Introducing the ultimate guide to 15 Protective Hairstyles for Relaxed Hair! If you're looking to protect your tresses, maintain their health, and showcase stunning looks, you've come to the right place. Protective hairstyles play a crucial role in minimizing breakage, retaining length, and promoting healthy hair growth for those with chemically relaxed hair.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through 15 protective hairstyles perfect for relaxed hair, along with helpful tips on maintenance and care. So, let's dive in and discover your next favorite hairstyle!
Discover these 15 amazing protective hairstyles, designed to keep your relaxed hair healthy, stylish, and thriving throughout the year. These long-term protective styles offer various options to suit your personal preferences and hair care needs:
Super Long Braids
Super long braids are a stunning protective style. Customize with accessories like clear beads or a trendy center parting. Use edge control products and gentle styling techniques for polished baby hairs.
Be prepared for extra maintenance to prevent tangling and breakage, as these braids can take longer to install (6-10 hours) and may be heavier than other styles. With proper care, super long braids can last up to 8 weeks.
Jumbo-Sized Braids
Jumbo-sized braids use larger sections of hair to create thick, chunky braids, offering excellent protection for relaxed hair. They take less time to install than smaller braids (around 4-6 hours) and can be styled in various ways, like face-framing braids for a fun, '90s-inspired look.
Add gold accents or beads to elevate the glam factor. These braids can last up to 6-8 weeks with proper maintenance.
Loose Bun
The loose bun is a versatile updo suitable for braided hair. Ideal for summer, it keeps hair off the neck, providing a cool and comfortable feel. Be cautious of the tension at the crown and edges when creating a loose bun to avoid damaging your hair.
This hairstyle is low maintenance, but it's essential to keep the hair moisturized and protected while in a bun. The loose bun is perfect for a quick and easy style change, but it may not provide the same level of long-term protection as other styles.
Cornrows
Cornrows are a classic protective hairstyle, with tight, narrow braids lying flat against the scalp. They can be worn in various patterns, from straight back to intricate designs, and work well for both long and short hair.
Cornrows effectively protect relaxed hair by reducing manipulation and friction. Installation time can range from 3-6 hours, and with proper care, they can last up to 4 weeks.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are small, coiled buns worn as a protective style for thin relaxed hair. Create them by braiding the hair first for added texture and dimension. Ensure the braided style doesn't have too much tension to prevent scalp irritation. Adjust any uncomfortable knots immediately. Installation time is typically 1-2 hours, and they can last up to 2 weeks.
Shoulder-Length Fulani Braids
Fulani braids combine cornrows and box braids, often adorned with beads or accessories. The shoulder-length version is flattering and manageable. Customize your Fulani braids with various bead colors and materials to match your personal style. Installation can take anywhere from 6-8 hours, and with proper maintenance, they can last up to 6-8 weeks.
Space Buns
Space buns are a fun and quirky protective hairstyle that adds texture and dimension to your look. If you already have box braids, you can easily style them into space buns by dividing your hair into two sections and twisting each section into a bun. To maintain this hairstyle, apply a foam styler post-wash and secure the hair in a silk scarf as it dries to help smooth down any flyaways.
While space buns are a playful and low-maintenance style, they may not offer the same level of long-term protection as other styles. Regularly moisturizing the scalp and braids, as well as avoiding excessive tension when styling, can help preserve the health of your hair.
Braided Braids
Braided braids are a unique and eye-catching protective hairstyle that showcases the versatility of box braids. This style features multiple braids woven together to create an intricate and stunning appearance. Adding highlights, such as blonde streaks, can further enhance the overall look and add dimension to the hairstyle.
Braided braids are among the best protective styles for those who want to make a bold and creative statement with their hair. Installation time varies between 6-10 hours, and with proper care, they can last up to 8 weeks.
Yellow Box Braids
Yellow box braids are a vibrant and eye-catching protective hairstyle, perfect for making a bold statement or adding a pop of color. Style them in various ways, like sweeping them to one side.
Yellow box braids are a fun choice for summer or when you want to brighten up your appearance. Installation time varies between 6-10 hours, and with proper care, they can last up to 8 weeks.
Triangle-Parted Braids
Triangle-parted braids are a unique and playful protective hairstyle that doesn't require a visit to the salon or spending hours in a chair. This style features braids with triangular parts, creating an eye-catching geometric pattern.
Triangle-parted braids can help protect your hair for up to a week and can be styled in various ways to suit your personal preferences. Installation time varies from 4-8 hours, and with proper maintenance, they can last up to 6 weeks.
Lengthy Cornrows
Lengthy cornrows are a classic protective hairstyle that can be worn with both long and short hair. This style features braids that run from the front of the head to the back, often accompanied by a center parting. When installing lengthy cornrows, it's essential to ensure that there isn't excessive tension or stress on the edges or scalp to prevent damage.
This hairstyle is both protective and fashionable, making it a popular choice for many. Installation time can range from 4-6 hours, and with proper care, they can last up to 4-6 weeks.
Pop Smoke Braids
Named after the late rapper Pop Smoke, these jumbo feed-in braids are a trendy protective style. To maintain your Pop Smoke braids, cleanse the scalp and keep your hair moisturized. A regular hair mask can help preserve the health and beauty of this braided style.
Installation takes approximately 4-6 hours, and with proper care, they can last up to 6-8 weeks. Be cautious of the weight of the braids and avoid excessive tension when styling to prevent hair damage.
Blunt Bob
Inspired by '90s fashion and beauty trends, the blunt bob is a chic protective hairstyle achieved with a sew-in or wig, featuring a deep side part and a straight cut that falls just under the chin. This hairstyle perfectly frames and complements round faces, giving off a sophisticated and fashionable vibe.
The blunt bob is a timeless and versatile option for those looking for a protective style that exudes elegance. Installation time for a sew-in ranges from 2-4 hours, while a wig can be applied in minutes. With proper care, this style can last up to 6-8 weeks for sew-ins and even longer for wigs.
Beaded Bob
The beaded bob is a chic, collarbone-grazing hairstyle featuring beads on the ends of braids. This playful yet sophisticated style can be customized with various bead types, sizes, and colors. Paired with bold makeup, the beaded bob becomes a show-stopping style.
Installation time varies, but it can take anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on the size and number of braids. With proper maintenance, this style can last up to 6-8 weeks. Be sure to keep the scalp and braids moisturized and avoid excessive tension when styling to prevent damage.
A-Line Bob
The A-Line bob is an adventurous protective style achieved with a sew-in or wig, featuring a vivid color and an A-line cut that becomes longer towards the front. This edgy style is perfect for those looking to switch up their look temporarily.
Installation time for a sew-in can range from 2-4 hours, while a wig can be applied in a matter of minutes. With proper care, this style can last up to 6-8 weeks for sew-ins and even longer for wigs. Make sure to maintain the hair's health by keeping it moisturized and clean.
Embracing protective hairstyles is an essential step in ensuring the health and longevity of chemically relaxed hair. With these 15 easy and stylish options, you'll be able to maintain your hair's health while showcasing your creativity and personal style. So, go ahead and explore these cute protective hairstyles and let your hair thrive all year long.
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