With winter approaching, it's time to start thinking about protective hairstyles, which will keep your hair hydrated and well taken care of as temperatures continue to drop. Especially for black women who have a lot of natural Afro hair, learning how to care for and style can be a huge challenge. Keep reading to learn what the best protective hairstyles are for black women.

best protective hairstyles are for black women

What is a protective hairstyle?

A protective hairstyle means that a hairstyle can keep the ends of your hair securely tucked away. These styles usually require little maintenance, don't need to heat, and the protective hairstyle will help keep the hair moisturized.
In short, protective hairstyles protect the ends of your hair and help reduce tangles, breaks, and flaking. Protective hairstyles range from butterfly locs to box braids, but they all serve the same purpose: to protect your hair from wind, pulling, pulling, and heat styling.

What is a protective hairstyle?

How to maintain protective hairstyles?

The aim of a protective hairstyle is to protect the oldest, most vulnerable parts of your hair from unwanted environmental and styling pressures. Whether you put your hair away in the summer to avoid the heat and humidity, or in the winter to avoid the cold, dry wind, there is a protective hairstyle for you, so how can you maintain this hairstyle?

How to maintain protective hairstyles?

1. Wear a silk hat or scarf to bed at night

To keep your protective hairstyle looking as crisp as when you left the barber shop, the most important thing is to make sure you wear a silk hat or scarf at night. The silk scarf will help your hair retain moisture and eliminate frizziness, which will help you keep your hairstyle last longer. If you don't wear a hat to bed at night, don't expect your protective hairstyle to last two months.

2. Deeply hydrate your scalp

You can apply hair oil to your hair as part of your daily routine to prevent dryness. Apply the oil directly to your scalp and your edges to give yourself a nice three minutes scalp massage. Do this at least twice a week and your scalp will thank you later.

3. Don't wash your hair with water

To better maintain your protective hairstyle, it's best not to wash your hair with water, but pay attention to scalp hygiene by using a cotton swab or a leave-in shampoo. Keeping your scalp and hair moisturized is key. Oil your scalp or spray your hair daily with a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair healthy, prevent breakage, and promote growth.

What are the best protective hairstyles for black women?

The most protective hairstyle for your hair will be one that protects the ends of your hair while ensuring that the rest of your hair is treated. Here are the top 5 protective hairstyles for black women.

best protective hairstyles

1. Box braid

If you are looking for a versatile yet stylish protective style, then you can choose the box braid. Whether you have long or short, thick or thin hair, box braids are super chic and trendy.

2. Goddess Locs

Goddess locs are a form of Faux locs with a more Bohemian style. The goddess headband differs from traditional wig hoops in that the ends of the hair are curled or wavy rather than sealed.

3. Fulani braids with beads

The Fulani braid, which takes its name from the Fulani people of West Africa, where the braid originated, is a cross between cornrows and box braids, with or without beads. The Fulani braid is a stunning look that needs added length extensions.

4. Bantu knots

The Bantu knot is the perfect combination of playful and stylish, thanks to the curved section and the heavy woven knot. The Bantu knot is a classic example of how changing your dividing line can instantly refresh a tried and true classic. In addition, making a Bantu knot is easier than you think. You just need to divide your hair into many parts, tie up your hair with a rubber band, and then make it a bun.

5. Marley twists

Marley twists have been around for many years as a protective hairstyle, a classic soft protective hairstyle for black women. With the Marley twists go to bed, you need to keep them covered with satin or silk scarves at night or at rest to ensure they don't become scratchy.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a style that makes you feel fabulous without damaging your hair? Take a look at protective hairstyles. For black women, kinky and frizzy hair is naturally dry and prone to breakage, opt for protective hairstyles that will protect your hair from freezing temperatures, snow, and frosty air during the colder months. In the summer, protective styling protects against sun, wind, and water damage. There are five different kinds of protective hairstyles you can try during 2023.