hair color ideas for locs

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.

24 TRENDIEST BRAIDS YOU NEED TO TRY

It can be quite frustrating to encounter numerous types of braids without understanding their unique characteristics. Often, photos alone don’t provide enough detail or explanation of the braiding techniques used. To address this issue, we present a comprehensive guide to 24 different types of braids, complete with illustrations and detailed explanations for each style.

RELAXED BOHEMIAN BRAIDS

These braids can be categorized into several types of braiding styles, as they essentially resemble box braids while incorporating elements similar to goddess braids.

GRAPHIC STITCH BRAIDS

What distinguishes this category from other types of cornrow braids is the precise parting and neat lines, which enhance the overall drama of the design.

ACCENT HEADBAND BRAID

As the name suggests, this braid type flows parallel to the hairline, positioned exactly where you would place a headband to enhance your style.

NATURAL-LOOKING KNOTLESS BRAIDS

There are various methods for braiding hair with extensions, and the knotless technique involves incorporating thin strands of hair without tying knots at the base.

GLAMOROUS GODDESS BRAIDS

While there’s no clear consensus on what precisely defines goddess braids—whether it’s their chunkier texture or the loose strands of hair—it’s best to incorporate both elements to achieve the desired look.

AUTHENTIC TRIBAL BRAIDS

All braid types that feature patterns—often created with cornrows and adorned with beads—belong to this culturally rich category.

PARALLEL BOXER BRAIDS

Any style that features two tightly plaited braids on either side of the head can be referred to as such, whether it’s French, Dutch, or cornrow braiding.

SEAMLESS FEED-IN BRAIDS

That’s another term encompassing various types of braided hairstyles created with extensions. Feed-in braids are constructed with extensions added from the base. You essentially “feed” pieces of hair into the main braid, allowing it to increase in size progressively.

EYE-POPPING DRAGON BRAID

To resemble a dragon’s spine, the braid should be positioned along the centerline of the head and feature plenty of bumps to mimic scaled skin.

DIVERSE 6-STRAND BRAID

This type of braid features multiple variations that differ in braiding techniques and final appearances, yet they all share one common element: the hair is divided into six sections.

BOHEMIAN BUTTERFLY BRAIDS

In this style, we use hair extensions to create faux locs with a looped texture that resembles butterfly wings, which is how they get their name. They are also commonly referred to as butterfly locs.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TWIST BRAIDS

Also known as a rope braid, this style involves dividing your hair into two sections and twisting them together to form a plait.

INTRICATE 5-STRAND BRAID

One of the most popular techniques for creating a 5-strand braid involves crossing an outer section over and under the two inner sections, then repeating the same movements on the opposite side.

NO-FRILLS 3-STRAND BRAID

A three-strand braid is one of the most common braid styles, where the hair is divided into three sections, and the outer strands are alternately crossed over the middle piece. Essentially, it refers to any braid made with three strands!

NORDIC VIKING BRAIDS

This is one of the unique types of braids for women, inspired by styles typically associated with men. It features dimensional braiding in the center, while the sides are often smoothed with shaved hair, cornrows, or flat plaits.

PROVOCATIVE UPSIDE-DOWN BRAID

Begin French or Dutch braiding from the nape of your neck toward the crown, and style the remaining hair into a top knot or ponytail.

EASY BUBBLE BRAID

In fact, this style requires no plaiting at all; you simply need to tie your ponytail with elastics along its length to achieve the desired look.

FEMININE HALF-UP HALF-DOWN BRAIDS

If the top section of your hair is braided while the bottom is left loose, you’re sporting a half-up style, regardless of the braiding technique used.

FANCY CROWN BRAID WITH HAIR JEWELRY

Started from the side or the nape, this braid incorporates various plaiting techniques and wraps around the head to create a crowned effect.

FUN JUMBO BRAIDS

Size also plays a significant role; by dividing your hair into larger sections and incorporating thicker strands of extension hair, you can reduce the time needed for braiding and achieve a fun jumbo look.

TEXTURED FISHTAIL BRAID

Divide your hair into two sections, then take small strands from the outside of each section and cross them over into the same section to create a fishbone braid.

BOLD MOHAWK BRAID

Mohawk braids resemble Viking braids in their placement on the top of the head, but they tend to be less bold and chunky.

DIMENSIONAL 4-STRAND BRAID

This type is a bit more complex, as it requires you to manipulate four sections while flipping the outer strands over and under the inner strands.

DAINTY SIDE BRAID

Side braids can take many forms, ranging from simple three-strand plaits to double French braids, with the defining feature being their positioning on one side of the head.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, braids are a versatile and stylish way to express your personality and elevate your look. From classic three-strand braids to intricate feed-in styles, there’s a braid for every occasion and hair type. Experimenting with various techniques, sizes, and decorative elements like beads or colorful extensions can help you find the perfect braid that reflects your unique style. Whether you’re going for a chic everyday look or a bold statement for a special event, the trendiest braids are not only fun to create but also a timeless addition to your hairstyle repertoire. So grab some hair ties, get creative, and embrace the beauty of braiding!