Summer is here and you know what that means: it’s time to switch up your hair game and rock some protective styles! Protective styles are hairstyles that keep your natural hair tucked away from heat, humidity, and other environmental factors that can cause damage and breakage. They also help you retain length, moisture, and shine while giving you a chance to experiment with different looks. Whether you want to go for braids, twists, buns, or something else, we’ve got you covered with 20 protective hairstyles for the summer that are cute, easy, and fun. Check them out below:
#1. Cornrows
Cornrows are a classic protective hairstyle that involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in straight lines. This style can be worn in a variety of patterns and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
#2. Braids
Braids are also a classic and timeless protective hairstyle. Not only are braids a stylish choice, but they also keep your hair protected from the sun and other factors that can lead to breakage.
#3. Twist Outs
Twist outs are a great protective hairstyle that can be achieved by twisting small sections of hair and allowing them to dry overnight. This hairstyle provides a lot of definition and can last for several days without needing to be retwisted.
#4. High Puff
A high puff is a simple and easy protective hairstyle that involves gathering the hair at the crown of the head and securing it with a hair tie. This style is perfect for hot summer days.
#5. Milk Maid Braids
This classic style is perfect for keeping your hair off your neck and face while looking chic and elegant. Simply part your hair down the middle and braid each section into a low pigtail. Then wrap each braid over the top of your head and secure with bobby pins.
#6. Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo box braids involves braiding hair extensions into your natural hair. They are called jumbo because they are larger than regular box braids. Jumbo Box Braids are a quick and easy way to get a stunning look without spending hours on your hair.
#7. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a stylish and protective hairstyle that involves twisting small sections of hair into knots. This hairstyle can be worn as a full head of knots or as a half up, half down style.
#8. Faux Locs
Faux locs are a great protective hairstyle that can be achieved using extensions. This style involves wrapping the hair around the extensions to create a loc-like appearance. Faux locs are a low-maintenance style that can last for several weeks.
#9. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are also a very good protective hairstyle that involves crocheting hair extensions into your natural hair. This style is versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways, including curly, straight, and braided.
#10. Dutch Braids
Dutch braids are a great protective hairstyle for summer because they’re easy to do yourself and can be worn in a variety of styles.
#11. Senegalese Twists
These are twisted extensions incorporated into your natural hair that have a smooth, shiny texture and a uniform size. They are also known as rope twists because they look like ropes and can be worn long or short.
#12. Space Buns
A relatively new type of hairstyle taking the world by storm, these are two buns that are placed on either side of your head near the top. They create a fun and playful look that can also be accessorized with clips, pins, or scarves.