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23 Protective Styles and Ideas That’ll Legit Save Your Hair Right Now

Because what else are you doing?

Headshot of Julee WilsonBy Julee Wilson
protective styles
@Traceeellisross; @lacyredway//Instagram

I don’t know about you, but all I can think about are protective styles. I’ve been obsessed with finding the cutest hairstyles to get my hair together—and through this COVID-induced quarantining. TBH, it’s the perfect time to experiment a bit, since I literally have no plans (ugh!) and it’s always a good idea to give my hair a break from everyday styling. Plus, with all the stunning protective styles I’ve been drooling over on my IG timeline, there are countless variations of braids, twists, and locs to choose from.

Speaking of inspo, our favorite celebs are no stranger to rocking dope protective styles—including chic cornrows, fabulous Fulani braids, and stunning Senegalese twists. Which is why I’ve pulled together a list of star-approved styles that will have you spending the weekend getting your braid on.

1

Storm Reid’s Three-Strand Braided Box Braids

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Bravo, Storm Reid! This is what you call high payoff from minimal effort. Morphing small box braids into larger ones is not only a dope way to remix your protective style, but it’s also a great way to keep your braids fresh while also helping them last longer.

2

Jhene Aiko’s Protective Knotless Braids

If you haven’t heard about knotless braids, where have you been? The braid style is way more gentle on your edges and we love how the hair extensions blend naturally into your hair. Just look, singer Jhene Aiko has nailed the knotless look with these jumbo box braids.

3

DeWanda Wise’s Twisted Crown Braids

One of the best things about protective styles is they can be manipulated in a million ways. I can’t take my eyes off the twists and turns formed by these golden plaits on actress DeWanda Wise’s perfect head. One moment I see punk-rock-chic and the next I’m looking at a regal crown.

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4

Tracee Ellis Ross’s Protective Cornrows

There’s nothing like a fresh set of straight-backs (especially on BFF-in-our-head Tracee Ellis Ross). While cornrows are often worn under hair units and weaves, they are also a stunning statement all on their own, especially for protective styling. Make sure to keep them fresh (not fuzzy) with a super secure satin scarf at night.

5

Marsai Martin’s Double Topknots

This look gets two thumbs buns up! Yup, actress Marsai Martin looks absolutely adorable in this double topknot protective style that’s totally Instagram-worthy. Furthermore, it’s the perfect go-to look when you want to give your box braids some new life.

6

Zazie Beetz’ Protective Bantu Knots

While we love actress Zazie Beetz’s halo of curls, these badass bantu knots are equally beautiful. The best part about this protective style? They are also super easy to achieve—just part your hair, twist each section around itself, and secure with bobby pins or small elastics.

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7

Lupita Nyong’o’s Senegalese Twists

If you’re looking for an alternative to box braids, then feast your eyes on these glorious Senegalese twists. Actress Lupita Nyong’o looks like a golden goddess in the effortlessly chic protective style. Kick the style up a notch by creating a braided headband with the twists in the front.

8

Ava Duvernay’s Protective Locs Style

Producer and director Ava Duvernay has the best locs in Hollywood. Period. This protective style is a true commitment (unless you opt for faux locs), but it’s definitely one worth making. I adore this side-swoop bang Ms. Duvernay created.

9

Kiki Layne’s Braided Crown and Bun

Actress Kiki Layne graced this red-carpet-ready style for the Oscars, but it can easily be dressed up or down. The protective style is a cool combination of braids—and you’ll love the waves left behind when you eventually unravel the look.

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10

Kelis’ Protective Fulani Braids

Come through, Kelis! Fulani braids are an ultimate nod to our African heritage and a mesmerizing way to serve a serious lewk. Gotta love how the “Milkshake” singer rocks the protective style with a fresh, makeup-less face. Glow, girl!

11

Kelly Rowland’s Protective Braided Updo

Who said box braids can’t be chic? Kelly Rowland nailed this sleek updo with a few honey-blonde highlights. You’ll want to rock this style on those hot summer days when the last thing you want are braids lying on the back of your neck.

12

Amandla Stenberg’s Colorful Knotted Box Braids

Behold, Amandla Stenberg and her technicolored dream braids. One of the easiest ways to add personality to your protective style is to add colored hair or temporary hair color. Go a step further and knot them up for a fun 3D effect.

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13

Gabrielle Union’s Protective Flat Twists

If you don’t have the patience to sit for box braids or other protective styles, then flat twists might be the look for you. Gabrielle Union knows what’s up! Plus, you only need a few twists to create a really impactful look.

14

Brandy’s Turban Front Braided Style

Brandy is an icon when it comes to rocking braids. So it’s no surprise that she serves as a constant inspiration for how to wear the protective style in inventive ways. Here, she wraps the braids at the front of her forehead to create a turban-like effect. It will also hide any new growth once your braids start getting old. Genius!

15

Alicia Keys’ Fulani Braids With Beads

Beads and braids are a match made in protective-style heaven. Alicia Keys proves that once again with these adorned Fulani braids that are seriously hot. Keeping the braids a short length will prevent the beads from weighing down your hair too much.

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16

Amanda Seales’ Fishtail Braids Ponytail

Comedian Amanda Seales is a modern-day mermaid in these protective fishtail braids. The high ponytail gives the look some extra drama and the golden blonde hue is perfection against her bronzed skin.

17

Sanaa Lathan’s Side-Swept Braids

This protective style has all sorts of sass. The half-cornrow, half-box-braided look is stunning on Sanaa. Plus, you can easily pull the asymmetrical design to one side to create one jumbo braid, which will instantly switch up the vibe.

18

Cynthia Erivo’s Platinum Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are anything but boring—especially this set on actress Cynthia Erivo. The white-hot color will definitely turn heads. And there’s no need to break out the bleach—simply wrap some platinum-hued Kanekalon braiding hair around your natural hair and you’re good to go!

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19

June Ambrose’s Protective Faux Locs

Two words: boho chic. Locs are not only a classic protective style, but they also offer the type of laidback elegance that any gal can get behind. And if you’re a style chameleon like celebrity stylist June Ambrose, then you’ll love the versatility (read: noncommitment) of these towering faux locs.

20

Tessa Thompson’s Prortective Stitch Braids

These aren’t your average cornrows. Actress Tessa Thompson is donning a set of stitch straight-backs that are truly a work of art. The intricate parting gives this protective style a high level of sophistication.

Headshot of Julee Wilson
Julee Wilson

Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.

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