Transitioning to natural hair is a process. It is about learning to grow and care for your natural hair and remove the ends of your relaxed hair slowly. Protective styling is a vital step in achieving your hair goals while transitioning to natural.
Natural, curly and kinky hair is quite versatile and can be styled in a mind-boggling number of ways. What many naturalistas aim for, however, is to get protective hairstyles while enjoying their hair’s awesome versatility. If you are looking to transition to natural hair, here are protective hairstyles for your kinks and curls. These 10 hairstyles photos will give you plenty of inspiration!
Teeny Weeny Afro
Thinking of going for your big chop? The teeny weeny afro blends sophisticated beauty with easy maintenance. It is a natural hairstyle that makes a big impact, especially when you wear it in one of these chic and tapered styles.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are styled by separating hair into sections, then twisting those individual sections into tiny knots. Bantu knots are considered a protective style because the ends of the hair are tucked away, keeping them protected and unexposed from outside elements.
The Afro!
Oh, the ‘fro! It’s big hair at its curly, kinky finest. An afro is a perfect protective hairstyle for natural hair that doesn’t require a weave. Add a front part, as shown below, or let the curls fall where they may. The ‘fro won’t mind – it takes on an empowering life of its own!
Flat Twists
The flat twist is one of many protective styles for natural hair. You can have yours professionally done or learn how to flat twist on your own so you can rock the style any time you like! Flat twists look similar to cornrows, but they’re easier to achieve. They can last up to a week.
Twist Outs
Curly kinky girls are very good at getting two beautiful natural hairstyles out of one. So, flaunt your curls and coils in twists for a while then transform your twists into a super curly/coily twist out like the one shown here.
Two Strand Twists
Two-strand twists come in all sizes and lengths and these long, chunky twists nail the style perfectly. As far as protective natural hairstyles go, they’re super quick. The advantage of protective hairstyling is that you will protect your hair from breakage. It is also the ultimate provider of moisture retention and shrinkage protection. Moreover, it provides you some time advantage during the mornings.
Inverted Flat Twist Out Updo
Sometimes protective styles for natural hair can take a little more time to complete, but we think this one is worth it. The bent twists are directed upward and forward to give way to the fun curly/coily top. It’s the perfect choice if you prefer a hairstyle with a little extra height.
Braided Updo
Another protective style to consider when transitioning to natural hair is a braided updo. Similar to box braids and Marley twists, it will keep your ends tucked in and shielded from the environmental stresses — and it means your hair is already styled for you.
Weaved Pigtails
Here’s a quick, cute, and easy way to style your natural hair. Just part the hair down the middle and put the hair into two weaves. You can add gold beads to the ends of the weaves if you like.
Straight Back Conrows
Straight-back conrows always come in handy, whether you’re full-on natural or just transitioning. The style, while sleek and classic, takes minimal maintenance and keeps hair out of your face. It’s a perfect way to tuck your hair away while you wear your wig extensions.
New naturalistas, how are you finding the experience? Let us know in the comment section. Thinking of transitioning? Check out these 5 things no one tells you about transitioning to natural hair. It’s super helpful.
Written by Social Butterfly Haven for Reina HairCare
