BOX BRAIDS
Whether large or micro, box braids are a frequent go-to for many beauty lovers. When styled with Kanekalon—a lightweight synthetic braiding hair used to extend length and thickness—these styles are easily recognized, as they’re typically wrapped and appear more bulbous at their base.
CORNROWS
Another protective hairstyling staple, cornrows are braided closely to the scalp beginning at the hairline and continuing to the nape of the neck. While cornrows can be styled with a straight-back appearance, some braids, like these featured on singer Brandy, are designed off-center or at an angle.
KNOTLESS BRAIDS
Unlike classic box braids, knotless braids are created straight from the root and flow freely, allowing for several styling options. Here, actress Zendaya models smaller-sized braids with distinct square parts.
FULANI BRAIDS
Inspired by the Fulani people of Africa, this protective style includes braided edges and a distinctive, straight-back center braid that’s close to the scalp, with several non-parallel sections braided on either side of it. Unlike traditional cornrows, these braids are attached only to the top of the head and are free-flowing near the crown. Fulani braids are also sometimes adorned with beads to enhance their beauty.
PASSION TWISTS
Passion twists were created by Miami hairstylist Kailyn Rogers in 2018 and have become increasingly more popular thanks to fans like Fresh Lengths beauty influencer Lesley (as well as this writer). The twists get their curly texture from the addition of FreeTress Water Wave extensions that add to their overall bounce.
SENEGALESE TWISTS
While these twists may seem similar to the passion style, Senegalese twists—named after the country in Africa—are designed with a rope-like appearance that usually looks fluffier and thicker than its curlier twist counterpart.
HALO BRAIDS
Halo braids don’t just look angelic, they’ve earned the name from their circular, halo-like positioning that’s weaved closely around the head. For added volume, you can choose to braid in a few extensions with your natural hair.
FAUX LOCS
If you’ve been curious about how your hair would look in locs and are looking for an alternative to braids and twists, consider testing these out. The style involves braiding the natural hair, then wrapping extensions around each braid to create the appearance of locs, like Megan Thee Stallion.
THREE-STRAND FAUX PONYTAIL
Here’s a simple, two-part style that starts with brushing your hair into a sleek updo and ends with braiding extensions onto your own ponytail for extra length and structure. “I would go to YouTube University, because there are so many fun tutorials out there on how to do a style like this at home,” Drysdale Lombardo advises.
LACE FRONT WIGS
Whether you decide to wear a lace front wig with bold color, like beauty influencer and CEO Jackie Aina, or opt for something subtler, professionals say this style must be installed properly for wearers to reap its full protective benefits. “When a lace front wig is properly applied, it’s considered a protective style. Proper application includes braiding down natural hair and applying a stocking cap around the entire hairline to protect it,” Everett explains. Though lace fronts can serve as an effective protective hairstyle, don’t count on keeping your natural hair tucked away for too long. “This is not a long-lasting protective hairstyle, as lace front wigs are only recommend for up to two weeks,” she advises.
BANTU KNOTS
Another protective look that can be done with or without help from a professional, a set of Bantu knots provides a timeless style that can later transition to a bouncy twist-out. Bantu knots are created by sectioning the hair and wrapping it around itself to form a number of small uniform buns around the head.
