If you have ever done research on promoting hair growth, you’ve probably heard of protective styles. Protective styles refer to any hair configuration that protects your ends, edges and overall curls from consistent manipulation that can lead to breakage and further damage. Protective hair is an essential part of natural hair care that can be of immense benefit to you. Wondering why protective hairstyles for natural hair are important or what protective hairstyles to wear? We have compiled some of the top benefits of this technique as well as some trendy protective styles you should know.

Benefits of protective styles for natural hair

Wondering why it’s important to wear protective hairstyles? Here are 5 reasons to consider.

• Low maintenance

The less you do to natural hair, the more it flourishes. In other words, protective styling means little to no hair manipulation such as consistent brushing combing and twisting, and more. Depending on your hair texture, type or density, too much manipulation could cause breakage, split ends and thinning. So if you want to give your tresses some relaxation and let them regain their health, protective styles are the way to go!

• Retains growth

Growing longer hair is one of the best reasons for protective styles. Contrary to what many people think, natural hair does grow! Natural hair might look like it isn’t growing because the rate of growth is equal or less than that of breakage. Most protective hairstyles keep the tresses up as they are designed to retain growth by reducing the amount of breakage. If you don’t quit, you will soon see longer, stronger hair that’s not compromised by stressors.

• Timesavers

Hairstyling can take time, and not everyone has that luxury of time every morning for it. So if you’re searching for easier solutions so you can get ready to start your day quickly, consider protective styles as they don’t need plenty of efforts aside from the occasional touch-up or spritz with natural oils.

• Retain moisture

You will be able to retain moisture hair in a protective style which in turn will keep your hair soft. And when your hair is moisturized, it is less likely to suffer breakage and dryness. It’s also much easier to sleep with a bonnet on when your hair is in a protective natural hairstyle.

• Versatile 

Unfortunately, many people tend to think protective styles are boring but nothing could be farther from the truth. With a protective style, you can change up your look and try something new while your hair takes a needed break from heat and styling products. There’s no lack of versatility when you use some creativity when doing your braids, weaves, twists and buns.

The 7 best protective styles for natural hair

1. Faux locs

Faux locs have become increasingly popular over the years. They are probably one of the most protective of all the protective styles since beside your roots, all of your hair will be safely wrapped inside of the braiding hair. This means all of your tresses will be safe harm. You can even customize your locs if you like as there are many ways of wearing them, especially if you decide to make them colourful.

2. Havana Twists

Similar to regular twists, Havana twists are used to incorporate hair extensions into your mane while protecting your natural hair. The style involves twisting two strands of hair around each other, all over your hair. Havana twists are exceptional because they ooze grace and style. Easy to wear but more expensive than other twist-styles, these will require a bit of pre-planning and regular maintenance, something you will need to bear in mind.

3. Natural Flat Twist style

When it comes to protecting natural hair, flat twist hairstyles are a lifesaver. They are similar to cornrows but tend to be easier to style without the help of another person. You can count on it to adequately support the proper growth of your hair while also looking beautiful.

4. Bantu Knots 

Bantu knots shine as a traditional African hairstyle and remains treasured to this day. They are also called Zulu knots owing to their origins. Regardless of how you call them, Bantu Knots are super adorable and edgy but are also easy to style with lots of versatility. The hairstyle does a great job of protecting natural hair and is not demanding in terms of length.

5. Crochet Braids Style

Crochet braids were big in the ’90s and it seems they are back again. An excellent alternative to traditional sew-in leaves, crochet braids refer to the style in which hair extensions are added to your hair. When they unravel, they look beautifully curly and the frizziness will be at a low as long as you keep them well hydrated and maintained. In a nutshell, this style results in bouncy ringlets that can go a long way to protect your existing Natural Hair.

6. Box braids

Everyone likes Box braids because they offer a fantastic opportunity to extend one’s hair and wear versatile hairstyles that look exquisite yet are very simple to do. They are cute regardless of the style you get them in and are particularly stunning on those with medium and long hair. Box braids can shield your natural hair while they grow. All you have to do is choose your favourite style of braids and get them installed by a professional.

7. Twist Updo

Updos have evolved over the years and they are still trendy. Twist updos are a fabulous hairstyle solution you can try as they can help secure your natural hair while providing the utmost comfort. Whether you have traditional twists, flat twists, Senegalese twists or another type of twist, rest assured that updos won’t get hair in your face and that you will always look chic.

Protective styles for natural hair provide a whole world of opportunities to express your style preferences while ensuring that your natural hair transitions healthily. There are many protective styles to choose from and it can be hard to decide which to go with, but no matter what you pick, you are sure to look fabulous any time.