HomeBEAUTY The Best 50 Stylish Protective Hairstyles byStacy Harris -February 01, 2023 0 Protective hairstyles are the most convenient and efficient method of working with afro-textured hair to tuck away your hair ends and provide overall security from harsh weather conditions. Their practicality aside, these hairstyles are badass, and there are several ways to go about them. This article tells you all about protective hairstyles and lists 50 uber cool ways to make them. You will find a style for every occasion. And honestly, why not style them just for the heck of it! So, try out these hairstyles and make heads turn your way.1. Knotless Box Braids Knotless box braids closely mimic classic box braids, but there is one thing that sets them apart. The biggest distinction is that knotless braids are not weaved with the tiny knot that traditional box braids begin with. So these braids don’t pull on your hair follicles as much as classic box braids, making them more comfortable and less likely to break.2. Fulani BraidsFulani braids are cornrows weaved close to the scalp in beautiful patterns that can be accessorized with beads. This style is inspired by one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups, the Fulani. Not only is it fashionable, but it also carries a legacy!3. Dreadlocks With Highlights Dreadlocks are an iconic hairstyle. And colors add vibrancy, life, and dimension to hair. Do you see where I’m going with this? So, go ahead and dye those locks and look amazing in this classic protective hairstyle!4. Floral Box Braids Along with your floral dresses, this look is perfect for summer and can be accessorized with real flowers or embellishments. The Marvels actress Teyonah Parris walked the red carpet in this look, with this “braid made of braids,” and it is a must-try!5. Chunky Braided Mohawk The wild mohawk and the elegant braid crossover to create a hairstyle that is unmistakably unique! And the red hair adds a fiery touch. While the back of the hair is neatly braided all the way down, the sides are gelled down and weaved in a thin cornrow on each side to give a faux shaved sides look.6. Box Braids With BeadsBox braids are one of the most popular protective styles. Not only are they easy to achieve but, as seen in the image above, they can be made beautiful with accessories like beads. With this style, you can keep your hair out of the way while still looking stylish. What a fashion move!7. Natural Twists Nothing is simpler than twisting your hair strands to achieve a fabulous look. Most twist styles use extensions to appear longer. But with this style you can show off your natural locks! This two-strand protective hairstyle looks great on both short and long hair and is gentle on the scalp as well.8. Braided Half Top Knot Looking for a hairstyle that can jazz up your already braided hair? A sleek half top knot adds height and elegance to your braided look. Instead of coloring your natural hair, you can simply weave these box braids with colored hair extensions and voila!9. Ombre Box Braid The best part about protective hairstyles like box braids is the addition of hair extensions. Not only do they make your hair look longer and thicker, but you can also experiment with a wide range of colored extensions. To recreate this look, weave your natural hair box braids. As you reach the end of the braid, start adding in orange extensions and continue weaving the braid. Then add in the white extensions. This fabulous orange to white ombre is sure to keep the spotlight on you!10. Cornrowed Low Ponytail This chic, formal look can be worn at any time during the day. Whether a formal dinner or an afternoon outing, the traditional low ponytail looks edgy when done on braided hair. And this hairstyle is so versatile that it can be worn for any mood or season!11. High Ponytail Box BraidsI’m starting this list on a high note. Sleek high ponytails are stylish, but this box braided high ponytail is HAWT. Let’s not overlook the finger waves that are around her hairline. They add some extra oomph to the whole look. Love it!12. Half Ponytail Box BraidsBox braids are braids that are done in square- or rectangle-shaped partitions. The half ponytail is a big hit with box braids. It is a brilliant way to show off your braids and look spectacular! This protective hairstyle also shows off your face shape and features, especially if you have an oval face.13. Open Ends Box BraidsIf you have thick hair tips and dry roots, try this protective style. You don’t need to braid all your hair. Caring for your hair tips is easier with this style as you can apply oil freely to them. This protective hairstyle not only solves that issue but also makes you look glamorous while doing it.14. Pattern Jumbo BraidsPatterns are everything in this century. Hair has become a canvas, and it is truly inspiring. I love these triangled box braids. They look super stylish!15. Patterned CornrowsShowcase a masterpiece with this creatively designed protective hairdo. I would recommend getting a professional to do this instead of trying it yourself. Just look at that finish! You have to be a professional hairdresser to get that kind of a look.16. Feed-In BraidsFeed-in braids are closely aligned to the scalp. As you weave the stitches in the braid, you keep adding hair to it. Feed-in braids start off scrawny but end up thick at the end. They look pretty wild if, you ask me. Alternate between thin and thick braids to create a dynamic hair look.17. Big CornrowsBig cornrows look super cool. They also decrease the tension on your hair roots caused by the pulling of the braids. So, if you already have an issue with hair loss, I recommend you speak to your hairdresser about getting big cornrows.18. Side CornrowsWe know that side-swept bangs work wonders for all face shapes. Now you can take that sweep and add it to your braids as well. Just take inspiration from this side-parted hairstyle.19. Twisted BraidsThis dreadlock-like hairstyle is achieved by simply twisting your hair tightly. The roots are not necessarily pulled tight. It looks pretty cool, right? Add a subtle pop of color to your locks to jazz up this hairstyle.20. Braided High PonytailDoesn’t this hairstyle look incredibly pleasing? The scalp-aligned braids are perfectly swept, and the high ponytail is totally on point. I mean, damn girl! You looking fine!21. Yarn TwistsThis protective hairstyle has become one of the most sought after black braid styles of 2018. It involves adding yarn to your natural hair. While woolen yarn is said to curb frizziness, acrylic yarn is more protective. Whatever you pick, know that this protective hairstyle most certainly has your back.22. The PineappleThe Pineapple is the kinky-haired girl’s answer to the messy top knot. Simply apply some curl defining cream to your hair and flip it over. Gather all your hair right on top of your head and tie it with an elastic band. If you have long hair, wrap it around in a loop bun. You can tie a colorful headwrap to protect your hair when you go out and to add a funky touch to the look.23. Bantu KnotsBantu knots have to be one of the coolest hairstyles of all time. It looks super edgy while keeping all your hair off your face and neck. Twist your hair in sections and wrap them in tight buns to form Bantu knots.Bantu knots are styles that are trending nowadays, thanks to celebs like Rihanna, Cardi B and Yara Shahidi, who are seen rocking this style in different looks.24. Senegalese TwistsSenegalese twists are one of the simplest and trendiest twists.You can use synthetic or natural hair extensions for Senegalese twists, but natural extensions give them a more authentic feel. Add the extensions near the roots of a section of hair and twist until you reach the very end.25. Braided PigtailsJust when I thought there couldn’t possibly be any trendy ways to style pigtails, I saw this image on my Insta-feed. I love it! It’s so badass and flowy. This is the perfect gym and dance hairdo.26. Ghana BraidsGhana braids are done the same way as cornrows, but extensions are added to the braids to make them look well-defined. Using colored extensions adds even more dimension to this look. It also makes your hair look thick and lush.27. Tree BraidsTree braids are protective braids that use hair extensions. The braid starts at the scalp but can stop anywhere from an inch away from the roots to halfway down your hair. The rest of the hair is left loose. This hairstyle is used to make your hair look thicker.28. Big Feed-In BraidsContrasts are what people are talking about. Blonde and brunette ombres are taking the world by storm, thanks to their stark contrast. Similarly, in the world of black braids, big and small braids are the contrast everyone is talking about. So, get on board!29. Braided Feed InsWomen are complicated. We have feelings about our feelings. So, naturally, we want our hairstyles to take on our personalities. If simple braids won’t do, try this braids-merged-into-one-braid hairstyle.30. Beaded BraidsProtective braids are everywhere, so how do you set your hairstyle apart from everyone else? Add some beaded accessories! All you have to do is clip them onto your braids anywhere you like. Get ready to look on fleek!31. Colored BraidsHair color damages your hair. We all know that the chemicals used in coloring products weaken and dry out your hair. Instead of coloring your hair, do some box braids (or any other protective style) with colored hair extensions.32. Multicolored BraidsIf I had to bleach and color my hair these colors, I would probably end up with no hair on my head. Again, use extensions! It brings your chances of hair loss and damage to zero. You can experiment with different colors, patterns, and protective styles, too.33. Crochet BraidsOkay, I have to confess something. Earlier, I was a little confused about what exactly crochet braids are. Crochet braiding is a method of adding extensions to your hair. You start by braiding all your hair into cornrows. Then, you insert and loop the extensions into the middle section of the cornrows. You can then leave these extensions loose or braid them.34. Hair RingsHair rings are THE hair accessories of 2018. They look totally badass, and all you have to do is loop them through your braids. You can get designer hair rings with feathers and stars to spice up your braids and bring out your personality.35. Braided BunIn the movies, when there’s work to do, you often see the girl bun her hair up. Why? Not only is it an effective way of keeping your hair off your face, but it also looks good. Black women have taken their hair game up a notch with this hairstyle.36. Black Dutch BraidsOh, my gosh, talk about perfection! Tell me I’m not the only one seeing those flawless stitches that join to form some stunning braids. Clearly, the Dutch style of braiding is all the rage right now.37. Mambo TwistsWhen you weave your braids very tight, they start curling up and become squiggly. This protective hairstyle is called the mambo twist. You can add more definition to this style with some rollers, hair gel, and a blow dryer.38. Spider Web Pattern BraidsLike I said before, we women are complicated, and we like complicated works of art, like this hairstyle. The spider web pattern of this hairstyle is equal parts cool and gorgeous.39. Designer BraidsIt’s all about lines and angles. Geometry finally makes sense! These angled partitions make for a great pattern for protective styles. If you love styling your hair like this, I’d recommend using a mix of small and big braids.40. Marley TwistsMarley twists are one of the most seen protective hairstyles on Instagram. Marley hair extensions are used for this protective hairstyle. These twists are smaller than Havana twists. Marley extensions are said to have a more natural texture than any other synthetic hair. They last for about two months before any touch-ups are required.41. Halo BraidsThe halo braid had to have been discovered by some divine intervention. It looks so simple, yet elegant and beautiful. Imagine pairing this hair look with an off-white linen gown and some simple jewelry. S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!42. Havana TwistThe Havana twist is just as catchy as the Camila Cabello song. Jumbo Havana twists are a great summer hairstyle. They make you look laid-back and carefree.43. Faux LocsWhen you color, straighten, curl, or perm your hair, you ruin its texture and strip off its nourishment. Therefore, you need to use extensions to protect your hair. This will improve your hair drastically. A simple solution is to use faux locs. Not only do they look great, but you can also experiment with heat styling tools and colors. They also add volume to your hair.Faux locs can be installed in two ways: either by wrapping your braids with hair extensions or crocheting your hair into the braids.44. Bob BraidsBlack women took the bob and transformed it into this stunning hairstyle that almost everyone wants. The braided bob is a ‘90s hairstyle. Yes, that’s true! It’s making a comeback with a bang.45. Top BraidsWhen you have thick kinky hair, your hair tend to be undernourished. The problem with this is if you don’t take care of your roots, the entire length of your hair can be compromised. By braiding the top of your hair, you can easily apply hair masks and oils to strengthen the roots.46. The Middle BraidThe middle braid is a style that is unusual but looks great. If you have love symmetry, I’m sure this protective style will give you a satisfying feeling. Accessorize the middle braid with rings or beads, and you will slay your hair game.47. Thread BraidsColorful threads are a great accessory for braids. Protective braids are long-lasting, which means you have the same hairstyle for over three weeks. Play around with different colored threads and patterns to give your braids a new look every day.48. Multiple AccessoriesWhy choose between beads, rings, and threads when you can use them all to create a stunning hairdo? Revamp your braids with these stunning accessories. All eyes are guaranteed to be on you.49. Half Top KnotThe half knot will go down in history as the most sported hairstyle of 2018. Black women love putting their own spin to regular hairstyles and letting their creativity fly. This half top knot done with box braids looks absolutely brilliant.50. Short Box BraidsShort hairstyles are killing it this year! From the pixie to the short black braids hairstyles, short hair seems to be everywhere. And, why not? Short hair is easy to manage, and it reduces hair fall and split ends. Tags BEAUTY Facebook Twitter
1. Knotless Box Braids Knotless box braids closely mimic classic box braids, but there is one thing that sets them apart. The biggest distinction is that knotless braids are not weaved with the tiny knot that traditional box braids begin with. So these braids don’t pull on your hair follicles as much as classic box braids, making them more comfortable and less likely to break.2. Fulani BraidsFulani braids are cornrows weaved close to the scalp in beautiful patterns that can be accessorized with beads. This style is inspired by one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups, the Fulani. Not only is it fashionable, but it also carries a legacy!3. Dreadlocks With Highlights Dreadlocks are an iconic hairstyle. And colors add vibrancy, life, and dimension to hair. Do you see where I’m going with this? So, go ahead and dye those locks and look amazing in this classic protective hairstyle!4. Floral Box Braids Along with your floral dresses, this look is perfect for summer and can be accessorized with real flowers or embellishments. The Marvels actress Teyonah Parris walked the red carpet in this look, with this “braid made of braids,” and it is a must-try!5. Chunky Braided Mohawk The wild mohawk and the elegant braid crossover to create a hairstyle that is unmistakably unique! And the red hair adds a fiery touch. While the back of the hair is neatly braided all the way down, the sides are gelled down and weaved in a thin cornrow on each side to give a faux shaved sides look.6. Box Braids With BeadsBox braids are one of the most popular protective styles. Not only are they easy to achieve but, as seen in the image above, they can be made beautiful with accessories like beads. With this style, you can keep your hair out of the way while still looking stylish. What a fashion move!7. Natural Twists Nothing is simpler than twisting your hair strands to achieve a fabulous look. Most twist styles use extensions to appear longer. But with this style you can show off your natural locks! This two-strand protective hairstyle looks great on both short and long hair and is gentle on the scalp as well.8. Braided Half Top Knot Looking for a hairstyle that can jazz up your already braided hair? A sleek half top knot adds height and elegance to your braided look. Instead of coloring your natural hair, you can simply weave these box braids with colored hair extensions and voila!9. Ombre Box Braid The best part about protective hairstyles like box braids is the addition of hair extensions. Not only do they make your hair look longer and thicker, but you can also experiment with a wide range of colored extensions. To recreate this look, weave your natural hair box braids. As you reach the end of the braid, start adding in orange extensions and continue weaving the braid. Then add in the white extensions. This fabulous orange to white ombre is sure to keep the spotlight on you!10. Cornrowed Low Ponytail This chic, formal look can be worn at any time during the day. Whether a formal dinner or an afternoon outing, the traditional low ponytail looks edgy when done on braided hair. And this hairstyle is so versatile that it can be worn for any mood or season!11. High Ponytail Box BraidsI’m starting this list on a high note. Sleek high ponytails are stylish, but this box braided high ponytail is HAWT. Let’s not overlook the finger waves that are around her hairline. They add some extra oomph to the whole look. Love it!12. Half Ponytail Box BraidsBox braids are braids that are done in square- or rectangle-shaped partitions. The half ponytail is a big hit with box braids. It is a brilliant way to show off your braids and look spectacular! This protective hairstyle also shows off your face shape and features, especially if you have an oval face.13. Open Ends Box BraidsIf you have thick hair tips and dry roots, try this protective style. You don’t need to braid all your hair. Caring for your hair tips is easier with this style as you can apply oil freely to them. This protective hairstyle not only solves that issue but also makes you look glamorous while doing it.14. Pattern Jumbo BraidsPatterns are everything in this century. Hair has become a canvas, and it is truly inspiring. I love these triangled box braids. They look super stylish!15. Patterned CornrowsShowcase a masterpiece with this creatively designed protective hairdo. I would recommend getting a professional to do this instead of trying it yourself. Just look at that finish! You have to be a professional hairdresser to get that kind of a look.16. Feed-In BraidsFeed-in braids are closely aligned to the scalp. As you weave the stitches in the braid, you keep adding hair to it. Feed-in braids start off scrawny but end up thick at the end. They look pretty wild if, you ask me. Alternate between thin and thick braids to create a dynamic hair look.17. Big CornrowsBig cornrows look super cool. They also decrease the tension on your hair roots caused by the pulling of the braids. So, if you already have an issue with hair loss, I recommend you speak to your hairdresser about getting big cornrows.18. Side CornrowsWe know that side-swept bangs work wonders for all face shapes. Now you can take that sweep and add it to your braids as well. Just take inspiration from this side-parted hairstyle.19. Twisted BraidsThis dreadlock-like hairstyle is achieved by simply twisting your hair tightly. The roots are not necessarily pulled tight. It looks pretty cool, right? Add a subtle pop of color to your locks to jazz up this hairstyle.20. Braided High PonytailDoesn’t this hairstyle look incredibly pleasing? The scalp-aligned braids are perfectly swept, and the high ponytail is totally on point. I mean, damn girl! You looking fine!21. Yarn TwistsThis protective hairstyle has become one of the most sought after black braid styles of 2018. It involves adding yarn to your natural hair. While woolen yarn is said to curb frizziness, acrylic yarn is more protective. Whatever you pick, know that this protective hairstyle most certainly has your back.22. The PineappleThe Pineapple is the kinky-haired girl’s answer to the messy top knot. Simply apply some curl defining cream to your hair and flip it over. Gather all your hair right on top of your head and tie it with an elastic band. If you have long hair, wrap it around in a loop bun. You can tie a colorful headwrap to protect your hair when you go out and to add a funky touch to the look.23. Bantu KnotsBantu knots have to be one of the coolest hairstyles of all time. It looks super edgy while keeping all your hair off your face and neck. Twist your hair in sections and wrap them in tight buns to form Bantu knots.Bantu knots are styles that are trending nowadays, thanks to celebs like Rihanna, Cardi B and Yara Shahidi, who are seen rocking this style in different looks.24. Senegalese TwistsSenegalese twists are one of the simplest and trendiest twists.You can use synthetic or natural hair extensions for Senegalese twists, but natural extensions give them a more authentic feel. Add the extensions near the roots of a section of hair and twist until you reach the very end.25. Braided PigtailsJust when I thought there couldn’t possibly be any trendy ways to style pigtails, I saw this image on my Insta-feed. I love it! It’s so badass and flowy. This is the perfect gym and dance hairdo.26. Ghana BraidsGhana braids are done the same way as cornrows, but extensions are added to the braids to make them look well-defined. Using colored extensions adds even more dimension to this look. It also makes your hair look thick and lush.27. Tree BraidsTree braids are protective braids that use hair extensions. The braid starts at the scalp but can stop anywhere from an inch away from the roots to halfway down your hair. The rest of the hair is left loose. This hairstyle is used to make your hair look thicker.28. Big Feed-In BraidsContrasts are what people are talking about. Blonde and brunette ombres are taking the world by storm, thanks to their stark contrast. Similarly, in the world of black braids, big and small braids are the contrast everyone is talking about. So, get on board!29. Braided Feed InsWomen are complicated. We have feelings about our feelings. So, naturally, we want our hairstyles to take on our personalities. If simple braids won’t do, try this braids-merged-into-one-braid hairstyle.30. Beaded BraidsProtective braids are everywhere, so how do you set your hairstyle apart from everyone else? Add some beaded accessories! All you have to do is clip them onto your braids anywhere you like. Get ready to look on fleek!31. Colored BraidsHair color damages your hair. We all know that the chemicals used in coloring products weaken and dry out your hair. Instead of coloring your hair, do some box braids (or any other protective style) with colored hair extensions.32. Multicolored BraidsIf I had to bleach and color my hair these colors, I would probably end up with no hair on my head. Again, use extensions! It brings your chances of hair loss and damage to zero. You can experiment with different colors, patterns, and protective styles, too.33. Crochet BraidsOkay, I have to confess something. Earlier, I was a little confused about what exactly crochet braids are. Crochet braiding is a method of adding extensions to your hair. You start by braiding all your hair into cornrows. Then, you insert and loop the extensions into the middle section of the cornrows. You can then leave these extensions loose or braid them.34. Hair RingsHair rings are THE hair accessories of 2018. They look totally badass, and all you have to do is loop them through your braids. You can get designer hair rings with feathers and stars to spice up your braids and bring out your personality.35. Braided BunIn the movies, when there’s work to do, you often see the girl bun her hair up. Why? Not only is it an effective way of keeping your hair off your face, but it also looks good. Black women have taken their hair game up a notch with this hairstyle.36. Black Dutch BraidsOh, my gosh, talk about perfection! Tell me I’m not the only one seeing those flawless stitches that join to form some stunning braids. Clearly, the Dutch style of braiding is all the rage right now.37. Mambo TwistsWhen you weave your braids very tight, they start curling up and become squiggly. This protective hairstyle is called the mambo twist. You can add more definition to this style with some rollers, hair gel, and a blow dryer.38. Spider Web Pattern BraidsLike I said before, we women are complicated, and we like complicated works of art, like this hairstyle. The spider web pattern of this hairstyle is equal parts cool and gorgeous.39. Designer BraidsIt’s all about lines and angles. Geometry finally makes sense! These angled partitions make for a great pattern for protective styles. If you love styling your hair like this, I’d recommend using a mix of small and big braids.40. Marley TwistsMarley twists are one of the most seen protective hairstyles on Instagram. Marley hair extensions are used for this protective hairstyle. These twists are smaller than Havana twists. Marley extensions are said to have a more natural texture than any other synthetic hair. They last for about two months before any touch-ups are required.41. Halo BraidsThe halo braid had to have been discovered by some divine intervention. It looks so simple, yet elegant and beautiful. Imagine pairing this hair look with an off-white linen gown and some simple jewelry. S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!42. Havana TwistThe Havana twist is just as catchy as the Camila Cabello song. Jumbo Havana twists are a great summer hairstyle. They make you look laid-back and carefree.43. Faux LocsWhen you color, straighten, curl, or perm your hair, you ruin its texture and strip off its nourishment. Therefore, you need to use extensions to protect your hair. This will improve your hair drastically. A simple solution is to use faux locs. Not only do they look great, but you can also experiment with heat styling tools and colors. They also add volume to your hair.Faux locs can be installed in two ways: either by wrapping your braids with hair extensions or crocheting your hair into the braids.44. Bob BraidsBlack women took the bob and transformed it into this stunning hairstyle that almost everyone wants. The braided bob is a ‘90s hairstyle. Yes, that’s true! It’s making a comeback with a bang.45. Top BraidsWhen you have thick kinky hair, your hair tend to be undernourished. The problem with this is if you don’t take care of your roots, the entire length of your hair can be compromised. By braiding the top of your hair, you can easily apply hair masks and oils to strengthen the roots.46. The Middle BraidThe middle braid is a style that is unusual but looks great. If you have love symmetry, I’m sure this protective style will give you a satisfying feeling. Accessorize the middle braid with rings or beads, and you will slay your hair game.47. Thread BraidsColorful threads are a great accessory for braids. Protective braids are long-lasting, which means you have the same hairstyle for over three weeks. Play around with different colored threads and patterns to give your braids a new look every day.48. Multiple AccessoriesWhy choose between beads, rings, and threads when you can use them all to create a stunning hairdo? Revamp your braids with these stunning accessories. All eyes are guaranteed to be on you.49. Half Top KnotThe half knot will go down in history as the most sported hairstyle of 2018. Black women love putting their own spin to regular hairstyles and letting their creativity fly. This half top knot done with box braids looks absolutely brilliant.50. Short Box BraidsShort hairstyles are killing it this year! From the pixie to the short black braids hairstyles, short hair seems to be everywhere. And, why not? Short hair is easy to manage, and it reduces hair fall and split ends.
1. Knotless Box Braids Knotless box braids closely mimic classic box braids, but there is one thing that sets them apart. The biggest distinction is that knotless braids are not weaved with the tiny knot that traditional box braids begin with. So these braids don’t pull on your hair follicles as much as classic box braids, making them more comfortable and less likely to break.2. Fulani BraidsFulani braids are cornrows weaved close to the scalp in beautiful patterns that can be accessorized with beads. This style is inspired by one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups, the Fulani. Not only is it fashionable, but it also carries a legacy!3. Dreadlocks With Highlights Dreadlocks are an iconic hairstyle. And colors add vibrancy, life, and dimension to hair. Do you see where I’m going with this? So, go ahead and dye those locks and look amazing in this classic protective hairstyle!4. Floral Box Braids Along with your floral dresses, this look is perfect for summer and can be accessorized with real flowers or embellishments. The Marvels actress Teyonah Parris walked the red carpet in this look, with this “braid made of braids,” and it is a must-try!5. Chunky Braided Mohawk The wild mohawk and the elegant braid crossover to create a hairstyle that is unmistakably unique! And the red hair adds a fiery touch. While the back of the hair is neatly braided all the way down, the sides are gelled down and weaved in a thin cornrow on each side to give a faux shaved sides look.6. Box Braids With BeadsBox braids are one of the most popular protective styles. Not only are they easy to achieve but, as seen in the image above, they can be made beautiful with accessories like beads. With this style, you can keep your hair out of the way while still looking stylish. What a fashion move!7. Natural Twists Nothing is simpler than twisting your hair strands to achieve a fabulous look. Most twist styles use extensions to appear longer. But with this style you can show off your natural locks! This two-strand protective hairstyle looks great on both short and long hair and is gentle on the scalp as well.8. Braided Half Top Knot Looking for a hairstyle that can jazz up your already braided hair? A sleek half top knot adds height and elegance to your braided look. Instead of coloring your natural hair, you can simply weave these box braids with colored hair extensions and voila!9. Ombre Box Braid The best part about protective hairstyles like box braids is the addition of hair extensions. Not only do they make your hair look longer and thicker, but you can also experiment with a wide range of colored extensions. To recreate this look, weave your natural hair box braids. As you reach the end of the braid, start adding in orange extensions and continue weaving the braid. Then add in the white extensions. This fabulous orange to white ombre is sure to keep the spotlight on you!10. Cornrowed Low Ponytail This chic, formal look can be worn at any time during the day. Whether a formal dinner or an afternoon outing, the traditional low ponytail looks edgy when done on braided hair. And this hairstyle is so versatile that it can be worn for any mood or season!11. High Ponytail Box BraidsI’m starting this list on a high note. Sleek high ponytails are stylish, but this box braided high ponytail is HAWT. Let’s not overlook the finger waves that are around her hairline. They add some extra oomph to the whole look. Love it!12. Half Ponytail Box BraidsBox braids are braids that are done in square- or rectangle-shaped partitions. The half ponytail is a big hit with box braids. It is a brilliant way to show off your braids and look spectacular! This protective hairstyle also shows off your face shape and features, especially if you have an oval face.13. Open Ends Box BraidsIf you have thick hair tips and dry roots, try this protective style. You don’t need to braid all your hair. Caring for your hair tips is easier with this style as you can apply oil freely to them. This protective hairstyle not only solves that issue but also makes you look glamorous while doing it.14. Pattern Jumbo BraidsPatterns are everything in this century. Hair has become a canvas, and it is truly inspiring. I love these triangled box braids. They look super stylish!15. Patterned CornrowsShowcase a masterpiece with this creatively designed protective hairdo. I would recommend getting a professional to do this instead of trying it yourself. Just look at that finish! You have to be a professional hairdresser to get that kind of a look.16. Feed-In BraidsFeed-in braids are closely aligned to the scalp. As you weave the stitches in the braid, you keep adding hair to it. Feed-in braids start off scrawny but end up thick at the end. They look pretty wild if, you ask me. Alternate between thin and thick braids to create a dynamic hair look.17. Big CornrowsBig cornrows look super cool. They also decrease the tension on your hair roots caused by the pulling of the braids. So, if you already have an issue with hair loss, I recommend you speak to your hairdresser about getting big cornrows.18. Side CornrowsWe know that side-swept bangs work wonders for all face shapes. Now you can take that sweep and add it to your braids as well. Just take inspiration from this side-parted hairstyle.19. Twisted BraidsThis dreadlock-like hairstyle is achieved by simply twisting your hair tightly. The roots are not necessarily pulled tight. It looks pretty cool, right? Add a subtle pop of color to your locks to jazz up this hairstyle.20. Braided High PonytailDoesn’t this hairstyle look incredibly pleasing? The scalp-aligned braids are perfectly swept, and the high ponytail is totally on point. I mean, damn girl! You looking fine!21. Yarn TwistsThis protective hairstyle has become one of the most sought after black braid styles of 2018. It involves adding yarn to your natural hair. While woolen yarn is said to curb frizziness, acrylic yarn is more protective. Whatever you pick, know that this protective hairstyle most certainly has your back.22. The PineappleThe Pineapple is the kinky-haired girl’s answer to the messy top knot. Simply apply some curl defining cream to your hair and flip it over. Gather all your hair right on top of your head and tie it with an elastic band. If you have long hair, wrap it around in a loop bun. You can tie a colorful headwrap to protect your hair when you go out and to add a funky touch to the look.23. Bantu KnotsBantu knots have to be one of the coolest hairstyles of all time. It looks super edgy while keeping all your hair off your face and neck. Twist your hair in sections and wrap them in tight buns to form Bantu knots.Bantu knots are styles that are trending nowadays, thanks to celebs like Rihanna, Cardi B and Yara Shahidi, who are seen rocking this style in different looks.24. Senegalese TwistsSenegalese twists are one of the simplest and trendiest twists.You can use synthetic or natural hair extensions for Senegalese twists, but natural extensions give them a more authentic feel. Add the extensions near the roots of a section of hair and twist until you reach the very end.25. Braided PigtailsJust when I thought there couldn’t possibly be any trendy ways to style pigtails, I saw this image on my Insta-feed. I love it! It’s so badass and flowy. This is the perfect gym and dance hairdo.26. Ghana BraidsGhana braids are done the same way as cornrows, but extensions are added to the braids to make them look well-defined. Using colored extensions adds even more dimension to this look. It also makes your hair look thick and lush.27. Tree BraidsTree braids are protective braids that use hair extensions. The braid starts at the scalp but can stop anywhere from an inch away from the roots to halfway down your hair. The rest of the hair is left loose. This hairstyle is used to make your hair look thicker.28. Big Feed-In BraidsContrasts are what people are talking about. Blonde and brunette ombres are taking the world by storm, thanks to their stark contrast. Similarly, in the world of black braids, big and small braids are the contrast everyone is talking about. So, get on board!29. Braided Feed InsWomen are complicated. We have feelings about our feelings. So, naturally, we want our hairstyles to take on our personalities. If simple braids won’t do, try this braids-merged-into-one-braid hairstyle.30. Beaded BraidsProtective braids are everywhere, so how do you set your hairstyle apart from everyone else? Add some beaded accessories! All you have to do is clip them onto your braids anywhere you like. Get ready to look on fleek!31. Colored BraidsHair color damages your hair. We all know that the chemicals used in coloring products weaken and dry out your hair. Instead of coloring your hair, do some box braids (or any other protective style) with colored hair extensions.32. Multicolored BraidsIf I had to bleach and color my hair these colors, I would probably end up with no hair on my head. Again, use extensions! It brings your chances of hair loss and damage to zero. You can experiment with different colors, patterns, and protective styles, too.33. Crochet BraidsOkay, I have to confess something. Earlier, I was a little confused about what exactly crochet braids are. Crochet braiding is a method of adding extensions to your hair. You start by braiding all your hair into cornrows. Then, you insert and loop the extensions into the middle section of the cornrows. You can then leave these extensions loose or braid them.34. Hair RingsHair rings are THE hair accessories of 2018. They look totally badass, and all you have to do is loop them through your braids. You can get designer hair rings with feathers and stars to spice up your braids and bring out your personality.35. Braided BunIn the movies, when there’s work to do, you often see the girl bun her hair up. Why? Not only is it an effective way of keeping your hair off your face, but it also looks good. Black women have taken their hair game up a notch with this hairstyle.36. Black Dutch BraidsOh, my gosh, talk about perfection! Tell me I’m not the only one seeing those flawless stitches that join to form some stunning braids. Clearly, the Dutch style of braiding is all the rage right now.37. Mambo TwistsWhen you weave your braids very tight, they start curling up and become squiggly. This protective hairstyle is called the mambo twist. You can add more definition to this style with some rollers, hair gel, and a blow dryer.38. Spider Web Pattern BraidsLike I said before, we women are complicated, and we like complicated works of art, like this hairstyle. The spider web pattern of this hairstyle is equal parts cool and gorgeous.39. Designer BraidsIt’s all about lines and angles. Geometry finally makes sense! These angled partitions make for a great pattern for protective styles. If you love styling your hair like this, I’d recommend using a mix of small and big braids.40. Marley TwistsMarley twists are one of the most seen protective hairstyles on Instagram. Marley hair extensions are used for this protective hairstyle. These twists are smaller than Havana twists. Marley extensions are said to have a more natural texture than any other synthetic hair. They last for about two months before any touch-ups are required.41. Halo BraidsThe halo braid had to have been discovered by some divine intervention. It looks so simple, yet elegant and beautiful. Imagine pairing this hair look with an off-white linen gown and some simple jewelry. S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!42. Havana TwistThe Havana twist is just as catchy as the Camila Cabello song. Jumbo Havana twists are a great summer hairstyle. They make you look laid-back and carefree.43. Faux LocsWhen you color, straighten, curl, or perm your hair, you ruin its texture and strip off its nourishment. Therefore, you need to use extensions to protect your hair. This will improve your hair drastically. A simple solution is to use faux locs. Not only do they look great, but you can also experiment with heat styling tools and colors. They also add volume to your hair.Faux locs can be installed in two ways: either by wrapping your braids with hair extensions or crocheting your hair into the braids.44. Bob BraidsBlack women took the bob and transformed it into this stunning hairstyle that almost everyone wants. The braided bob is a ‘90s hairstyle. Yes, that’s true! It’s making a comeback with a bang.45. Top BraidsWhen you have thick kinky hair, your hair tend to be undernourished. The problem with this is if you don’t take care of your roots, the entire length of your hair can be compromised. By braiding the top of your hair, you can easily apply hair masks and oils to strengthen the roots.46. The Middle BraidThe middle braid is a style that is unusual but looks great. If you have love symmetry, I’m sure this protective style will give you a satisfying feeling. Accessorize the middle braid with rings or beads, and you will slay your hair game.47. Thread BraidsColorful threads are a great accessory for braids. Protective braids are long-lasting, which means you have the same hairstyle for over three weeks. Play around with different colored threads and patterns to give your braids a new look every day.48. Multiple AccessoriesWhy choose between beads, rings, and threads when you can use them all to create a stunning hairdo? Revamp your braids with these stunning accessories. All eyes are guaranteed to be on you.49. Half Top KnotThe half knot will go down in history as the most sported hairstyle of 2018. Black women love putting their own spin to regular hairstyles and letting their creativity fly. This half top knot done with box braids looks absolutely brilliant.50. Short Box BraidsShort hairstyles are killing it this year! From the pixie to the short black braids hairstyles, short hair seems to be everywhere. And, why not? Short hair is easy to manage, and it reduces hair fall and split ends.
