The Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair

For those with natural hair, protective styles are a popular way to wear your hair in general or when transitioning. Not only do they cut down on styling time and maintenance (read: multi-hour wash days turn into breezy 30 to 45-minute cleansing treatments), but they also — as their name suggests — protect hair from damage. With the right products, these looks can even help to stimulate hair growth and repair breakage.

If it sounds too good to be true, it's not — unless you count being overwhelmed by the myriad styles to choose from. To help, we've rounded up 10 of our favorite looks for natural hair that will earn you major compliments and instill hair envy in others while at it. No matter your hair density or length, personal taste, and lifestyle, you're bound to find a protective style — or three — that suits you.

Marley Twists

As the name suggests, Marley twists were inspired by legendary Reggae musician Bob Marley's iconic mane. A popular alternative to faux locs, Marley twists are created to model the appearance of natural locs. The use of long synthetic kinky-curly "Marley hair" — such as Freetress Equal Marley Braid ($8) — sets this hairstyle apart from other twist styles.

The lightness of Marley hair makes this protective style one of the least damaging on the scalp. Depending on the texture of your natural hair, some stylists begin the style with knotless box braids before bonding the Marley hair together using the traditional two-strand twist method. This ensures the twists won't loosen and fall out.

Knotless Braids

This protective style is a popular one for a reason. Knotless braids provide you with great style versatility without the fear of adding unnecessary stress to your scalp. Unlike traditional box braids, which feature mini knots at the top of the scalp, the knotless braiding method avoids knots at the roots that can cause tension, which often leads to hair breakage.

Based on the size of the plaits, knotless braids can be styled into beautiful updos, woven together to make even larger braids, or left out, flowing down your back. These braids also come in different lengths, from right under your chin to past your hips.

Cornrows

Cornrows come in many shapes and sizes. There are traditional frontbacks, zig-zags, and dozens of other styles to choose. Short cornrows, in particular, provide opportunities to add additional hair that transforms the popular protective hairdo. The addition of faux ponytails or faux buns is a go-to option for many who want to add volume or texture to the cornrow look. Long cornrows can also provide the length necessary to create braided updos that offer the same level of protection as their shorter counterparts.

Faux Locs

Want locs without having to make a long-term commitment? Consider faux locs. This protective style has become increasingly popular over the years, not only because of its beautiful look and feel but also because of its installation. Some stylists braid the natural hair, then wrap hair extensions around each braid, while others braid cornrows and crochet the faux locs onto the natural hair with a latch hook. Both methods lessen the tension that faux locs have on the scalp.

Although frizz is generally cast in a negative light, with faux locs, the more frizz, the better. So rather than fight frizz, embrace it. It will help your style look more similar to natural locs.

VIDEO: Normani Just Got Waist-Length Cornrows for Summer

Senegalese Twists

In addition to cornrows and box braids, Senegalese twists are one of the most popular protective styles. To get the look, many stylists use the crochet Senegalese twists method that crochets pre-twisted strands of hair into your natural cornrows. It takes three hours or less.

Meanwhile, other stylists still prefer the traditional Senegalese twists method of using braiding hair to install two-strand twists that combine your natural hair. Both methods provide a similar look and protection.

Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are inspired by the traditional hairstyles that were created by the Fulani people of West Africa. These braids are by far one of the most artistic and intricate protective styles. To achieve the desired look, stylists cornrow braiding hair from the middle of the head to the sides, often adding one cornrow down the middle and two side cornrows braided from the back of the head to hang down alongside the front of the face.

To amplify the regalness of the look, you can add beads and metal clips to the top section of your hair and the ends.

Crochet Braids

Crochet braids are arguably the protective style with the most versatility. The crochet braiding technique requires you to install simple front-back cornrows using your natural hair, and then the style you choose to wear after that is totally up to you.

Using the crochet method, pre-styled hair is attached to your natural cornrows using a latch hook. The best thing about crochet braids is that you can select to add pre-styled braids, twists, or non-braided hair that models curly natural hairstyles.

Braided Bantu Knots

Regardless of your natural texture and hair length, you can pull off Bantu knots. All you need to do to achieve this protective style is divide your hair into sections, then twist each section into a knot and secure it with an elastic. The target size and number of Bantu knots will depend on your personal preference, as well as your hair length and density. A fun riff on this look is braiding your hair first and then styling in Bantu knots, as seen here.

Bubble Braids

Bubble braids have become a trending look thanks to their stylish appeal — and celeb-endorsed following. For best results, prep hair with a small amount of gel, like Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Recipes Don't Shrink Elongating Hair Curling Gel ($7), before creating your braids.

Halo Braid

If there was ever a protective style that made you feel the most like royalty, this is the one. Halo braids rest gently on the top of your head like a crown. Add some hair accessories, like beads and clips, to enhance the look.

The style is typically achieved by creating one large jumbo braid that is wrapped around the head and sits directly above the ears. You can opt to create a cornrow design in the middle of the crown or leave the center of your hair in a slicked-down style.

This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.

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