Summertime is coming! You booked your holidays, planned your outfits and now it’s time to choose a summer protective hairstyle. The hairstyle completes the planning and sets the vibe of your holiday. It’s important to choose a hairstyle that will last and protect your natural hair.
The heat and the humidity can be very tough on your hair which could lead to frizz, dryness, and breakage. Protective hairstyles are a great way to keep your hair healthy and looking good during the summer months. You won’t have to deal with extended wash days, hair detangling and deep conditioning while rocking a summer protective hairstyle. Whether it’s for a vacation or an event such as weddings and outdoor events, a protective style allows you to play with your hair while you protect it at the same time.
You might still wonder:
Should I wear protective styles in the summer?
Being able to put your hair away in the heat and humidity will make you feel more comfortable and save you a considerable amount of time. There are many different hairstyles you can choose from. It all depends on your curl type, hair density and your personal style. Summer protective hairstyles range from braids with extension, updos or even headwraps. For lazy naturals, braids are a versatile option that can be done in different styles such as box braids, twist braids, passion twists and butterfly locs.
How can I protect my natural hair in the summer?
We all put a lot of thought into the choice of our protective hairstyles. Since spring and summer is around the corner, we have rounded up our 15 favorite protective hairstyles:
1. Box Braids
Box braids are the staple of summer protective hairstyles. Probably the first type of braids with extensions we all got, the number 1 reliable style. Box braids offer a wide variety of styling that can suit many events.
2. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are a popular protective style that involves using a crochet hook to loop extensions through your natural hair. If you’re looking for a tension free, light hairstyle this one is the way to go! Crochet Braids are available in all most all braids and natural hair styles.
3. Passion Twists
Passion twists provide amazing volume and fullness that can last up to 12 weeks. They look gorgeous in different length and colorways with minimal upkeep.
4. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a great way to keep your hair protected and styled at the same time without adding extensions. They involve twisting sections of hair into small knots, which can be left in for a few days at a time. Perfect for a short vacay!
5. Protective Updos
Updos will able you to have your hair off your face and neck during the hot summer months. You can try styles like a bun, a French twist, or a top knot to keep your hair protected and stylish.
6. Stich Braids
Stich braids offer a little novelty compared to regular cornrows. The stich requires more precise parting to create the stich look.
7. Knotless Box Braids
Unlike box braids, knotless braids cause less tension against the scalp and are more protective to your edges.
8. Cornrows
Cornrows can be achieved in so many different patterns and can look very on trend and elegant for your holidays and summer events!
9. Slicked Pony
A slicked pony is the way to go for maximum effect! A winner guaranteed if you want to show up in style. However, it’s important to be mindful of the tension that it can cause on your hair and the weight of the ponytail.
10. Flat Twists
Flat twists are like cornrows but are done with two sections of hair instead of three. They are a great protective style option for those with shorter hair that like the tension caused by cornrows.
11. Mini Twists
The favorite style of lazy naturals! They can be done with or without extensions, an easy style to wear your hair protected and looking cute.
12. Faux Locs
The best option if you want a locs inspired look without the commitment!
13. Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are a beautiful hairstyle from West Africa by the Fulani People. The pattern of the braid has high significance in their culture where it can represent wealth, religion, or marital status. You’ll need a qualified hairstylist to recreate this hairstyle!
14. Lemonade Braids
Referring to Beyonce’s hairstyle in 2016 visual album “Lemonade”, lemonade braids are sided cornrows with extensions. They gained their popularity back in the recent years and are a great switch up for cornrow lovers.
15. Senegalese Twists
You can do Senegalese twists in small, medium, big, or jumbo size! Senegalese twists tend be lighter than box braids and recreate the look as twists but with extensions.
What hairstyle is most protective?
This all depends on your hair type, hair density and the overall condition of your hair. People with fine hair don’t have the same needs than naturals with thicker hair. Generally, always consider the weight of the style, the tension it can cause on your style and the maintenance it requires. Although protected, your hair should always be cared for by washing and hydrating your scalp.
What protective hairstyles can last a month?
Hairstyles using extensions (braids, twists, crochet etc) can always last a month if properly taken care of. The maintenance of braids with extensions including sleeping with a satin bonnet or a satin scarf, applying mouse to style your braids and wash your scalp weekly or bi-weekly.
Cornrows, mini twists, stich braids and flat twists are usually good for 2 to 3 weeks.
Remember, no matter what protective hairstyle you choose, it’s important to still maintain a wash day routine. Make sure to keep your hair and scalp clean and moisturized and give your hair a break from protective styles every once in a while, to prevent damage.
