Hey Curlies,

Protective styles are those that protect your hair from everyday damage such as the weather and movement. A lot of naturals use protective styles to retain length and to give themselves and their hair a break from everyday styling.

Especially when styling black hair, we have to be careful of the amount of stress we put on our hair. Since the texture is curly, it is prone to breakage.

Protective styling really comes in handy when one is transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. Daily styling and stress can cause the relaxed ends to break off. When doing a protective style it is also important to  keep your hair moisturized. Here are a few styles that I feel qualify as protective:

  • Two Strand Twists(with or without extensions)
  • Braids(with or without extensions)
  • Bantu Knots
  • Updos
  • Buns
Here are a few good styles for those transitioning. Not all may not totally protect the ends, but they do require low maintenance. 
  • Roller Sets
  • Twist n Curls
  • Ponytails
  • Buns
  • Braids
  • Twists
As you can see, a lot of the styles worn by those fully natural, can also be worn by those transitioning. Here are a few pictures of my low maintenance and protective styles.
July 2011
Nov 2011

Oct 2011

Dec 2011

Dec 2011

Dec 2011

Jan 2012

Jan 2012

March 2012

May 2012

Aug 2011

Aug 2011
Any hair style where your ends are exposed do not qualify as a protective style. It may be a low maintenance style, but not a protective style. This includes twist outs and braid outs. 

-Victoria(@Classycurlies)
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