Whether you’re a fully-fledged naturalista, relaxed or transitioning, protective styling is one of the best ways to maintain and grow healthy hair that retains length and locks in moisture over-time.
From classic cornrows, to crotchet curls and braided updos, there are a multitude of clever ways to tease and tuck away natural hair for a much-needed rest every now and again.
'Afro hair tends to suffer from adverse weather conditions,' says award-winning British hairdresser, Charlotte Mensah. 'Protective styles prevent sun, wind and water damage to the hair as these weather conditions cause our hair to expand or contract, making the fibres of our hair weaker – which can often lead to damage and more often loss of length,' she adds.
Read on for five next level protective hairstyles for natural hair, with the expert tips and tricks to nailing them as well...
1. Box Braids
For an effortless protective style that lasts up six weeks, box braids are a no brainer.
No matter how long your natural hair is, twisting some synthetic hair into each braid can keep your tresses tight and secure for longer and prevent any potential damage that can be caused by over-styling.
Protective Benefit
Box braids give curly girls a break from the high-maintenance natural hair routines that can be time-consuming and costly.
Get The Look
'To master this look, it’s recommended that you book in with a stylist at an afro hair salon and let the expert braid you up as desired,' says Mimi Kone, Owner of Mimi et Mina Salon in Notting Hill. 'When cleansing box braids, I would highly recommend using products from the AVLON Moisture Right range once every two weeks,' she adds.
ELLE Edit: Box Braid Essentials
2. Bantu Knots
Famously worn by Rihanna on the red-carpet, bantu knots make an instant 90s throwback style statement, while keeping your strands safe and strong.
Protective Benefit
'Bantu knots make for a great protective style that locks in moisture tightly and can elongate your natural curls pattern when let loose,' say says Shannon Fitzsimmons, author of 'Get My Curls Back' and UK Curly Girl Blogger.
Get The Look
'Start by adding plenty of moisture to the hair to define and detangle your curls, then create small sections to twist and wrap into mini bantu knots,' says Fitzsimmons.
ELLE Edit: Bantu Knot Essentials
3. The Faux Ponytail
It’s no secret that pulling your hair up into a slick ponytail has to be one of the most chic looks of all time.
Get The Look
Unlike most protective styles that require visiting a hair salon for an expert touch, 'the faux ponytail is ideal for beginners,' says Shannon Fitzsimmons. The first step to achieving this look is selecting a ponytail style which can be purchased in an array of textures and lengths from your local afro hair shop - think Paks Cosmetics – or at online retailers.
'Once you have your ponytail to hand, apply a leave-in conditioner to your natural hair and sleek it back into a low twisted bun, next add some gel to your edges and use a soft bristle brush to smooth them in place, now grip the ponytail on top of your bun and pull on the drawstring to tighten,' advises Shannon.
To finish-up, 'grab a piece of the ponytail and wrap around the bun to make the style look more natural and seamless,' she adds.
ELLE Edit: Faux Ponytail Essentials
4. Crochet Curls
If you're after a protective style that mimics the look, volume and texture of natural hair, then look no further than crochet braids.
Crochet braids refers to a style that intertwines synthetic hair extensions with cornrows to create a full-bodied, afro-like look without using glue or a traditional weaving needle.
Get The Look...
'Start by cornrowing freshly-washed hair back and add the hair extensions bit by bit by using a crochet needle and then slide the needle under the cornrow with the latch closed,' says Charlotte Mensah.
'Next open the latch and hook the hair onto the needle, then close the latch and pull the needle with the hair under the cornrow until a medium-sized hoop is formed. Fold the tails over the cornrow, and put them through the loop. Twist the loop with your fingers and put the tails through the loop to tighten and secure the hair,' she adds.
ELLE Edit: Crochet Curl Essentials
5. Flat Twists
Similar to classic cornrows, flat twists sit on the scalp and can be styled in various directions and shapes to create both playful and sophisticated looks.
Protective Benefit
'Flat twists can create a more uniformed curl pattern when unravelled after a week or two, resulting in an instantly defined natural hairstyle that is frizz and fuss-free', says Shannon Fitzsimmons. Worn with or without the inclusion of hair extensions, flat twists are a great alternative for more traditional braiding styles.
ELLE Edit: Flat Twist Essentials
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