As we move into the 22nd century, we must keep up with the latest hairstyle trends. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 20 easy protective natural hairstyles ideas for healthy hair based on what people search for on the internet.
So whether you’re looking for protective hairstyles to help keep your hair healthy or easy hairstyles that you can manage independently, I’ve got you covered!
I’ll give you all the information you need about weaves, hair extensions, wigs, and braids. And trust me, by the end of this blog post, you’ll be itching to try out one of these fabulous styles!
So without further ado, let’s get started! Protective hairstyles are a great way to keep your hair healthy while still looking stylish. If you’re not sure what protective hairstyle is right for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of options that are sure to suit your needs. From low-maintenance styles like box braids to more intricate styles like cornrows, there’s something for everyone!
I know what you’re thinking: “protective hairstyles are all well and good, but what about easy hairstyles? I don’t have time to do anything complicated!”
I hear you loud and clear! This is a list of easy hairstyles that are perfect for busy ladies on the go. From quick and easy updo’s to simple braided styles.
Easy Protective Natural Hairstyles with or without Extensions
- Box braids – are always fun and easy to style. They last about four to six weeks, making them a great protective style for busy ladies who are always on the move. The key to making box braids stay a long time is to keep them well-moisturized. Small box braids last longer because they put less tension on the hair if installed correctly. As with any braids, you want to ensure your stylist is not doing your hair too tight. We want it to last but not at the expense of your edges.
- Cornrows – are a classic protective style that can be dressed up or down. They can last anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on how well they’re maintained. To keep cornrows looking fresh, moisturize your scalp and hair regularly. It’s also important to avoid tight hairstyles that can put a strain on your edges.
- Ponytail with a side part – always looks chic and only takes a few minutes to style. To get this look, start by parting your hair to the side. Then, gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Finally, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. This style is perfect for busy ladies who want to look put-together with minimal effort.
- A side braid – is a great protective style for those days when you don’t have time to do your hair. To get this look, start by parting your hair to the side. Then, take a small section of hair from the front and begin braiding it. Continue braiding the hair along the side of your head until you reach the back. Secure the braid with an elastic, and you’re done! You can add a low bun or low ponytail in the back to finish the look.
- Space Buns – are a fun and effortless protective style that can be done fast. To get this look, start by parting your hair down the middle. Then, gather each section of hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Next, twist the hair around itself to form a bun and secure it with another elastic. Repeat on the other side. You can leave the buns as is or add a few accessories, like flowers or beads, to dress them up.
- Pineapple with Head Scarf – is another protective style that’s perfect for those days when you don’t have time to do your hair. Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail on top of your head to get this look. Then, tie a head scarf around your head, covering the ponytail. Finally, tuck the ends of the scarf under the ponytail to secure it in place. This style is perfect for busy ladies who want to keep their hair out of their faces.
- Locs – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length to their natural hair. Locs are easy to install and can be worn for years. To get this look, start by parting your hair into small sections. Then, twist each section of hair. You can also use extension hair to add length to this look. Going to a loctician to install your locs is always the best option to ensure they are installed correctly.
- Bubble Cornrows – are a protective style that’s perfect for both kids and adults. Start by creating small cornrows all over your head to get this look. Then, take a small section of hair from each cornrow and tie it off with an elastic. This will create a “bubble” effect. You can leave the bubbles as is or add a few beads to dress them up.
- French Braids – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. French braids are easy to install and can be worn for days at a time. To get this look start by parting your hair into two big sections. Then, take each section of hair and braid it. You can also use extensions to get this look.
- Pixie Cut – is a great protective style for those with short natural hair. To get this look, always go to a licensed cosmetologist or barber. Pixie cuts can be styled in various ways, so be sure to discuss with your stylist what look you are going for. They will be able to cut and style your hair into a pixie cut properly. This style is perfect for busy ladies who want a low-maintenance style.
- Tapered Cut – is a great protective style for those with short natural hair. Again, to get this look, always go to a licensed cosmetologist or barber because you will have the best outcome, and love your new style. These cuts can be styled in various ways, so be sure to discuss with your stylist what look you are going for. They will be able to cut and style your hair into a tapered cut properly. This style is perfect for busy ladies who want a low-maintenance style.
Easy Protective Natural Hairstyles with Extensions
- Hair Extensions are a great way to add length and volume to your natural hair. They can also be used to create protective styles like sew-ins, braids and cornrows. Hair extensions come in various colors, so you can easily find a shade that matches your natural hair color. If you’re looking for a protective style that’s easy to maintain, check out hair extensions!
- Crochet Braids – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Crochet braids are easy to install and can be worn for weeks at a time. To get this look, start by installing small cornrows braids all over your head, ensuring a good braiding pattern. Then, style the crochet hair into whatever style you desire.
- Faux Locs – a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Faux locks are easy to install and can be worn for weeks at a time. To get this look, start by installing small box braids all over your head to ensure a good braiding pattern. Then, add the faux logs by wrapping extensions around the box braids. You can also use crochet hair to get this look.
- Sew-Ins – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Sew-ins are easy to install and can be worn for weeks. To get this look, start by installing small cornrows all over your head, ensuring a good braiding pattern. Then, sew in the wefts of hair by hand. You can also use glue to secure the wefts in place.
- Clip-Ins – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Clip-ins are easy to install and can be worn for days at a time. To get this look, start by parting your hair into small sections. Then, take a small section of hair from each part and clip in the weft of hair.
- Tape-Ins – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Tape-ins are easy to install and can be worn for weeks at a time. To get this look, start by parting your hair about an inch from the nape of your neck, and use your finger or a comb to make a horizontal part. You will apply the extensions near the line made by the comb while parting your hair. After you attach the extensions, take small sections of your natural hair and cover the wefts. Be sure to pull thin enough sections so that your fingers can touch through the strands, then repeat until you have your desired look.
- Knotless braids – are a protective style perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Knotless braids are easy to install and can be worn for weeks at a time. To get this look, start by parting your hair into small sections. Then, take a small section of hair from each part and begin braiding it adding small pieces of hair extensions as your braid.
- Passion twist – are a protective style that’s perfect for those who want to add length and volume to their natural hair. Passion twists are easy to install and can be worn for weeks at a time. To get this look, start by parting the hair into boxes. Then apply passion twist extensions by beginning each section with a braid then twist the hair along with the synthetic hair.
- Wigs – are a great protective style for busy ladies who want to change their look without damaging their natural hair. Wigs come in a variety of styles, colors, and lengths, so there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. When shopping for a wig, be sure to look for one that’s made from high-quality human hair. This will ensure that your wig looks natural and lasts a long time. Curl 5 offers many options made with 100% virgin human hair if you are unsure where to find a high-quality wig.
If you have any issues trying these styles out, view the Curl 5 support page for video content.
Healthy Hair Habits for Protective Hairstyles.
When wearing your hair in protective styles, it is still essential to maintain healthy hair habits. Here are a few tips:
- Wash your hair regularly with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
- If possible deep condition your hair once a week to keep it hydrated and moisturized.
- Use protective styling products like leave-in conditioners and oils to help keep your scalp healthy.
- Avoid tight hairstyles that can put unnecessary stress on your hair and scalp.
- Be gentle when handling your hair to avoid breakage.
- Wrap you hair at night with a silk scarf or bonnet.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hair stays healthy while you’re rocking protective styles. So go ahead and try out some of the styles listed above! Your natural hair will thank you.
What are some of your favorite protective styles? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with your friends!