Protective hairstyles are one of the most common and effective ways to grow hair. Natural hair is the most versatile hair, and there are so many protective styles and looks naturalistas can wear to achieve longer hair. Not only can a protective style help hair to grow, but it also protects hair from damage and helps it to maintain hydration. Beyond the hair health benefits it can provide, protective styles are also fun to wear and can save you a lot of time on your hair routine.
Benefits of Protective Styling
A protective style is any hairstyle that keeps your ends tucked away to protect your hair and minimize damage. Protective styles protect your natural hair from tugging, pulling, and breakage, due to manipulation, heat, and environmental factors. Extreme temperatures in the summer and winter can cause damage to the hair, so protective styles are perfect in any season. Protective styles are perfect for maintaining your hair while it is growing out. In addition to retaining length, some added benefits include protecting edges from thinning, maintaining moisture, and the styles require low maintenance.
Below are 10 hairstyles that helps to not only grow your mane but also help you protect and seal in moisture to avoid breakage.
1. Marley Twists
These twists get their fluffy appearance from the required hair extensions that are aptly named after reggae legend Bob Marley, who was also well known for his freeform locs.Marley twistsallow you to flaunt a gorgeous pattern throughout your mane while keeping your natural strands tucked away. The style involves wrapping your length over and under itself with Marley braid extensions to create a two-strand look that gives off a textured, natural finish. Marley twists can serve as a versatile, easy-to-do, low-maintenance style.
2. Box Braids
Box Braids are another protective hairstyle you’ve probably seen on everyone from your neighbor to your favorite A-list starlet. This style can be worn on just about any length of hair and looks stunning when hair extensions are added to create longer and thicker braids. A day before your braids are installed give your hair a quick wash so you start your style with a clean foundation.
3. Knotless Box Braids
Knotless box braidsare versatile and easy to style. The hairstyle is created using afeed-in braid techniqueinstead of creating a knot at the root like with traditional box braids. As a result, there’s less tension on the scalp, which can help minimize the risk ofhair breakage.
4. Bantu Knots
In case you haven’t heard — everything ‘90s is back in style, including this protective look. Take a section of hair and twist it from root to end until the hair starts to twist into itself. Form your twist into a bun on top of your head and secure into place. Repeat this process all over your head. Grab some hair gel, if you need to add a little hold to your roots.
5. Fulani Braids
These tribal West African braids make up a versatile and detailed hairstyle that sports a few cornrow braids down the center of the head and several cornrows braided in a row going out towards the temples on either side. Fulani braids are stunning and pair well with beads and metallic hair accessories.
6. Goddess Locs
If you’re looking for a more boho faux locs look, this is the style for you. Goddess locs are generally lightweight, easy to style, and the locs are left loose and curly to give off a more bohemian vibe. For this style, book an appointment with an experienced loctician, as it requires specific braiding and wrapping techniques.
7. Pineapple Updo
A pineapple updo is a protective style that can be worn to bed and out on the town. First, gather your curls at the top of your head as if you were to create ahigh ponytail. Apply a curl-enhancing product, then scrunch, and air dry for soft, bouncy curls. Loosely secure your mane with ascrunchieor satin hair tie, pull the hair forward, and position it how you like for an effortless, fun updo.
8. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are done slightly differently to other types of braided hairstyle. Your natural hair is cornrowed and the extension is then weaved on to your hair using a special threading needle. If you don’t have time to sit down and wait for each individual hair to be braided then this could be a great compromise for you.
9. Cornrows
Cornrows are a popular and versatile protective hairstyle that can be worn on all hair types and lengths. Cornrows are a style of hair braiding in which the hair is braided flat to the scalp in vertically sectioned rows. If you want to have some fun with it, you can add hair extensions and create different design patterns when braiding hair. There are so many ways to have some fun with braided hairstyles for natural hair!
10. Flat Twists
This style is perfect for retaining texture and moisture. Not only are twists a great protective style that promotes hair growth, but they’re also super cute to wear on its own and as a style, after you’ve taken them out, known as a “twist out.” Before twisting your hair, apply a leave in conditioner, followed by a styling cream, and a gel. Grab a section of hair, and split it into two pieces of hair, stretch the hair out, and twist it from the root to your ends. Twirl the ends into a curl with your finger to seal the twists.
How To Maintain Hair Before And After Braiding
- Spritz plain water 2-3 times a week to keep your braids hydrated and moisturized.
- Clean your braids once a week with a clarifying natural shampoo. Use a deep conditioner to restore and rejuvenate the locks.
- Be gentle on the scalp. Avoid drying your braids by rubbing them with a towel. This may damage the scalp and hair. After washing, squeeze the braids gently to drain out excess water.
- Moisturize the braids after drying. Massage moisturizers from root to tip to restore hydration and shine.
- Do not wear braids for more than eight weeks at a time. Keeping them any longer may cause damage to your scalp and hair. Instead of tight braids, try loose ones like French braids, linear plaits, or fishtail braids.
- To protect your braids, wear a satin scarf or bonnet while sleeping.
Can Braiding Damage The Hair?
Yes, a tight braid can damage the hair by tugging or pulling hair from the scalp, causing traction alopecia (1).
Even a tight spiral braid can cause inflammation and scalp damage. The spiral pattern decreases blood flow towards the vertex, causing ischemic necrosis (2).
To avoid scalp and hair damage, avoid keeping the braids for too long.
How Long Should You Keep In Braids For Hair Growth?
It is advised not to keep the braids for more than 6-8 weeks. Let your scalp and hair breathe for at least a week or two in between braiding. Always change the braiding style and avoid weaving too tightly close to the scalp and roots.
