headwrap. An underrated protective style, the headwrap gives flexibility for your natural hair to remain unincumbered, wrapped, or plaited.

Not to mention, the fun part of headwraps is their versatile colors, fabrics, and styles. Headwraps are certainly attractive on days when you need your hair up and out of your face, quickly, before choosing your next style.

While protective hairstyles are enticing for being low maintenance, it is important with each style that your natural hair is kept clean and healthy.

• Make sure your chosen hairstyle is installed safely and properly: Choose hairstylists experienced in creating your desired look. If you are styling your hair on your own, do your research beforehand.
• Keep your hair protected at night: With protective styles for natural hair, silk scarves and bonnets are your best bet for keeping the style in tact and protecting your scalp.
• Hydrate your scalp regularly: Protective styles can easily result in dehydrating your hair, if left unmoisturized. Apply your preferred hair oil to your scalp and the style at least twice a week.
• Avoid wearing your hair up excessively: Tight ponytails and updos can create tension on your scalp which can lead to hair loss, especially along the hairline (i.e. your edges). Try half up, half down styles instead for more variety.
• Do not keep one style in for too long: Too much of anything can become a bad thing, so it is best to keep styles for no longer than 3 months. It is also important to give your scalp a rest. Be sure to regularly remove your protective styles and nurture your scalp and hair.
• Wash your hair: Even in protective styles, it is important for your hair and scalp health to wash your hair regularly. You should be extra gentle, however, so that you do not disrupt your style.
• Get touch-ups: After a month or so, any protective style can lose its shine and appear dull. In this instance, you may be able to have the perimeters of the hair redone to refresh the entire style.

Protective styles offer those with natural hair the ultimate selection of variety and protection. Whether you choose knotless braids or passion twists, protective styles are a fun way to promote hair growth and minimize manipulation.

Before choosing a protective hairstyle, do your research and opt for hairstylists experienced in creating your desired look. It remains important, however, to keep your natural hair clean and healthy within your chosen style.

If you notice any signs of hair loss, please take the protective style out as soon as possible.