From buns to braids, I'm a huuuge fan of protective styles when it comes to caring for natural hair. I'm always curious to find easy ways to give my curls a break from styling, and switch up my hairstyle every now and then.
So I asked the Black women of the BuzzFeed Community to share their favorite protective styles, and I'm already taking notes. So if you're looking for any protective style inspo, here are some of the top responses:
Note: Not all submissions are from Community users.
1. These crochet box braids that use pre-braided hair to give the look of classic box braids for wayyy less work.
See how Tupo1 installs her own crochet box braids here:
View this video on YouTube
2. This super-cute low faux bun you can do even if your natural hair is a shorter length. See how Adanna Madueke creates the style here:
View this video on YouTube
3. These mini twists that you can do on your own hair without any hair extensions. Cute, inexpensive, and sooo easy.
4. And when you're done with the style, you can always rock them as a twist out, like mayahazel did:
See how The Gloved Natural does her mini twists here:
View this video on YouTube
5. These jumbo twists that can also be done on your own hair (or with extensions). Totally giving majestic vibes!
See how StyledbyKami installs her jumbo twists here:
View this video on YouTube
6. These Bantu knots that make a gorgeous protective style on their own — and can later be taken out for defined curls. See how LaToya Ebony does her Bantu knots here:
View this video on YouTube
7. This halo braid, or crown braid, that is elegant *and* effortless. See how Bri Pile creates the style here:
View this video on YouTube
8. These box braids that are a classic go-to. They're long-lasting, versatile, and can be styled in, like, a thousand ways.
See how Jenise Adriana installs her box braids here:
View this video on YouTube
9. If you've been wanting to finally try wigs as a protective style, see how TheChicNatural installs her wig in this quick, beginner-friendly tutorial:
View this video on YouTube
10. These Senegalese twists that use hair braiding and the two-strand twist method. See how Tupo1 achieves her twists here:
View this video on YouTube
"I used to only do box braids, but I got Senegalese twists for the first time last year, and I’ve been in love ever since."
11. These curly crochet braids and other crochet hairstyles which use hair extensions that are looped through your natural hair.
See how tastePINK installs her curly crochet braids here:
View this video on YouTube
12. This easy, high puff that keeps your hair tucked away and protected in a bun — and you can switch up the style with a faux ponytail. See how ForeverCryssy does her high puff here:
View this video on YouTube
13. All of these fun protective styles — featuring flat twists, puffs, and more — that are perfect for short natural hair. See how Adanna Madueke creates these hairstyles here:
View this video on YouTube
14. These jumbo braids that make a quick and sleek protective style. See how TruleyTalentedBeauty does her braids here:
View this video on YouTube
15. For those who are on their own loc journey, Gvlden showed off her natural locs, and I'm absolutely here for it!!!
See how withlovesb styles her locs here:
View this video on YouTube
16. Or, if you want the look of locs without the commitment, faux locs are a popular alternative. See how Msnaturally Mary got her distressed, faux locs here:
View this video on YouTube
"Faux locs are the besttttt. Versatile and easy to do."
17. Ariellej4 showed off this knotless style, a method that can be done on hairstyles like faux locs and box braids.
See how Styledbypk does her knotless method for soft locs here:
View this video on YouTube
18. These Passion Twists, created by Miami stylist Kailyn Rogers (The Boho Babe), that combine the look of goddess locs and Senegalese twists for a coily boho style. See how Mini Marley does her chic, short Passion Twists here:
View this video on YouTube
"I absolutely love Passion Twists. You can really play around with a variety of styles. Elegant updos. Half-up, half-down. I love when a bit of new growth sprouts out because it gives it a boho look."
19. This three-pony braid that's super creative and uses braiding hair for extra length. See how TheChicNatural creates the look here:
View this video on YouTube
20. These classic cornrows that are simple, low-maintenance, and always stylish. See how Tatyana Ali does her cornrows here:
View this video on YouTube
"I love doing cornrows. I just part my hair in two going down the middle and do two cornrows going down. It's the simplest to do, and after a few days, you can take them out for a wavy, defined look."
21. And finally, this easy half-up, half-down hairstyle that uses a half wig to achieve the look. See how TruleyTalentedBeauty creates the style here:
View this video on YouTube
Which one's your favorite? Do you have a go-to style that's not on the list? Tell us about your fave protective style — and feel free to share a photo of you rocking it — in the comments below!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Make sure you head here for more of our Black History Month coverage!
