30 Trending Protective Hairstyles For Natural Hair

Protective hairstyles, like twists, braids, updos and wigs, allow you to keep your hair safely tucked away, stopping it from being exposed to external manipulation and ultimately minimising hair damage. The reason why they are always being talked about is due to the fact they give natural-haired women a break from their hair routine, in the most stylish way possible.

With so many types of protective styles out there, it’s easy to see why A-list stars like Solange Knowles and Issa Rae love them. Most of them require little or no effort to maintain and allow you to look put-together, 24-7.

Ready to get inspired? Scroll on to discover the best short, medium and long protective looks to try in 2020 and beyond.

close up shot of woman with short bue ombre box braids, wearing leather jacket and black striped shirt with sunglasses, posing outside

Looking for short protective hairstyles? Try this! Credit: Instagram.com/leddi_g

While we adore long box braids, shorter ones equally deserve some attention, too! Take this Instagram beauty, for example, who has gone for some ultra-stylish blue ombre bob braids (swoon). Credit: @leddi_g

Gorgeous, right? Luckily, we’ve got a cornrow hair tutorial you can watch to learn how to master this timeless look at home.

Editor’s tip: Loving all these protective hairstyles for natural hair? Just because your hair is protected, that doesn’t mean you won’t need a leave-in conditioning spray (like the TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist) in your life.

This must-have product helps give your natural mane a much-needed boost of moisture and will leave your locks smelling like a tropical cocktail. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

Looking for party-ready protective hairstyles for short natural hair? Well, believe it or not, with just a few inches of hair, you too can achieve this beautiful bantu knot hairstyle.

Need some extra guidance? Just check out our bantu knot step-by-step tutorial, here, to nail the look.

If you’re not totally sold on full-blown box braids, here’s another beautiful braided protective hairstyle you should give a chance: the cornrow ponytail.

This cornrow style keeps your hair protected while letting you get in on the ever popular high ponytail trend. And what’s more, it’s perfect for days or nights where you want to exude high-fashion vibes (so basically always!).

close up shot of woman with fulani cornrow braided bun with bead detailing

Fulani braids will make you feel just like a royal! Credit: Instagram.com/naturalbabe10.11_pro

A sleek, perfect Fulani braided bun (complete with pretty bead detailing) is sophisticated and destined for any oh-so-luxe or casual events you might be attending this year.

Dealing with shorter natural hair? Using braiding hair extensions, like this beauty has done, will easily help you achieve this glam protective hairstyle. Bye-bye boring buns! Credit: @naturalbabe10.11_pro

Box braids aren’t the only protective hairstyles for natural hair you need to know about… In fact, box twists (which this Insta babe totally slays) are equally stunning and super-stylish, too.

We’re sure you’ll agree that her kinky twists look amazing in this half-up ponytail style, showing off her pretty long lengths to a T, while also keeping her tresses off her face.

protective hairstyles for natural hair: close up shot of woman with long dreadlocks, wearing white headband and shirt, posing in a studio

Show off your boho style with these lush dreadlocks! Credit: Instagram.com/lei_smokahontas

Thanks to a few iconic black celebrities (ahem, Zendaya and Rihanna!), faux locs have fast become the protective hairstyle to rock this season.

So, if you’ve always loved the look of dreadlocks (but can’t picture yourself going through the long process to get them), opting for faux locs is your next best option. And as you can see, they look utterly mesmerising when adorned with different accessories! Credit: @lei_smokahontas

protective hairstyles for natural hair: close up shot of woman with curly crochet weave hairstyle, wearing striped top

Did you know that crochet braids are actually a technique? Instagram.com/kiitana

Dream of switching up your hairstyle on the regular? Then consider getting crochet braids done. Don’t know what they are? Well, they’re simply created by crocheting hair extensions into pre-cornrowed hair and can be worked with so many different styles…

From voluminous curls to sleek and smooth hairstyles, with this fast method, you’ll be able to live out your mane fantasies (all while protecting your real hair). Yay! Credit: @kiitana

This lovely Insta-babe and Alicia Keys have something in common: they’ve both rocked cute and curly tree braids! Unlike crochet hairstyles that conceal cornrow braids, this ‘do works to spotlight pretty plait designs.

protective hairstyles for natural hair: close up shot of woman with red jacket, yellow top, wearing wig and baker boy hat

When it doubt, wig it out! Credit: Instagram.com/crystal_kasper

While most of us turn to braids for protective styles, let us not forget the wonders that are wigs! In this example, this mega-babe has gone for a chic shoulder-length style that’s full of enviable texture. Credit: @crystal_kasper

Protective hairstyles: Woman wearing a lonh dark wavy wig

With a wig you can easily get in on the Rapunzel hair action. Credit: Instagram.com/yubasorentino

Dreaming of flowing Rapunzel hair like Kim K-W or Nicki Minaj? We don’t blame you. It can take years to grow your hair out that long though, but if you’re impatient there is another option of course – a wig!

Super long wigs have become a favourite of celebs and normal girls alike, the only thing left to decide is how long will you go?! Credit: @yubasorentino

protective hairstyles for natural hair: close up shot of woman with scarf updo hairstyle

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple and rocking a scarf updo! Credit: Instagram.com/glowprincess

While every protective hairstyle is a work of art, you can take a more time-effective approach and consider stylishly wrapping your locks up with a printed head wrap, just like this mega-babe has done.

Not only does this otherwise simple headscarf make the perfect protective hairstyle, but it will also help you exude a tonne of retro vibes. Credit: @glowprincess

Protective hairstyles: Back view of a woman with natural curly afro hair in a half twisted updo with loose curly top

Updos don’t have to be overly complicated. Credit: Instagram.com/suite15hair

The best way to add some variety to your styling repertoire is by trying out a new updo. If you’ve always thought updos are way too complicated for you, you might find a simple twisted version easier to take on.

This simple but effective twisted updo is ideal for protecting your natural hair while still allowing you to show off those stunning curls. Credit: @suite15hair

Protective hairstyles: Woman with her natural hair in a Ghana braid ponytail with yellow flowers in it

Live your best hair life with these gorgeous Ghanaian braids. Credit: Instagram.com/ashleymsparrow_

We’re all guilty of slipping into a rut sometimes with our hair, so if that’s you right now, why not consider this Ghana braided ponytail?

Ticking both the style and convenience boxes, it’s a must for the girl-on-the-go. We’ll be wearing ours with floral accessories for spring/summer. Credit: @ashleymsparrow_

Editor’s tip: Want to tame your baby hairs and make them look on-point? You’ll need a gel spray, like the VO5 Mega Hold Gel Spray and an old toothbrush, to help you smooth them down. Easy, right?

Protective hairstyles: Woman with her natural hair in flat twists into pigtails, wearing a floral top and denim jacket

You’d be amazed how many different looks you can come up with using flat twists. Credit: Instagram.com/crownedandbrown

While a lot of protective hairstyles require an expert’s touch, there are plenty of braided looks you can do all on your own, flat twists for example.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to create all sorts of intricate-looking hairstyles with the basic 2-strand twist method, saving you precious time (not to mention money!) in the salon chair. Credit: @crownedandbrown

Editor’s tip: To keep your twists neat, frizz-free and -even more importantly- well-conditioned, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to each section before twisting. The TONI&GUY Leave In Conditioner protects tresses against humidity so they look good as new for longer.