Natural hair doesn’t have to be all two-strand twist-outs and wash-and-gos. The beauty of having natural hair lies in the ability to bend and morph your mane into a bevy of styles: bantu knots, cornrows, braided updos, high-puff ponytails, you name it. And when you find yourself in a styling rut, there’s no better way to refresh your look than with a protective style.
Humidity can put a damper on natural hair and honestly, who even has the time to focus on styling hair between fighting the sweltering summer heat, traveling, maintaining a social life, and work/school. Protective styles are a sure-fire way to shield hair from excessive tugging and manipulation, heat, and other environmental terrors to keep it healthy and strong all summer long. If you need more convincing that protective styles are the way to go this summer, allow me to show you nine beautiful styles that deserve all the love on your ‘gram.
While straight backs are the typically reserved for under your wig or a sew-in, Nikki Nelms's iteration of the classic style is one you'll want to show off. Add gold accents to add a royal touch.
Cornrows are extremely versatile thanks to the many different designs you can create. Rico Nasty's middle part Fulani Braids are spun in a cool royal blue shade and secured with silver and white beads for an instant nostalgic look.
Faux locs are achieved by braiding the hair down, wrapping the braid until it's fully coated in the hair texture of choice (some people use Marley Hair while others prefer Kanekelon). Embellish them with shells and metallic gold cords or add a few pieces of curly hair throughout for a messy look.
Channel your inner Jada Pinkett Smith with a chic braided bob. This style is not only low maintenance, but frames your face so your features get a moment to shine.
If you don't want to spend seven-plus hours in your stylist's chair, I suggest asking for these jumbo Senegalese twists. The chunky style is achieved by parting the hair in large sections (less tension on your roots) and twisting the hair down to your desired length.
When Beyoncé had sideswept cornrows in her Lemonade visual, everyone wanted side cornrows. Can you blame them? The simple look gives you a soft, delicate look and never goes out of style.
Get festival ready with vibrant box braids that are sure to make you standout amongst the crowds (it's also an easy way for your friends to find you, should you get lost).
Lacy Redway's hip-grazing box braids on Tessa Thompson are are anything but simple. Take it a step further by using wavy hair for a bohemian, Zoë Kravitz vibe.
The higher the hair, the closer to God, right? Let the braids hang down in a high ponytail for a throwback-feel or wrap it up in a bun for a elegant finish.
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