The 10 Protective Hairstyles for Natural and Relaxed Hair (70 IMAGES)

What are Protective Hairstyles and How Do They Work?

Protective hairstyles are any style that prevents the ends from being pulled, tugged, or otherwise manipulated. Protecting the ends of your hair is important to ensure they are not subject to manipulation. These protect your hair from being damaged by unfavorable environmental elements.

Protective hairstyles have many benefits

These hairstyles can bring many benefits to your hair. These include:

They encourage hair growth

These hairstyles help your hair grow. Protective hairstyles are so gentle on your hair that you can’t touch it. It grows naturally and without any manipulation.

They retain moisture

Protective styles ensure that your hair doesn’t dry out. You will need to wash your hair first, and then condition it. This will allow the conditioner to penetrate your hair strands and prepare it for styling.

They require low maintenance

You don’t need to worry about how your hair looks when you have a protective style. It’s okay to style your hair once a week. Haircare doesn’t require you to use many products. You can achieve the perfect hair look by simply wearing a bonnet or adding hair oil.

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They are versatile

These hairstyles can be styled into updos, ponytails, or buns. Or you can just wear them as they are. No matter how you style them, they are beautiful. You can make their hair look even more gorgeous by adding accessories to it.

How to Use Extensions to Get Protective Hairstyles

These styles protect hair from damage caused by manipulation. It is possible to be quite exhausting in achieving these hairstyles. You may need to be seated for hours. Your hairdresser may also pick your hair too tight.

If this happens, it is important to speak up and tell them that you don’t want tight hair. You can feel the pain, tension, and breakage if you don’t speak out.

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How to maintain protective hairstyles;

Wear Satin Hair Bonnets

A satin hair cape can help you keep your style protected. This will prevent frizz from forming and help retain moisture. Your hairstyle will last longer.

Add Hair Oil

Hair oil can moisturize your scalp and prevent dryness. Oil can be applied to your scalp and edges a minimum of three times per week. This will help you maintain your hairstyle.

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Protective hairstyles for natural hair

Almost all types of African braids are included in this list. These are hairstyles that will protect your hair from damage caused by frequent manipulation. They protect your hair from heat, cold, and the sun.

Box braids

This is one of the most loved protective hairstyles. These are versatile and easy to maintain. You can make your box braids long or short, depending on how you like them and how well you sit.

Knotless Braids

Box braids can also be made with knotless braids. It is done using the feed-in method. Your hairdresser braids your hair from the roots and then braids on extensions. Although they are easier and less painful than traditional braids, knotless box braids take longer to create.

READ ALSO: 30 New Knotless Box Braids Ideas For 2021

Crochet

This protective hairstyle is made by crocheting. This means that you can crochet extensions to your hair using a crochet hook, or a latch hook. There are many styles available, including twists, faux locs, and traditional braids.

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Bantu Knots

This style was invented by the Zulu people in southern Africa. This involves slicing your hair and twisting it into a spiraled knot. It looks like a stacking tire. This protects natural and relaxed hair. Bantu knots are great for hair extensions.

Cornrows

This is one of the most elegant and protective hairstyles. This involves braiding your hair close to the scalp using an upward, underhand motion to create a continuous row. You will see straight lines on your head. You can also use hair extensions, or your natural hair, to achieve this look.

READ ALSO: 60 Gorgeous and Fascinating Braided Hairstyles for Black Hair

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks can be described as a strand of hair made from braiding or matting. This style does not allow for any type of manipulation. It is permanent and can only be removed by cutting your hair. Unless your locs are fake. You will also need to go to the salon to wash and maintain your hair.

Didi

You weave your hair like you’re doing it from the inside. This creates an inverted cornrow that stimulates hair growth. Learn Also: Latest and Stylish Shuku Hairstyles You Should Try Out

Wig

Another protective hairstyle is the wig. A wig makes it so you can’t even touch your hair. A wig doesn’t stress your hair and won’t pull at your edges. They also make it easy to care for your hair as you can take it off at any time. Wear your wig if you have a shortcut. You can braid your long hair into three to four cornrows if you have a longer hair length. This will allow the wig to sit comfortably on your head without creating any bumps.

Shuku

Shuku is braiding your hair in cornrows to make an updo or a ponytail. You don’t need to worry about styling your hair every day once you have mastered this style. You can easily decorate your hair with gold cuffs and beads or other accessories.

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Senegalese Twist

Senegalese twists look great and are easy to maintain, just like any other protective style. They’re easy to use and don’t require too much effort. For each section, you just need to wrap the hair around one another.

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This style can be done with your natural hair or hair extensions.

Protective hairstyles can be used no matter what your hairstyle is. If you are a naturalist, your hair may need to be straightened before you can braid it.