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Protective hairstyles are a perennial wonder for natural hair.
Not only are they tried-and-true methods for preserving ournatural hair;theyre also just plain fun.
Our hair can truly do anything.
But before you decide on your next style, double-check you know the basics.
How do protective styles protect natural hair?
However, there are plenty of protective styles for natural hair without weave.
Whats the best way to maintain protective styles?
Koudou also recommends adding ahair oilto your routine to prevent dryness.
Do this at least twice a week and your scalp will thank you later.
To bring your style back to life, Koudou suggests grabbing some mousse.
Her favorite?Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil Mega Moisture.
How long should you keep protective styles in?
Wear them any longer, and you risk dehydrating your hair and minimizing its growth.
Sleeping with a satin scarf, bonnet or pillowcase can all help the durability of the style.
Finding the right product is crucial toodont underestimate the power of the right shampoo forshampoo for curly hair.
Consult acurl key in chartto learn more about whats best for your hair.
While both will protect your natural hair, they put different strains on it, she says.
you’re free to tap into your inner goddess with thesegoddess braids, a thicker form of cornrows.
Allow protective hairstyles to guard your natural hair, keeping it healthy for many cutenatural hairstylesto come.
Scroll on for our favorite protective hairstyles for 2023.
Loving them is easy.
Choosing which to wear next?
Box Braids
Theres a reason box braids are one of the most popular protective styles.
Yes, theyre easy to maintain, but theyre also super versatile and never boring.
Theres also an added sleekness thanks to the knot-fee style, which creates a seamless look.
Ribbon-Laced Braid
One of the biggest trends for 2023?
Plaited Updo
Take your braids to new heights withthis regal updo, created by Koudou.
To make your hair extra sleek and shiny, try adding a hair pomade likeCarols Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey.
Itll easily slick back flyaways while making your hair look radiant.
Either way is guaranteed to look cute.
Fulani Braids
Add a layer of textural dimension toFulani braidswith defined baby hairs.
This is a prime example of how switching up your parting can instantly refresh a tried-and-true classic.
Curly Cornrows
This layered cornrow look by celebrity stylistSusy OludeleandAeon Elliottis far from your standard straight-back cornrows.
This style is perfect for those wanting something a little different but not too avant-garde.
The versatile look can also be easily modified to a high bun depending on your mood.
Its simple and simply stunning.
Goddess Locs
Some prefer the more boho look of goddess locs versus faux locs.
The ends are unsealed and a silkier hair extension is required.
Opting for natural hair rather than synthetic to achieve the ultimate sheen is also an option.
you might customize with beads, shells, and cuffs to make this look one-of-a-kind.
Finger-Wave Cornrows
Koudou was inspired by BeyoncesLion Kingred-carpet look when she created these sharp finger waves.
This may be the perfect style for you.
Senegalese Twist Updo
Take a fresh approach to a mainstream chignon by styling it with Senegalese twists.
If youre looking to dress it up even further, give gold or jewel-toned accessories a whirl.
The neutral tones are perfect for fall but can easily be rocked in the winter months.
This look is perfect for when you just cant decide which style to get.
Add some extra edge by throwing two ponytails in with pieces left out at the front like Amandla Stenberg.
Youre regular ponytail isnt so regular anymore.
Weaving box braids into a halo braid gives you double the texture for a truly unique look.
Marley Twists
One protective style thats often overlooked is the good old-fashioned two-strand twist, says Brown.
Its a great way for you to protect your hair, while keeping it moisturized and defined.
While Brandy is wearing extensions, you’re free to easily re-create this look on natural hair alone.
Post-removal, you’ll be left with a beautifully curly fro you’re free to wear afterward.
High Pony
Another lengthening look is the high pony.
Box Braid Bun
The more braids the merrier, as this honey brown swept-back bun proves.
To minimize scalp tension, be sure your braids arent pulled back too tight.
Wrapped Box Braids
Want to break up the uniformity of your box braids?
A great way to revamp styles like box braids or faux locs is combining textures, says Brown.
Its a fun way to add color and turn a classic look into a new style.
Add a few strands of colorful thread for some extra dimension.
The beauty of this style is that it knows no limits.
Cuffed Halo Braid
Who needs jewelry when you might add hair cuffs to a full halo braid?
Of course, doubling up on the accessories is just as cute, the decision is entirely yours.
you’re able to finish off by delicately laying your baby hairs.
Pop in some thin hoops, and youll be ready to serve wherever needed.
Hair Wrap
An overlooked protective style is wearing a scarf, says Lindsey.
Typically installed using a crotchet pattern, the distressed texture mimics the look of wings.
These star-stitch braids add a fun design to the side of your head, perfect for the season.
Stitch Braid Bun
Stitch braids are like a playground for scalp design.
Combine them with passion twists for a crown to your brand-new style.
Sisterlocks
Sisterlocks are one of the more underrated protective styles for natural hair.
Lupita Nyongo wore these for a while before shaving her hair.
Jumbo Senegalese Twists
The Little MermaidHalle Bailey star looks summer-ready with jumbo Senegalese twists.
For an effortless look, toss them in a deep side part.
