Protective Hairstyling: Natural Hair, Curly Hair, Braids, Twists, Buns

WHAT IS A PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLE?
Typically for me, a protective hairstyle is a heat-free hairstyle used to conceal my ends and “protect” my hair from heat damage, friction, environmental effects, etc. A protective hairstyle is usually low maintenance and can last anywhere from a day to a few months. This could include braids, twists, buns, up-dos, etc.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Protective hairstyles are used to minimize the “wear & tear” on your hair. Without using heat to create a hairstyle, doing excessive tugging, pulling, combing of the hair and concealing your ends, you have a greater chance of encouraging hair growth and length retention.

For me, I usually stick with easy & quick buns for the busy work weeks, sometimes braids/twists that last a couple of weeks (great in the summertime) when I want something to last a little longer and cute up-dos when I want to dress it up but still keep my ends concealed.
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Here are some very cute, easy & unique protective hairstyles that are similar to the things I do to my own hair or will inspire some of my protective hairstyles in the future!

**be sure to click the pictures to view some of these great hair tutorials **

@charmsie

@__lipstickncurlss__

@sunkissalba

Be sure to tell me some of your favorite protective hairstyles or even provide me some pictures of your own, I would love to feature more!