Protective Hairstyles 101

Your complete care and styling guide.

If you have naturally curly hair, chances are good you’ve heard of protective hairstyles before. Protective hairstyles for natural hair are one of the best ways to give your mane a much-needed break from daily styling without having to sacrifice style. Not sure which protective hairstyle is right for you? You’ll have to consider your hair type and concerns. A protective hairstyle can be as simple as a braid or as intricate as passion twists—the key is to make sure the most fragile parts of your hair are tucked away from any environmental or styling stressors. 

First, think about how long you want to wear your protective style. Looking to take a few weeks off from daily styling? Braids or twists will be a good fit for you. If your hair is thick and your strands are strong, your options are pretty much endless—Senegalese twists, faux locs, box braids—the choice is yours! If your hair is a bit more fragile, opt for low-tension protective hairstyles like knotless braids. Not ready to commit to one style for several weeks but want to give your strands a long weekend off? Opt for a simple braid or flat twists that will unravel to reveal a beautiful twist out. 

While protective hairstyles give you a break from day-to-day styling, it’s not the time to skimp out on hair care. Maintaining your usual shampoo and conditioner routine is crucial to the success of your protective style. Lucky for you, there are tons of products that will keep your hair looking and feeling healthy without disturbing your style. 

Want to learn more about protective hairstyles? Keep scrolling for everything you need to know, including which products will keep your protective style looking its best and how to keep your scalp in tip-top condition.

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Watch the video below to learn how to take care of your scalp while wearing your protective hairstyle.

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