21 ADORABLE LOW-MAINTENANCE PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES FOR SUMMER
Every Black girl knows the joy of a great protective hairstyle. Not only do they shield your hair from damage, but they also let you look fabulous while doing it! Choosing the right protective style is a big deal because you’ll likely wear it for a couple of months. So, finding a style that’s both stunning and practical is essential.
This post highlights some fantastic protective hairstyle ideas for summer that are light, low-maintenance, and easy to handle. When the weather heats up, you don’t want a style that requires too much fuss, which is why I’m a huge fan of protective styles for the season!
CHUNKY BUTTERFLY LOCS
Butterfly twists really have been gaining popularity! It’s great how styles can grow on you—sometimes it just takes a bit of time to appreciate their unique charm. They’re definitely a fresh and fun option for protecting your hair while staying stylish. Have you tried them out yourself, or are you still contemplating?
STITCH TRIBAL BRAIDS
Absolutely, cornrows and stitch braids are both such powerful styles! And that’s a great tip about protecting those baby hairs—keeping your edges intact is crucial for long-term hair health. Do you have a favorite way to style your cornrows or stitch braids?
CORNROWS WITH A FAUX PONY
Braiding cornrows into a faux ponytail offers the perfect blend of intricate detail and voluminous style. If you’re ready to play with color, you can weave it into the cornrows or add a vibrant ponytail for a chic color-block effect. Either way, you’re sure to turn heads!
PASSION TWIST
Passion twists definitely add a fresh and vibrant twist to traditional styles! They have that perfect blend of texture and movement that makes them stand out. Have you tried them out or are you planning to?
FAUX FISHTAIL BRAID
Not all faux ponytails are the same, and Tracee Ellis Ross took it to the next level with this stunning fishtail braid, adding both length and texture. For an ultra-sleek, shiny look, use a hair pomade like Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. It’ll tame flyaways effortlessly and leave your hair looking radiant.
KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS
Knotless box braids are such a game-changer! They’re definitely a more comfortable and gentle option for your hair. Plus, they look great and can be styled in so many ways. Have you found any particular styles or variations of knotless braids that you love?
FULANI BRAIDS
Enhance the texture of your Fulani braids by styling them with defined baby hairs. With endless parting options—like overlapping braids or geometric patterns—the beauty of this protective style is that you can keep returning to it for a fresh, glowing look without ever feeling repetitive.
JUMBO BRAIDS
Jumbo braids are so popular because they let you spend less time in the salon and require less hair! Plus, they’re absolutely adorable and give off major summer vibes—or is that just me?
BOX BRAIDS
Box braids are a top pick for protective styles for a reason. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they’re also incredibly versatile and never dull. For added flair, try larger sections—this amps up the drama, reduces braiding time, and keeps upkeep simple.
CURLY CORNROWS
This layered cornrow style by celebrity stylist Susy Oludele and Aeon Elliott is anything but ordinary. The curl pattern adds a fun and elegant twist to the classic straight-back cornrows, while the red highlights give it a vibrant pop of color.
FAUX LOCS
“Another great way to put a cool spin on box braids or faux locs is combining textures and curl patterns with extension hair,” says Brown. If you’re looking to elevate your look, try incorporating different colors—don’t shy away from bold contrasts—for a modern twist on this classic protective style.
FULANI BRAIDS WITH BEADS
Solange elevated her Fulani braids by adding beads that nearly cover the entire length. Channel her iconic style by coordinating your accessories—like a statement mask—with your braids for a bold, futuristic vibe. “Shook” doesn’t even begin to describe it!
FINGER-WAVE CORNROWS
Koudou drew inspiration from Beyoncé’s Lion King red-carpet look to craft these striking finger waves. Typically ending at the nape, the added extension offers extra length and the versatility to drape over your shoulder or wrap into a low ponytail or bun. Versatility is always a win!
FLAT TWISTS
This style combines flat twists and Bantu knots, showcasing that there’s no single way to rock protective styles. It’s ideal for when you’re torn between styles. Choose twists laid to the side like these, or go for a straight-back approach.
PLAITED UPDO
Elevate your braids with this stunning updo, crafted by Koudou. Inspired by Yoruba royalty, this look not only leaves you in awe but also honors the ancestors who pioneered intricate, innovative patterns to care for their natural hair. It’s a true celebration of heritage and beauty.
WAVY BANTU KNOTS
These Bantu knots strike the perfect balance between playful and chic with their curved parts and chunky, braided knots. It’s a great reminder that changing up your parting can instantly reinvent a timeless classic.
LOCS WITH HIGHLIGHTS
“Color is such a great way to give your box braids or faux locs a fresh look,” says hairstylist Cristiana Cassell, Chloe Bailey’s warm, highlighted locs were created in collaboration with hairstylist Sparkle. The neutral tones are ideal for fall but can effortlessly transition into winter months.
LONG PONY
Not all protective styles need braids—sometimes the simplest options, like a low bun or a long ponytail, can be just as effective. Elaine Welteroth shows that adding a touch of volume can elevate these go-to looks, turning a standard ponytail into something extraordinary.
FLORAL BOX BRAIDS
Combine box braids into larger sections and add floral accents for an instant update to your protective style. This look is great for fall, but you can easily transition it to winter by swapping the florals for golden rings. The beauty of this style lies in its limitless versatility.
HAIR WRAP
“An overlooked protective style is wearing a scarf,” says Lindsey. “Pulling your hair back into a loose ponytail or plaiting your hair, then wrapping a scarf in a chic style, is definitely an easy protective style that can be worn all year round.” The best part is that you can effortlessly switch up your look by experimenting with different colors and patterns based on your mood.
BRAIDED HEADBAND
Yvonne Orji from Insecure adds a touch of regal elegance to protective braid styles by draping one braid across the forehead like a crown.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, cute low-maintenance protective hairstyles offer both style and practicality, making them perfect for busy days or just keeping your hair healthy and protected. From jumbo braids and versatile box braids to chic Bantu knots and sleek faux ponies, there’s a range of options to fit every mood and occasion. Experimenting with colors, patterns, and accessories can add a personalized touch, ensuring your look remains fresh and exciting.
15 BEST HAIR OILS FOR CURLY HAIR YOU SHOULD KNOW
Taming those gorgeous curls can be a whole different ball game! Curly hair is undeniably beautiful, but it can also be susceptible to dryness, frizz, and breakage. In addition to using hair care products such as masks for curly hair, the good news is that hair conditioner is also a potential product. It provides intense hydration, definition and shine. Here is a list of 15 of the best hair oils specially formulated to help you achieve the best curls! We’ll explore a variety of options to meet different hair needs, from budget-friendly options to luxurious treatments. So get ready to ditch the frizz and embrace your gorgeous curls!
OUR TOP PICKS
GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS COCONUT HAIR OIL FOR FRIZZY HAIR
Garnier’s Coconut Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair is great for people with dry, damaged, or frizzy curls. It’s made with plant-based ingredients, so it’s good for the environment. Many tests show it makes hair smoother and defines curls well. Most people who tried it liked how soft it made the ends of their hair. Plus, it keeps hair hydrated and healthy. The bottle is a good size at 150ml, and it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. If you have dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, this oil could be a good choice for you.
Can’t be left out of the conversation of luxurious hair oils is Kérastase’s L’Huile Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum. This multi-tasking oil is designed to be suitable for all hair types, but it truly shines for those with fine or limp curls. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly to deliver rich hydration without weighing down your strands. This oil is packed with a blend of botanical oils like marula, argan, and camellia, which work together to tame frizz, boost shine, and strengthen your curls for a healthy, bouncy look.
CHARLOTTE MENSAH MANKETTI HAIR OIL
Formulated specifically as an oil for curly hair, Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil has garnered multiple awards, making it a standout addition to your hair care routine. This luxurious blend features organic manketti nut and ximenia oils, renowned for their deeply nourishing properties. Serving as a savior for dry and dehydrated curls, it works wonders by imparting shine, taming frizz, and promoting scalp health. Whether you’re seeking a quick shine boost post-styling or opting for an overnight treatment for intensive conditioning, Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil ensures to elevate your curls, rendering them resilient, manageable, and beautifully defined.
AUSSIE MIRACLE CURLS CURL-DEFINING OIL
Looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers great results? Aussie Miracle Curls Curl-Defining Oil might be your new curl BFF. This drugstore favorite is infused with coconut and jojoba oil, offering a wave of hydration to quench thirsty curls. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, sealing the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. This translates to softer, shinier curls with enhanced definition, all without that dreaded weighed-down feeling. Plus, it’s paraben-free, making it a good choice for those with sensitive scalps.
LIVING PROOF CURL MOISTURISING SHINE OIL
If you’re seeking a curl-loving oil that prioritizes shine and healthy hydration, Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil is a strong contender. This silicone-free formula stands out for its unique biomimetic properties. That essentially means the oil mimics your hair’s natural lipids, seamlessly integrating with your curl structure. This allows it to deliver deep moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. The result? Smooth, hydrated curls with a radiant, healthy shine. Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil is versatile too, working wonders before shampooing to add a protective layer, during styling to enhance definition, or even as a post-styling treatment for a touch of extra polish.
OUIDAD MONGONGO CURL TREATMENT OIL
Ouidad’s Mongongo Curl Treatment Oil is a serious contender for the title of best oil for curly hair, especially for those seeking a natural, multi-tasking treatment. This lightweight formula is packed with Mongongo Oil, rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which nourishes and strengthens curls. It also blends in Broccoli Seed Oil and American Palm Seed Oil to further soften and add shine. Ouidad’s Mongongo Oil goes beyond just surface benefits. It forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and shield your curls from heat styling and UV damage. The result is defined, frizz-free curls with a healthy, radiant glow. Plus, it’s free of harsh sulfates, silicones, and parabens, making it a great choice for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer a more natural approach to hair care.
PANTENE GOLD SERIES INTENSE HYDRATING HAIR OIL
Designed specifically for all hair types, Pantene’s Gold Series Intense Hydrating Hair Oil offers a compelling option for curly hair on a budget. This paraben-free, sulfate-free, and dye-free formula is infused with the goodness of argan oil, known for its lightweight yet deeply moisturizing properties. The oil absorbs quickly into hair strands, helping to repair dryness and breakage, common woes for curly hair. This translates to stronger, healthier curls with a noticeable boost in shine. Whether you apply it to wet hair for enhanced manageability during styling or use it on dry hair for a touch of extra frizz control and shine, Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Hair Oil promises to add a touch of luxury to your curl care routine at an affordable price.
SHEAMOISTURE 100% PURE ARGAN OIL
Known for its dedication to curly hair care, SheaMoisture offers a 100% Pure Argan Oil that’s a fantastic choice for a natural, multi-purpose treatment. This lightweight oil absorbs quickly to deliver a boost of hydration without weighing down your curls. Packed with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it helps to soften and smooth dry, frizzy hair. This oil is a true multi-tasker – use it as a hair serum, hair oil treatment, or even an anti-frizz solution. You can even apply it to your skin for an extra dose of moisture. SheaMoisture’s 100% Pure Argan Oil is a budget-friendly option that allows you to experience the benefits of this “liquid gold” for both your hair and skin.
DEVACURL HIGH SHINE MULTI-BENEFIT CURL OIL
This oil proves to be an excellent choice for individuals with looser, wavier curl patterns, as confirmed by the positive feedback from nearly all our testers who found it effortless to apply evenly without weighing down their hair. Impressively, it excelled in our lab tests for smoothing, a sentiment echoed by the majority of our testers. While a few noted a slight heaviness, most agreed that it effectively avoided leaving greasiness on their ends, making it particularly appealing for those aiming for sleekness without unwanted oily residue. With a convenient size of 50ml and a paraben-free formulation, this oil emerges as a promising solution for managing frizzy hair, offering both easy application and effective smoothing properties.
PATTERN JOJOBA HAIR & SCALP OIL BLEND
Specifically designed for curlies, coilies, and tight textures, Pattern’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend is a lightweight, residue-free formula that offers a touch of heaven for your hair. This blend combines the power of jojoba oil, known for its similarity to the hair’s natural sebum, with safflower oil, rosehip oil, olive oil, and lavender oil. Together, these oils work in beautiful harmony to deliver deep moisture without feeling greasy. This is especially beneficial for low porosity hair, helping it retain moisture and prevent breakage. Pattern’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend goes beyond just strands, though. Massaging it into your scalp can help soothe itchiness and reduce flaking caused by dryness, promoting a healthy scalp environment for happy hair growth.
AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH BY AVEDA MULTI-USE HAIR OIL
Aveda’s Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil is a versatile option that caters to all hair types, including curly hair. This 100% naturally derived formula boasts a concentrated blend of 5 superfood power oils, including organic coconut, olive, and grape seed oil. These oils work together to deliver a powerful punch of hydration and shine, without leaving your curls greasy or weighed down. The key to its versatility lies in its multiple uses. Apply it pre-shampoo as a deep conditioning treatment for dry, thirsty curls. Use it on towel-dried hair for a leave-in treatment that boosts manageability and adds shine during styling. Aveda’s Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil is a great choice for those looking for a natural, multi-tasking product that caters to the specific needs of curly hair.
OGX RENEWING + ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly yet effective hair oil for your curls, OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco is a strong contender. This lightweight oil is infused with argan oil, a popular choice for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It absorbs quickly into hair strands, helping to tame frizz and boost shine without leaving a greasy residue. This oil is designed to renew and strengthen hair, promoting elasticity and manageability for your curls. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco is also paraben and sulfate-free, making it a good option for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer a more gentle hair care routine.
IMBUE CURL WORSHIPPING SHINE OIL
Specifically designed for curly hair, Imbue Curl Worshipping Shine Oil promises to be a curl-loving hero in your hair care routine. This vegan and “Curly Girl Method”-friendly formula is free of ingredients that can weigh down curls, like sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. Instead, it boasts a lightweight cocktail of plant-powered oils like avocado, coconut, cupuaçu, and grapeseed oil. This nourishing blend works wonders on dry, frizzy curls, delivering deep hydration to quench thirst and smooth frizz. Imbue Curl Worshipping Shine Oil is a multi-tasker. Use it on damp hair to lock in moisture and enhance definition during styling, or apply it to dry hair for a touch of extra shine and frizz control. This oil is also gentle enough to be used as an overnight treatment for deep conditioning, leaving your curls soft, manageable, and beautifully defined.
PURA D’OR ORGANIC SWEET ALMOND OIL
For those seeking a natural and affordable option, Pura D’Or Organic Sweet Almond Oil is a great choice for curly hair. This lightweight oil is readily absorbed by hair strands, delivering a dose of hydration without feeling greasy or heavy. Packed with vitamin E, sweet almond oil helps to strengthen and nourish curls, promoting elasticity and manageability. While it might not be as intensely moisturizing as some other options on this list, it’s a versatile choice for various hair care needs. Use it as a pre-poo treatment to add moisture and soften strands, or apply a small amount to dry hair for a touch of frizz control and shine. Plus, Pura D’Or’s Organic Sweet Almond Oil is a budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for those who are new to using hair oils or want a simple, natural solution for their curly hair routine.
AUSSIE WORK THAT CURL HAIR SERUM WITH JOJOBA SEED OIL
Looking for a budget-friendly curl definer that packs a punch? Aussie Work That Curl Hair Serum with Jojoba Seed Oil might be your new go-to. This drugstore favorite is formulated specifically for curly hair, and boasts a lightweight yet effective formula. The key ingredient here is jojoba seed oil, which is similar to the hair’s natural sebum. This allows it to absorb quickly and deliver targeted hydration without weighing down your curls. Aussie Work That Curl Hair Serum promises to define your curls, tame frizz, and add a touch of shine, all at an affordable price point. Plus, it’s a vegan formula, making it a great choice for those with specific preferences. Whether you use it as a finishing touch after styling or apply it to damp hair for enhanced definition, this Aussie serum is a convenient and wallet-friendly option to help you achieve your best curl life.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HAIR OIL FOR CURLY HAIR
Let’s delve into some key factors to consider when choosing the perfect one for your unique curls:
Hair type and porosity: Curly hair comes in a spectrum of textures, from loose waves to tight coils. High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but can lose it just as fast, so it might benefit from thicker oils. Low porosity hair has a tighter cuticle and struggles to absorb moisture, so lightweight oils are ideal.
Desired benefits: Are you seeking deep hydration for dry curls? Frizz control? Definition and shine? Knowing your priorities will help narrow down your options.
Oil properties: Some popular oils for curly hair include argan oil (lightweight and moisturizing), jojoba oil (similar to hair’s natural sebum), coconut oil (deeply moisturizing but can weigh down fine hair), and avocado oil (rich in vitamins and promotes elasticity).
Ingredients: Curly hair can be prone to dryness, so be on the lookout for oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins. If you have a sensitive scalp, you might want to avoid products with sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols.
Budget: Hair oils range in price from budget-friendly drugstore options to luxurious salon brands. There’s a great oil out there for everyone, so consider your budget and hair care needs.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect hair oil to nourish, define, and enhance your beautiful curls!
WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY OIL TO CURLY HAIR?
Hair oils serve as excellent aids in locking in moisture, primarily after conditioning, but they also prove beneficial when applied to dry ends between wash days or utilized as a deep conditioning treatment before shampooing.
CONCLUSION
With this arsenal of 15 of the best hair oils for curly hair at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to unlocking your hair’s full potential. Remember, the “best” hair oil is the one that caters to your unique curl pattern, hair porosity, and desired results. So, explore the options we’ve shared, consider the buying guide, and get ready to embrace your gorgeous, healthy curls!
