30 Protective Hairstyles You'll Want To Wear All Summer (2024)

FAQs

Which protective hairstyle lasts the longest? ›

If you opt for a simple protective hairstyle like a bun or a wig, you should undo the style before you go to sleep. For a more long-term style like box braids or faux locs, you can keep that style for anywhere from six to 12 weeks (as long as you properly care for your strands).

Knotless braids for natural hair can last up to three months, but how long your knotless braids will last depends on a few things: your hair texture and hair porosity, how you take care of them, and how large the braids are.

Knotless Box Braids

Braiders start with your natural hair (instead of adding extensions at the root), so it doesn't create as much tension at your scalp and is more comfortable with less chance of breakage. There's also an added sleekness thanks to the knot-fee style, which creates a seamless look.

No hairstyle can directly promote healthy hair growth. However, natural styles that don't need a lot of maintenance may prevent damage to your follicles. Some hairstyles could damage your hair, such as ponytails, buns, and cornrows.

Protective styles reduce breakage and allow for new hair growth to thrive. Adding length is a key reason to consider incorporating a protective style into your natural hair routine. Additionally, these fabulous styles protect your roots, reduce split ends, and help you fight frizz without compromising on style.

What hairstyle does not damage hair? ›

Low Ponytail Hairstyles

A low ponytail is one of the best hairstyles that won't damage the hairline. It's ideal if you want a sleek hairstyle that's easy on your scalp and hairline. Putting together this style is virtually effortless. Simply sweep your hair behind your shoulders before securing it with an elastic.

In people of African descent, hair tends to grow around 0.2 inch (5 mm) per month, whereas Asian people's hair often grows much faster, at up to 0.8 inch (20 mm) per month, Sally-Ann Tarver, a trichologist at Cotswold Trichology clinic in England, told Live Science by email.

Of all the hair types, coily hair is seemingly the slowest to grow. That's because it has the densest structure of all and is prone to shrinkage, which can make even the fastest-growing of locks look like they haven't budged.

Type 4C. Type 4C coils are the tightest and most fragile. It's really easy to break them if you comb roughly or too often, and it's vital to frequently nourish the hair with rich conditioners.

Hair Type: The type of hair you have can affect how long your braids last. Natural hair is stronger and more resilient than chemically treated hair, which means braids made with natural hair tend to last longer. Additionally, braids made with synthetic hair tend to last longer than braids made with natural hair.

Box braids, characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, box braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Don't Leave Your Braids in for Too Long

You should never keep braids for longer than eight weeks. Any longer than that, your new growth will stretch and damage and eventually break, causing significant damage to your hair. Keeping your braids for longer than eight weeks will likely leave you with hair loss.