Protective Styles for Short Natural Hair: 20 Styles Beyond Braids

Having options when it comes to protective styles for short hair is key to helping you make the chop. No matter what hair type you have, protective styling is vital if you want to maintain the healthy look and feel of your hair. It’s so easy to damage your locks with daily styling and with the use of color treatments. Many women choose not to experiment with protective styles for short natural hair since they aren’t aware of the many options actually out there for them.

Ladies, braids are just one way to protect your natural texture; it doesn’t stop there! Below is a list of other protective styles for short natural hair for you to try. Read on:

20 Protective Styles for Short Natural Hair

1. Bob Wig

One of the easiest and fun parts of protective styling is experimenting with wigs. Have you ever wondered how a short bob would look on you? Try it out with a wig while you protect your natural hair underneath.

2. Updo Bun

If you’re looking for easy protective hairstyles for short natural hair, this is a great hairstyle for both bad hair days and lazy-hair days alike. If you have hair that’s long enough to be gathered into a bun, use this as your protective hairstyle for short natural hair.

3. Crochet Braids

Just because you’re using protective styles for short natural hair doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance to still wear fun natural hairstyles. Crochet braids offer you the flexibility to wear twist-outs, braid-outs and more.

4. Crown Twist

This twisted style can be achieved in a matter of minutes. Opt for this hairstyle if you’re looking for something that requires minimal daily maintenance.

5. Curly Wig

While you tuck your curly hair in to protect it from damage, there’s no reason for any type of #FOMO. Wear a curly wig if you miss your curly styles.

SheaMoisture

SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Scalp Soother

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Protect your hair underneath by treating it with an oil, like SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tee Tree & Borage Seed Oil Scalp Soother. This oil provides immediate relief to any tightness or discomfort from protective styles.

6. French Braids

You can use this braided style as a way to preserve your braid out, or as a protective style. We also love this as a workout look.

Dove

Dove Amplified Textures Define N’ Moisture Styling Gel

Use a gel, like Dove Amplified Textures Define ‘N Moisture Styling Gel to smooth down any stray hairs.

7. Head Wrap

That same scarf you use to protect your hair at night is the same scarf you can use to protect your hair out and about. There are so many stylish ways to wear a scarf on your hair. Change it up from day to day!

8. Loose Braids

If you are concerned about tight braids pulling at your hairline, opt for loose braids instead. If your hair to too short for braids, you can use braiding hair as an extension.

9. Pineapple Updo

This updo can be worn every single day until wash day. To dress up your pineapple, pull out some hair at the front to create a curly fringe.

Suave

Suave Professionals Castor Oil & Mango Butter Defining Gel

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If your curls need a touch-up, spritz with water and define with Suave Professionals Castor Oil & Mango Butter Defining Gel.

10. Scarf Headband

Sometimes, women with natural hair, no matter their hair length, experience hair loss around their hairline from tight hairstyles. If protecting your hairline is your concern, use loose updo hairstyles as your hairstyle of choice. To conceal or protect your hairline, you can cover up with a silk scarf.

11. Short Box Braids

If you’re used to having short hair, and rather this length when protective styling, one hairstyle idea is short box braids. Ask your stylist for box braids at bob length. If you plan to wear your box braids in other ways, go a little longer so you can create hairstyles like braided ponytails.

12. Space Buns

Want to play around with different bun styles? Make sure to throw trendy space buns, a.k.a. Bantu knots, into the mix.

13. Flat Twists

This is such a great hairstyle for any occasion that designers took it to the runway. Opt for this flat twist protective style if you have some fancy occasions on your agenda that call for an elegant look.

14. Curly Half Updo

The traditional half updo calls for hair out at the back and up at the front. This protective style, however, is reversed. If you’re looking to protect just the back of your hair, try this version of the look.

15. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots can be done on short or long hair. Create these knots as a protective hairstyle or use it to create coily curls once you remove them from your hair.

16. Braided Space Buns

If you want to add a little something-something to your space buns style, braid two face-framing sections and add some beads to the mix.

17. Colored Bob Wig

Give your bob wig a trendy refresh with a unique color. We love how wearable a darker blue color can be, not too bright but still very bold.

SheaMoisture

SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Flyaway & Wrap Mousse

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Add shine and a frizz-free finish to your wig by applying some SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Flyaway & Wrap Mousse.

18. Curly Twists

Add some texture and movement to your twists with a curl at the bottom. This protective style is perfect for anyone who wants some curl without all the curly maintenance.

19. Twist Bob

How fashionable and chic is this style? We love a bob twist look for any occasion. Dress it up with statement hair clips for some added flair.

20. Twist Braid Updo

Experiment with your twist updo by adding some accent braids on the side. This top knot demands attention, so make sure it’s resting high on your head.

Try out any of these protective styles for short natural hair to give your strands a break from heat styling and damage. All of these styles are easy to achieve and are great for anyone looking to go shorter for the season.