What Are Some Protective Hairstyles?

Overview

Hair management and care aren't always easy, especially if you have type 3 or 4 hair as they require a little more care than type 1 and 2 hair.

Some people believe that protective styling is the key to healthy hair growth. Others contend that these styles might cause breakage due to strain, especially if your hair isn't properly hydrated.

What Exactly is a Protective Hairstyle?

Protective hairstyles protect your strands and aid in the reduction of breakage, tangling, and shedding. It ranges from box braids to messy buns, but they all serve the same function: to protect your strands from wind, pulling, tugging, and heat styling.

It is crucial to consider that not all protective styles are made identical. If your hairstyle is too firmly styled, it may do more bad than good. When styling your hair, avoid too much pressure on the hair. Are you going to a salon to get your protective style installed? Don't be afraid to speak up if you believe your stylist is pulling too tightly or adding too much hair.

What Are the Benefits of Protective Hairstyles?

A protective hairstyle's aim is to shield the oldest, most susceptible portion of your hair from unnecessary environmental stressors. Whether you're protecting your hair from the heat and humidity of summer or the cold, dry winds of winter, there's a protective style for you.

While protective hairstyles do not promote hair growth, they can aid in the retention of length and moisture.

The Different Protective Styles

Your hair is in a protective style when you wear your ends tucked away. This is significant since the ends of the strand are the most fragile and oldest portion of the strand. Washing, conditioning, styling, and detangling your hair on a regular basis require constant tugging, making it frailer than the last time. 

Rocking protective styles in the world of natural hair has become an extra benefit of having more choices for concealing hair on a variety of levels. Updos, twists, wigs, and braids are examples of protective styles. Added synthetic or human hair is frequently used to increase colour, thickness, length, and texture appearance. 

Flat Twists

This resembles cornrows' looks, but they are easier to achieve. They provide excellent protection and can last for weeks. You can undo your twists to reveal a twist-out fro.

Pineapple or Puff Updo

Puffs (also known as a pineapple style) are very popular. This style involves having your hair pulled back from your face in a gelled-down appearance with the ends loose, typically in a ponytail holder. 

Faux Locs

One of the most popular protective styles is faux locs. These are non-permanent alternatives to locs.

Wigs

Why not completely conceal your natural hair from root to tip? If you'd rather not subject your entire head to constant manipulation and styling, consider wearing a wig. There are numerous types of wigs, the majority of which are considered protective styles.

Take Away

Always wash and nourish your hair well before styling it protectively. Blow-dried hair is required for many protective braided styles. 

Finding the right hairstyle for your hair is up to your own personal preferences. 

If you would like to learn more about hair, read some of our great articles!

- Why does my hair get greasy so fast?

- What is 4c hair?

- 11 ways you may be damaging your hair.