Protective hairstyles are meant to ensure that your natural hair is maintained strong and beautiful by tucking the ends of your hair so that they don’t get damaged by styling. Such a hairstyle also prevents you from always touching and playing with your hair and therefore promotes healthy hair growth.
So, because more and more women are struggling with protecting their gorgeous locks and always complain about their hair being damaged, we have decided to present you with some protective hairstyles for natural hair which will ensure that your mane continues to be strong and beautiful.
I. Short/Medium Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair
1. Side-Parted Crochet Bob Hairstyle
This side-parted crochet bob hairstyle is not only extremely cool and trendy but it’s also a protective one because it prevents your natural locks from getting damaged. Plus, you can enjoy a funky-looking bob cut that not many people will be able to replicate easily.
2. Short Dreadlocks Bob Hairstyle
In case you are a fan of dreadlocks, you can replicate a bob cut with those too and they can look incredibly cool, especially if you are the exotic type of person. Keep the dreads rather short and simply allow them to fall like a classic bob cut would. Your hair will be both protected and gorgeous!
3. Blonde Half Up Half Down Butterfly Dreadlocks Hairstyle
This blonde half up half down hairstyle is done with the so-called butterfly dreadlocks and it certainly looks special and unique. If you don’t want to dye your hair for this you can always use fake hair when doing your dreads. This is certainly a protective hairstyle that won’t allow your natural hair to get damaged in any way.
4. Middle-Parted Crochet Bob Hairstyle
Crochet braids are definitely a unique and beautiful thing and when they replicate a bob cut, they can look even cooler. Plus, you can maintain your hair healthy and strong by wearing this amazing protective hairstyle.
5. Half Up Half Down Passion Twists Hairstyle
In case you are more of a fan of passion twists, this half up half down protective hairstyle for natural hair is certainly worth trying. It works for every age and hair color, as well as for every occasion and outfit. It’s, without a doubt, a versatile and wearable hairstyle that you will adore.
6. Thick Dreadlocks Bob Hairstyle with Accessories
Dreadlocks have become increasingly popular over the past few years and they are some of the coolest and prettiest hairstyles that you can wear on a daily basis, especially if your personality and style go in accordance with them. These thick ones form a bob hairstyle that will not only protect your locks but will also look amazing.
7. Senegalese Twists Up Do with Headband Hairstyle
This Senegalese twist updo is one of those protective hairstyles that are so cool-looking and funky that you always want to wear it. Plus, that headband adds even more charm to the whole look, as well as those long side bangs that are left loose. Interested in knowing more about Senegalese twists? Click here!
8. Senegalese Twists Pixie Cut
For fans of the timeless and cool pixie cut, this Senegalese twists one is truly special and will act as a protective barrier for your hair, even if it’s short. Side-part it and enjoy the admiration looks that you will receive everywhere you go.
9. Voluminous, Short & Curly Protective Hairstyle
For those of you who adore sporting big fluffy hair, this voluminous, curly, and short protective hairstyle is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to style and wear and will definitely help protect your natural hair from all external factors because it doesn’t require styling at all.
10. Super Short & Natural Protective Hairstyle
Super short and super cute indeed! This could be the very definition of this protective hairstyle for natural hair that everyone can wear, regardless of age or hair color. It’s a hairstyle that’s very easy to maintain but one that will certainly promote healthy hair growth.
11. Side-Parted Curly Protective Hairstyle
These big bouncy ringlets don’t only look gorgeous but they also keep your natural hair protected from all external factors and promote its healthy growth. Simply side-part your hair and enjoy the spectacular look that your fluffy mane will offer you.
12. Voluminous Protective Space Buns
If you want a more cosmic-like appearance and a cool protective hairstyle for your natural hair, then these voluminous space buns can be a solution. They are easy to do, perfect for a night out, and will definitely make you the star of the party.
13. Medium Curly Middle-Parted Protective Hairstyle
In case your hair has a medium-length and is curly, you can go for this middle-parted protective hairstyle that will make you look like a goddess. It’s easy to style, low-maintenance, and will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your gorgeous locks.
14. Cornrow Spiral Protective Top Knot
Cornrows are certainly some of the coolest braids that you can do for a protective hairstyle for your natural hair. In this case, we have a spiral-type top knot that will keep your locks in place and definitely protected for a long time.
15. Protective Blonde Box Braids Ponytail with Accessories
Box braids are already cool enough as they are but imagine a set of medium-length blonde box braids meant to protect your hair as best as possible. You can keep them in a funky pony-tail and even add some accessories to enhance the uniqueness of your hairstyle.
16. Protective & Exotic Dreadlocks Up Do with Headscarf
For those of you who adore that exotic, island vibe, this type of protective hairstyle with dreadlocks can be exactly your cup of tea. Create a high updo and use a headscarf instead of elastic to secure it in place. Marvelous!
17. Braided Protective Up Dos (4 styles)
If you are already sporting some cool cornrows on your head, you have quite a few options to choose from when it comes to the rest of your hair. These four styles can give you some ideas about that: a ponytail, a simple braid, a bun, or simply a high puff. The choice is yours but keep in mind that your hair will be equally protected regardless of your choice.
18. Simple Protective Up Dos with Accessories ( 4 styles)
These simple updos are perfect if you want to keep your hair protected and pretty-looking. You can start out with some cornrows and then continue with your naturally curly hair, either secured on one side with bobby pins or let loose. The choice is certainly yours!
19. Passion Twists Protective Up Dos (3 styles)
Passion twists are easier to create and easier to wear too, and these three styles stand proof of that. You can either let them hang over your shoulders, create a half up half down hairstyle or a simple ponytail. These are all protective styles meant to keep your hair looking fresh and strong for a long amount of time.
II. Long Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair
20. Side-Parted Protective Box Braids Hairstyle
When it comes to long protective hairstyles, some side-parted box braids can save you anytime, anywhere. You can even try some hair accessories or some fake box braids in order to make the look even more interesting if that’s what you want.
21. Thin Berry-Dipped Protective Box Braids Hairstyle
That “berry-dipped” term refers to the fact that only the ends of your protective box braids are dyed in an unusual color. The roots remain natural while overall look gives off an exotic and cool vibe, regardless of where you choose to wear it.
22. Thick Strawberry Blonde Protective Box Braids Hairstyle
If you are more into lighter hair color, you can always try this strawberry blonde shade for your thick protective box braids. Your entire hairstyle will suddenly become even more authentic while still keeping your locks safe and ensuring their healthy growth.
23. Two-Color Thick Protective Passion Twists Hairstyles for Natural Hair
Thick and protective passion twists can definitely be your allies when it comes to maintaining the health of your locks and not touching them frequently. Moreover, for an even more charming look, you can create two-color twists and amaze everyone around you.
24. Thick Red Protective Cornrows Hairstyles for Natural Hair
If a fiery shade of red is your color, then go for it! These thick protective cornrows are exactly what you need if you feel like you want to express your bold personality while also protecting your natural hair to make sure it’s growing out strong and healthy.
25. Super Fluffy Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair with Bangs
For those of you who have naturally big and fluffy hair, worry not! This protective style looks and feels amazing while also doing the job it was meant for, which is ensuring the healthy growth of your locks. Plus, you can be the one to bring that ‘80s vibe back into the spotlight!
26. Protective Cornrows Hairstyles for Natural Hair in a Low Ponytail
Cornrows are super cool at any given time but if you want to also get them for their other advantage, the protective one, you should definitely do it. In case your hair is long, create a low ponytail out of the braids and twist one or two of them around its root to hide the elastic.
27. Side-Parted Senegalese Twists Hairstyle with Accessories
These side-parted Senegalese twists have a unique charm to them and are also very popular among protective hairstyles. They are exotic, cool, wearable, and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Plus, they will keep your hair safe, strong, and looking amazing.
28. High Passion Twists Protective Up-Do Hairstyles for Natural Hair
Passion twists are definitely interesting and not that difficult to create either. In this case, if your hair is long, you can go for a high ponytail with a few twists wrapped around in order to hide the elastic. This is a perfect protective hairstyle for natural hair which is also very good for summertime.
29. Side Protective Fishtail Braid with Accessories
Fishtail braids can be worn on multiple occasions, either formal or casual ones, with multiple outfits. This side protective fishtail braid is also part of those categories as it looks spectacular without being too fancy. Those side accessories (which are gold bobby pins) add a certain flavor to your whole look.
30. Side-Parted Long Protective Twists Hairstyles for Natural Hair (3 styles)
These three ideas all consist of side-parted long protective twists, either thick or thinner, straight and slightly curly, which are all stylish and cool to wear at all times. You can choose your hairstyle depending on your hair type and what you want from such a protective hairstyle that will keep your hair healthy and strong.
31. Protective Braids Hairstyles for Natural Hair (3 styles)
Regardless of what type of braids you are into, like box braids, classic ones, or crochet braids, what’s important is for you to feel confident when it comes to your appearance and to do everything you can to protect your natural hair. So, depending on your hair type, you can definitely choose the one that you feel suits you best from these three styles.
32. Protective Marley Twists Hairstyles for Natural Hair (4 styles)
Marley twists are, without a doubt, part of the most exotic and interesting types of protective hairstyles that you can do. Plus, they can be adapted and worn in numerous ways, including with some accessories or even a head wrap that you can wear in various styles, either covering your twists or embellishing them. It all depends on how you like your protective hairstyle to look and feel.
33. Protective Crochet Twists Hairstyles for Natural Hair (6 styles)
These six styles present crochet twists in many different ways that can definitely help you get the inspiration you need for possible future protective hairstyles for your natural hair. You can wear them all down on your shoulders and back, you can create a high ponytail or half up half down bun, you can go for two high space buns or add in some gorgeous and romantic accessories, like that special flower crown. This choice definitely depends on your personal style and your preferences, so it’s up to you to make the right choice when it comes to this unique protective hairstyle.
Conclusion
All things considered, by now, it should definitely be clear that protective hairstyles for natural hair are meant to not only maintain and promote your hair’s healthy growth and appearance but also look cool and trendy, regardless of what type of protective style you choose. With this being said, it’s clearly important for you to think hard and make the best possible decision for you and your beautiful locks. So, what do you say? Are these protective hairstyles cool enough? Tell us your opinion!