Try switching up your protective hairstyles for something fresh as summer winds down. At the same time, style choice matters, the maintenance, and preparation required of such styles are equally significant. These cute protective hairstyles are stylish yet low maintenance – helping your strands remain healthy in class!
Bantu knots are one of the best protective hairstyles for natural strands as they protect them from heat styling, which could otherwise cause damage. Additionally, this style helps promote faster hair growth by preventing breakage and encouraging length retention. This style works beautifully on short natural locks and is simple to maintain with the help of gel or a leave-in conditioner. Additionally, embellishments like cowrie shells add cute flair that shows your personality!
As with any style, ensure your hair is well moisturized before starting this look – wet or dry – to avoid becoming brittle and damaged. Also, use a satin scarf or bonnet at night to preserve this style and prevent frizz during sleep. Use light misting of hairspray if necessary to make your Bantu Knots pop and shine, then when ready, release them and give your locks a gentle shake when taking them out.
Senegalese twists provide a protective hairstyle perfect for women looking to keep their locks out of the way yet still create beautiful styles such as half ponytails or low buns. Add silk scarves or head scarves for an eye-catching finish. This elegant style is ideal for special events and sunbathing sessions, showing off its distinctive variable thickness of Senegalese twists. Middle-parted types are perfect for those who wish to avoid wearing their twists straight. Easy and attractive when done correctly, they require only high-quality braiding hair like Kanekelon or Marley braiding hair and natural hair kinkiness from yourself to reduce slippage and prolong faux locs’ longevity longer than if smooth synthetic alternatives alone.
Flat twists provide an effortless protective style to maintain as your natural hair grows out and make an excellent feminine choice that works on curly and straight textures. To do it correctly, divide your hair horizontally or diagonally and work with sections oriented toward your scalp to achieve this look. Moisturizer should always be applied before starting to twist sections into flat twists, as this helps your locks maintain moisture balance and condition properly. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or leave-in treatment while developing these flat twists.
Many women mistakenly believe that protective styles encourage hair growth. According to Radway, however, your rate of hair growth is determined genetically rather than by your chosen hairstyle alone. Furthermore, tight protective styles may lead to breakage and damage that further reduces growth.
Women with natural hair who want a cute protective style that can transition easily between casual and dressy will adore this adorable style—featuring flat twists that effortlessly transition into an unusual low bun for an eye-catching, youthful appearance. Additionally, this simple braid requires less hair than other more complex braided styles, making this option an excellent way to protect their locks while remaining fashionable.
While protective styles are excellent at shielding hair from heat damage, they can sometimes be challenging to manage when new growth emerges between your braids. To combat this issue, many women who opt for protective styles get their style redone every few weeks to “touch up” new growth between braids – however, a more straightforward solution could be moisturizing both scalp and edges with water-based leave-in conditioner and some drops of oil for maximum effectiveness; doing this will extend its longevity while still looking healthy and beautiful!
