The 30 Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Hair inspo for every natural texture and shape.

laura harrier with protective style braids
(Image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty)
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When it comes to styling natural hair, the options are endless. But when it comes to protecting your hair from damage, maintaining optimal hydration, and retaining length, it's all about protective styles. “Protective styles can help you give your strands a break from damage incurred by styling, like heat styling or color treatments,” explains celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway. “Your hair is hidden and tucked away, which sometimes prompts growth as well.” 

To help get your hair in the healthiest state possible, make sure you load up on moisturization while your hair is in a protective style. If you are wearing braids, Redway recommends using a hydrating product on both the scalp and throughout your the length of your hair. Some of her favorites to get the job done? The Nexxus Curl Define Leave-in Conditioner and the TRESemmé One Step Style Smooth Cream. 

Of course, there are old faithfuls like box braids, cornrows, and twisted styles to choose from when deciding on your protective style. But there are also tons of looks that are anything but basic. From low-tension ponytails and flower-embellished box braids to bobs perfect for summer, we’ve rounded up inspo for every occasion. Read on for 30 of the most stunning protective styles. 

Laura Harrier’s Long Box Braids
(Image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty)

Laura Harrier’s Long Box Braids

For a look that’s lower-tension, Redway suggests braids that leave the hairline out—and no one rocks the look better than Harrier. 

Amandla Stenberg’s Blonde Bob
(Image credit: Toni Anne Barson/Getty)

Amandla Stenberg’s Blonde Bob

One of Redway’s biggest predictions for summer 2022 is a turn toward more bob looks, such as this braided masterpiece. “I’m really into bob-length hair at the moment—particularly chin-length bobs and in all textures,” Reway says. “The weather is warming up, so it’s nice to see hair moving away from the neck and shoulders as we begin to wear less.” 

Brandy's Multi-Colored Marley Twists
(Image credit: Paras Griffin)

Brandy's Multi-Colored Marley Twists

Experiment with color without a permanent commitment by opting for fun pastel extensions to incorporate within your protective style. Emulate Brandy's sweet Marley twist with various hues of pink.

Issa Rae's Low Puff
(Image credit: @lovingyourhair)

Issa Rae's Low Puff

Jazz up your low puff by embellishing with accessories like a rope, like Rae's look created at the hands of Felicia Leatherwood.

Tessa Thompson's Stitched Cornrows
(Image credit: @LacyRedway)

Tessa Thompson's Stitched Cornrows

There's nothing like a classic low-maintenance cornrow look to keep your strands protected. Look to Thompson's effortless stitched style, dreamed up by Redway.

Jourdan Dunn's Twisted High Pony
(Image credit: @jordandunn)

Jourdan Dunn's Twisted High Pony

The high ponytail will forever serve as one of the most effective means to easily securing your strands. Dress it up with a statement accessory. Then do as Dunn has here and finish with a bouncy twist for added flair.

Logan Browning's Flat Twisted Updo
(Image credit: Joe Scarnici)

Logan Browning's Flat Twisted Updo

Browning stuns in a side swept flat twisted look, complete with mini buns.

Joyjah Estrada's Braided Top Knot
(Image credit: @joyjah)

Joyjah Estrada's Braided Top Knot

Reimagine the top knot by braiding your strands before wrapping into a high bun. For even more flair, style out your baby hairs, like Estrada.

Gabrielle Union Senegalese Twist
(Image credit: Jason LaVeris)

Gabrielle Union Senegalese Twist

Union effortlessly slays Senegalese twists on the red carpet in an elegant side swept fashion.

Marsae Martin's Low Bun
(Image credit: Paras Griffin)

Marsae Martin's Low Bun

It's safe to say that a classic low bun will never go out of style. Martin stuns with a braided low bun and strategically placed swirls of baby hairs on the red carpet of the 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Zazie Beetz's Effortless Bantu Knots
(Image credit: @LacyRedway)

Zazie Beetz's Effortless Bantu Knots

Keep your tresses protected while making a statement with this Bantu knot look. Redway created an effortless iteration on actress Zazie Beetz.

Teyonah Parris's Floral Box Braids
(Image credit: Noam Galai)

Teyonah Parris's Floral Box Braids

Take a cue from Parris and play up your box braids with the strategic placement of flowers throughout your style.

Yara Shahidi's Braided Faux Hawk
(Image credit: @LacyRedway)

Yara Shahidi's Braided Faux Hawk

Imagined by Redway, Shahidi's intricately braided faux hawk is a masterpiece!

Ciara's Two-Toned Faux Locs
(Image credit: @ciara)

Ciara's Two-Toned Faux Locs

It's clear that Ciara can pull off every hairstyle that she debuts, and this two-toned look is no different. Whether you're contemplating a loc journey or seeking to temporarily switch up your look, faux locs are a bold and low maintenance style to try on your natural hair.

Karrueche's Blonde Cornrows
(Image credit: @karrueche)

Karrueche's Blonde Cornrows

Get into these '90s-inspired straight back cornrows. Add a bold statement to the classic style by going blonde like Karrueche.

Meagan Good's Goddess Locs Into a Side Braid
(Image credit: Rodin Eckenroth)

Meagan Good's Goddess Locs Into a Side Braid

Goddess locs are another style iteration to keep on your radar. These faux locs complete with curly ends adds a whimsical boho touch. Make like Good and try a side-swept French braid.

Beyonce's Finger-Waved Cornrows
(Image credit: Jon Kopaloff)

Beyonce's Finger-Waved Cornrows

Bey hit the red carpet of the 2019 Lion King premiere rocking finger waves, reimagined. The singer shows off intricately styled cornrows braided into a swirled pattern reminiscent to the 1920s look.

Ashley Blaine's Embellished Halo Braid
(Image credit: David Crotty)

Ashley Blaine's Embellished Halo Braid

ICYMI: Going for a braided style is the perfect go-to when wearing protective styles.  Blaine looks absolutely regal here, wearing a statement-making halo braid complete with gold cuffs.

Solange's Beaded Fulani Braids
(Image credit: hairbysusy)

Solange's Beaded Fulani Braids

Dress up your Fulani braids by adding beads and hair cuffs. Solange lets her blonde braids do the talking by accenting her look with statement-making red beads.

Tracee Ellis Ross's Ribbon Braid
(Image credit: @traceeellisross)

Tracee Ellis Ross's Ribbon Braid

Play around with your favorite scarf by adding the accessory into your hair. Here, hairstylist Araxi Lindsey complements Ross's eyeshadow and ear cuffs by intertwining a scarf into her super long braid.

Ryan Destiny's Long Braid
(Image credit: Rodin Eckenroth)

Ryan Destiny's Long Braid

Destiny stuns with her hair pulled back into a Rapunzel-like braid on the red carpet at the 2019 BET Awards.

Jhene Aiko's Knotless Braids
(Image credit: @JheneAiko)

Jhene Aiko's Knotless Braids

Jhene Aiko's braided styles never cease to amaze. Here, the singer shows off long knotless box braids. Give this look a try if you're looking for a versatile style that lasts six to eight weeks.

Justine Skye's Bunned Faux Hawk
(Image credit: @JustineSkye)

Justine Skye's Bunned Faux Hawk

Justine Skye reimagines the classic high bun by parting her hair into three sections and adding mini space buns in the form of a faux hawk.

Tessa Thompson's Jumbo Box Braids
(Image credit: @LacyRedway)

Tessa Thompson's Jumbo Box Braids

Here, Redway played around with proportions by creating jumbo knotless braids on Thompson. The beauty in this look: the install takes half the time of traditional box braids.

Amandla Stenberg's Cornrowed Bun
(Image credit: @vernonfrancois)

Amandla Stenberg's Cornrowed Bun

How stunning is this look? Hairstylist Vernon François worked his magic on Stenberg to create stitched cornrows complete with a chic bun and gorgeous subtle swirls of baby hair.

Brandy’s Side-Swept Braids
(Image credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty)

Brandy’s Side-Swept Braids

While you can’t go wrong with a center part, embracing a deep side part is an easy way to switch up your vibe. Let Brandy serve as your inspiration. This look came together thanks to the genius work of hairstylist Nikkia Nelson. 

Keke Palmer’s Space Buns
(Image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty)

Keke Palmer’s Space Buns

Want a look that’s going to be off your neck in the summer heat? Take a page out of Palmer’s playbook and recreate her braided space buns. 

Lupita Nyong’o’s Contoured Sisterlocks
(Image credit: David Livingston/Getty)

Lupita Nyong’o’s Contoured Sisterlocks

Francios created a literal work of art here. Thanks to a combination of basket weaving, wefting, and loc extensions techniques, he was able to create this insanely intricate updo. If you have a big event coming up, something along these lines is hands-down a way to make a statement. 

Chloe Bailey’s Bleach Blonde Locs
(Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)

Chloe Bailey’s Bleach Blonde Locs

The singer-songwriter is always having fun with her protective styles—just look to her Instagram for proof. For the 2021 Met Gala, she played with color, giving her dark roots a bleach blonde contrast. 

Kiki Layne’s Glitter-Embellished Headband
(Image credit: Jeff Kravitz/Getty)

Kiki Layne’s Glitter-Embellished Headband

The star took her braided headband to the next level by weaving glitzy jewels throughout. While her diamond piece might not be the easiest to get a hold of, a shimmery ribbon or jewel accents can give the safe effect. 

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Chelsea Hall

Chelsea Hall is the former Assistant Fashion and Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she covered celebrity style, fashion trends, skincare, makeup and anything else tied into the world of fashion and beauty

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