Waves, curls, kinks and coils! All beautiful. However, it can get a bit too much to handle so having a protective style can take away the strain of managing it while still looking fierce. Whether you have long or short hair there is a style out there for each and every one of you. For any occasion or any season, here are some protective styles to try out for yourself. Not only do they protect and preserve your natural hair, but you can also experiment and have fun with it. You can add colour, length and texture, really switch it up.
What is a protective style?
To sum up, protective styles are there to reduce unnecessary damage whether that be from the sun, wind, cold weather or over manipulation. Some hair types are prone to damage as their hair is already dry so a protective style can but put in to retain the moisture and even encourage hair growth.
What is the best way to maintain protective hairstyles?
This can vary between styles and how fast your hair grows. To keep it looking fresh you can sleep in a silk bonnet or scarf. You could even get a silk pillow case, this reduces frizz and extend the wear of your look.
How long do they last?
There is no one way to say how long a style should last, however it does also depend on the protective style you are getting. For example, a sew-in can last up to 3-4 months and braids can last up to 2 months, whereas cornrows or Bantu knots can last a week or two. Now we have covered the little details, scroll down to see some ideas of protective styles and let us know your favourites?
Box Braids
You can really experiment with box braids! All you do is braid the weave into your natural hair, you can have it at whatever length and colour you want! This is a super fun style and there are plenty of ways to style them. It lasts up to 2 months if maintained well. You can do this by wearing a silk head wrap at night. You could try wearing a bonnet but you may need to get a large size to get all that hair in!
Bantu Knots
With summer round the corner, Bantu Knots are a cute hairstyle to have! Just braid up your hair into these and off you go. The tighter you do them the longer they last and the great thing about Bantu Knots is once you take them out you then have a beautiful braid out! 2 looks in 1.
Lace Front Wigs
Just like braids, you can be super creative with lace front wigs! Long, short, any colour you like! The world is your oyster. This protective style can be quick and easy. You can put your hair in cornrows or double plaits, put on a wig cap, glue down the lace and voila! You have a lace front and looking beautiful.
Faux Locs
Faux Locs is the perfect style for those who love volume. While the application of the hair may take a while, it is defiantly worth the weight, this hairstyle is stunning. The good thing about this protective style is that it requires little maintenance and can last for a very long time. Usually, the people who decide to wear faux locs try and keep them in for a while.
