31 Protective Styles for Black Hair—From Knotless Braids to Faux Locs

Cornrows

Cornrows are one of the most well-known braid styles, and they are incredibly versatile. You can braid your natural hair or opt for braid extensions. Start by portioning out the hair into the desired-sized sections. Braid from front to back, feeding more hair into the braid as you go.

Whether your braids are yours or created with extensions, you still need to care for your hair and scalp while you wear them. Mielle's Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer ($10) or Camille Rose's Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray ($13) are great products to keep on hand.

Box Braids

Box braids are another classic braided style—its characterized by its square parting and uniformly shaped braids. "With box braids, the [braiding] hair is wrapped around your hair, creating a 'knot,'" Sims explains. Historically, synthetic braiding hair (like Kanekalon) has been used to achieve the look. However, there are now plant-based hair options like Rebundle.

Knotless Braids

Knotless braids, as the name might suggest, don't use a knot at the scalp to attach the extension. "With knotless braids, the hair is fed into the braid, which creates a more seamless appearance and less tension on the scalp," Sims notes.

Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are a style popularized by the Fulani people of Africa. "[These] braids feature cornrows in the front with a center part," Ashley explains. "Then, [you install] box braids in the back. They typically are medium in size."

Pigtail Braids

Two thick, braided pigtails are a simple way to protect your natural hair while creating a cute, low-maintenance look. Start by parting your hair down the center and dividing it into two sections. Then, brush your hair up into two high pigtails and secure it with elastics. Braid each side, adding extensions if you'd like more length. Sango recommends using a product like Lush Super Milk ($22) to hydrate your scalp and hair while it is this protective style.

French Curl Braids

French curl braids are one of the most popular iterations lately. "[The style] combines both braids and curls," Sims says. "Essentially, the hair is braided at the root, and the braids release into curls at about shoulder length. For this look, you would typically use French curl synthetic hair."

Stitch Braids

Stitch braids look similar to cornrows but are achieved with a slightly different technique. "The protective style uses the 'stitch in' technique, where the hair is braided like a traditional cornrow but in a horizontal pattern," Sims says. "In addition to their horizontal pattern, stitch braids use a different finger technique by using the nail on the pinky finger to create the beautiful, clean lines of the stitch braids."

Flat Twists

"Unlike traditional cornrows and twist-outs, flat twists are two twists done on the scalp and work well for relaxed and natural hair," Sims points out.

Here's how to get the look: "Before twisting, thoroughly wash your hair and properly cleanse your scalp," Sims says. "A hydrating shampoo will help lock the moisture in your clean scalp. Using a rat-tail comb will help simplify parting your hair prior to twisting. Once twisted, keep your flat twists nourished by moisturizing every couple of days before bed."

Marley Twists

"Marley twists are two-strand twists that mimic more of a textured appearance with a soft blown-out finish," Sims explains. "Marley twists are often compared to Havana twists. However, Marley twists tend to be thinner in size and more affordable. Marley hair is typically recommended for this style for its coarse, textured nature."

Two-Strand Twists

Two-strand twists work best on natural hair. This style can last for weeks and requires minimal touch-ups. To achieve the look, portion your hair into sections of the desired thickness. Divide each section in half and twist both pieces around each other from root to ends. Extensions can be added to enhance volume and length or create more complicated styles.

"After a few days, your twists may begin to feel dry," Sango points out. "Simply spritz each of your twists with a small amount of water. This will reawaken the existing products in your hair. If you feel that your hair needs more product, add accordingly." We like to apply Aveda's Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil ($52) before bed.

Senegalese Twists

"Senegalese twists are [two-strand] twists that look like a rope," Ashley says. According to Sims, they are also known as rope twists. When it comes to the types of extensions you should use, Sims recommends using a smooth type of braiding hair.

Jumbo Twists

Jumbo-sized twists follow the general idea of two-strand twists but are much chunkier and may require additional extensions depending on your hair length. "I like to use my Thermal Setting Mousse ($18) because it hydrates and holds without making it crunchy or leaving any white residue," Kimble says.

Passion Twists

Passion twists are essentially a curlier version of two-strand twists. "The protective gives you a bohemian look that's natural-looking and easy to maintain," Sims says. "This hairstyle will look best with hair extensions with a looser wave or corkscrew curl pattern."

Faux Locs

Faux locs are temporary locs and can be installed on natural or relaxed hair. To get the look, divide your hair into sections based on the number of locs you want and the desired thickness. Then, braid each section in a simple three-strand braid. Once all the sections have been braided, grab your pre-made faux locs and your crochet tool. Use the crochet tool to hook the locs onto the root and weave the braid into the extensions. To finish, roll the locs between your lightly gel-coated palms to secure the ends.

Goddess Locs

Goddess locs are another version of faux locs. This take closely resembles regular locs but has curly extensions weaved in as well. You can use pre-made faux locs for this look or create them using Kanekalon or Marley hair. For the wavy, curly pieces, it's best to use human hair.

Butterfly Locs

Butterfly locs are a slightly distressed, more "imperfect" style of faux locs that look incredible on medium-length hair. "Make sure you prep your hair with hydration," Ashley says. "I like to use Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix Hydrate Shampoo ($18) and Fibre Clinix Hydrate Conditioner ($18). This will ensure your hair is properly moisturized before [installing] the style." When installing the locs, Ashley says it is important to be mindful of the amount of tension you are using so you aren't putting too much stress on your hair and scalp.

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots can be created in various ways: twisted or braided, with extensions or without. Begin with freshly cleansed, conditioned, and dried strands. Next, section the hair into manageable portions. Take the first section and create a twist from the roots to the ends. Then, wind the twisted strand up into the knot and tuck the end under. Continue until you've knotted all the sections.

Bun or Chignon

Buns work on relaxed and natural hair and are a protective style that can be mastered at home. To achieve a slicked-back look, it's important to prep your hair properly. "If I use the right products while cleansing and conditioning, like Lush's Avocado Co-Wash ($19), it will hydrate and moisturize my hair enough, allowing me to achieve any protective style," Sango says.

Once you dry your hair, choose your part. You can go down the center, to the side, or skip the part entirely. Swoop your hair into a bun, brushing down flyaways if you choose, and secure it with pins. You can always add fun accessories like barrettes or flowers. Ensure your edges stay sleek with edge control products like CURLS Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste ($6) or ORS Edge Control Gel ($10).

Braided Chignon

While buns are one of the simpler protective styles, they can easily be elevated. A braided bun with smoothed edges is perfect for a formal occasion.

Double Puffs

"If you are wearing protective styles with extensions and they are taking their toll on your scalp, you may want to alternate with wearing your natural hair in protective styles," Sango says. As an alternative, we love this super cute double-puff style. It gives your hair a break from braids and twists but is equally chic.

Space Buns

Like the double puffs mentioned above, double space buns are trendy and easy to master. Slick the hair at the crown of your head down with gel. Pull the rest of your hair into two high pigtails. Tuck the ends under, leaving the hair curly and natural for a playful, cute look.

Low Buns

If space buns aren't your jam, or you want to mix it up, a low bun is just as simple and chic. You can achieve this look with your natural hair or opt for a braided bun (as seen in the photo).

Banded Ponytail

A simple banded, bubble ponytail with slicked-down flyaways and styled edges looks so chic. To style: Brush clean hair back into a high ponytail, using gel to tame flyaways. Then, attach extensions at the base of the ponytail if using. Place elastics at intervals down the length of the ponytail.

Flexi Rods

A flexi rod set can help you achieve defined, bouncy curls. When prepping your hair, you'll want to apply products with hold. "OSiS+ Bounty Balm ($26) controls frizz and adds shine to this style," Ashley says. "Apply a small amount to damp hair and wrap your section around the rod. Remember, your rod size will determine the result. The smaller the rod, the tighter the curl. The bigger the rod, the looser the curl."

She says the key to achieving the best flexi rod set is to ensure your hair is fully dry before removing the rods from your hair. "It's best to sit under a hooded dryer for at least two hours," she notes.

Braided Crown

Crown braids are a gorgeous, protective style. To create them, you’ll want to create two equal-sized braids and crisscross them onto each other. Then, secure them with bobby pins.

Classic Ponytail Braid

A braided ponytail can be created with natural hair or braiding hair. If you opt for the latter, start by slicking your hair back into a very sleek ponytail. Once your ponytail is secure, begin braiding your hair, weaving in braiding hair as you go to achieve your desired length and thickness.

Faux Hawk

A curly faux hawk is pretty easy and looks so cool when it's done. All you need are combs, bobby pins, and a favorite gel. Start with clean, dry curls. Brush them back tight against the head, securing them with combs for the mohawk shape. Add bobby pins to secure and finish by applying gel to your edges for a slick, long-lasting finish.

Weaves

When you properly care for your weave, it is a great protective style. If your hair is braided completely beneath it, it's not subject to daily wear and tear. However, to maintain hair health, it's still important to care for the hair beneath the weave by utilizing hydrating products like SheaMoisture's Deep Treatment Masque ($13).

"If you need to wash your weave, wash the hair in a downward direction to minimize tangles," Sang suggests. "Then, sit under a hood dryer or diffuse hair until the roots are completely dry."

Wigs

Wigs continue to be a popular protective style for several reasons. "The best part of wearing wigs is the versatility," Ashley points out. You can wear different colors and lengths without compromising your hair. It's a great option for when you want to take a break from styling your hair."

There are several types of wigs on the market; however, Ashley says lace front wigs are the most common. "They feature a natural hairline, so it looks more realistic when you wear them," she explains. "However, if you want a portion of your hair out, you can wear a V-part wig. This means there is a 'V shape' opening at the top [of the unit] for your natural hair to lay over the wig."

Clip-In or Drawstring Ponytail

When it comes to ponytails, clip-in or drawstring options can help you protect your natural hair. There are so many stylish options to choose from—brands like Heat Free Hair and InsertNameHere offer endless varieties.

Headwrap

You can apply a headwrap or headscarf over braided, twisted, or natural hair for a stylish layer of protection against the elements. These can also be used to protect your style further. "If you're wearing a bun, a way to maintain it is to tie it down every night with a silk scarf—make sure it's 100 percent silk," Kimble says. "Try not to sleep on cotton or without tying your hair up at night."