16 Protective Hairstyles to Inspire Your New Fall Look
Jen Hussein
Jen Hussein
Jen is the poster child of a style & beauty junkie — from the latest eyeshadow palette launch to the wildest moments from NYFW, she's one of the first to know about it. As a proud public school graduate from SUNY New Paltz, her work has been featured in top publications such as PAPER Magazine, INSIDER, and COOLS. When she's not swatching the latest highlighters and lipsticks, she's busy being a cat mom, sipping on rosé, and binge-watching Netflix cooking shows.
Ghana braids, faux locs, box braids, and more trending protective hairstyles have been taking over our social feeds lately. And why wouldn't they? Fall may be here, but cooler weather is not. The protective hairstyles, worn mostly when temps (and exposure to humidity and sweat) are on the rise, help us promote healthy, natural hair growth as they tuck ends in and prevent tangling, shedding, and breakage.
Instead of relying on your go-to hairstyle, look to these creative protective styles for serious strand inspo. (via Instagram @mariapaulamapo)
Instead of relying on your go-to hairstyle, look to these creative protective styles for serious strand inspo. (via Instagram @mariapaulamapo)
Side Piece: Play up your protective 'do with a deep side part. It's a simple way to give your style a more dramatic look. (via Instagram @juju_braidz)
Peep the Pastel: To give your twists a touch of playful attitude, add a pastel color. These hues are toned down enough for the fall, but still have that ecstatic energy that makes you the life of the party. (via Instagram @dee_nice_and_jay_qwelin)
To the Top: Another effortless way to transform your braided hair is by throwing it up in a top knot bun. This easy style gets an Insta-worthy upgrade from the added texture and detail of your braided pattern. (via Instagram @juju_braidz)
Rainbow Pop: Give your style a pop of color with a fusion of vibrant shades. This saturated swirl of contrasting hues will make you the belle of the ball (or the office) no matter what season it is. (via Instagram @juschardell)
The Pull-Back: While we do love some flowing twists, don't let them hide your gorgeous face. (via INstagram @kiimberleyashley)
Mini Maven: Mini buns are the blast from the past that we all needed. This nostalgic '90s style has us shamelessly boppin' to "Zoom" on repeat. (via Instagram @chrissybraidshair)
Slim & Slender: The greatest part about protective styles are their versatility. You can try different thicknesses, lengths, and patterns. (via Instagram @__aishanicole__)
In the Box: If you're into simple statements, then this intricate box braid pattern is the choice for you. (via Instagram @kellykale)
Double Vision: Have kaleidoscope colors in your hairstyle? Then create a festival-worthy look in the middle of autumn with this technicolor twisted bun look. (via Instagram @palomabarbiezinha)
Split Down the Middle: A middle part is another subtle change that makes a big impact on your styling approach. (via Instagram @styledbymelb)
Atomic Blonde: Blondes really do have more fun, especially when you bedazzle your bleached braids with blingy accessories. (via Instagram @houstonbraids)
Mix n' Match: Why stick to just one protective look when you can have it all? Pairing different patterns and thicknesses can create a masterpiece on the crown of your head. (via Instagram @nellestyles)
Let It Grow, Let It Flow: Create a flowing waterfall of textured braids, twists, or dreadlocks. (via Instagram @iamlindaelaine)
Such Great Heights: We love getting high — with our ponytails, that is. This classic updo is remixed to perfection with the wraparound detail. (via Instagram @becbecmc)
Super Shock: To turn a few heads, create braids with a funky neon tone, like this bright purple hue, and top it off with your favorite hairpiece. (via Instagram @charlie_for_love)
Tweet us your favorite protective hairstyles @BritandCo!
Jen Hussein
Jen is the poster child of a style & beauty junkie — from the latest eyeshadow palette launch to the wildest moments from NYFW, she's one of the first to know about it. As a proud public school graduate from SUNY New Paltz, her work has been featured in top publications such as PAPER Magazine, INSIDER, and COOLS. When she's not swatching the latest highlighters and lipsticks, she's busy being a cat mom, sipping on rosé, and binge-watching Netflix cooking shows.
Jen Hussein
Jen Hussein
Jen is the poster child of a style & beauty junkie — from the latest eyeshadow palette launch to the wildest moments from NYFW, she's one of the first to know about it. As a proud public school graduate from SUNY New Paltz, her work has been featured in top publications such as PAPER Magazine, INSIDER, and COOLS. When she's not swatching the latest highlighters and lipsticks, she's busy being a cat mom, sipping on rosé, and binge-watching Netflix cooking shows.