length of braiding hair

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.

GUIDE TO BLACK HAIR TYPES AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM (WITH PICTURES)

In this vast and beautiful world, where everyone is unique, black hair comes in many textures, patterns, and styles, each as special as the person who has it. From tightly coiled curls that reach for the sky to smooth waves that flow like dark rivers, black hair carries a deep history and personal story just waiting to be told.

Each hair type tells a story, connected to culture, heritage, and self-expression. We’ll explore these different hair types, learning how to care for them, how to style them, and how to embrace the confidence that comes from loving your natural hair.

Whether it’s the amazing coils of Type 4 hair or the bouncy curls of Type 3, we’ll look at the challenges and joys that come with black hair. Along the way, we’ll bust some myths, celebrate inspiring figures, and encourage everyone to take pride in their beautiful, natural hair.

BLACK HAIR PALE SKIN

Black hair paired with pale skin creates a stunning and eye-catching contrast. The deep, rich tones of black hair against fair skin can enhance and highlight the distinct beauty of both. This contrast can give the skin a porcelain-like appearance, making its natural fairness stand out even more. The dark hair draws attention to facial features like the eyes and lips, resulting in a striking and dramatic look.

ORANGE AND BLACK HAIR

Orange and black hair is a bold, eye-catching combination that creates a unique and striking look. The warmth of orange paired with the richness of black forms a dynamic contrast that instantly draws attention. There are several ways to incorporate orange into black hair. One option is adding orange highlights or a balayage effect, where sections of the hair are dyed orange. This adds pops of color throughout the black, giving it depth and visual appeal.

HIGHLIGHTS ON BLACK HAIR

Highlights on black hair can create a beautiful contrast and add depth to the overall style. They’re a popular choice for those who want to enhance their natural color, add dimension, or create a distinct, personalized look. By adding lighter tones to sections of black hair, highlights create a rich, multidimensional effect.

BLACK HAIR WITH LAYERS

Layered black hair is a chic and versatile style that adds texture, movement, and depth to the beauty of black hair. This cutting technique involves trimming sections of hair at different lengths, creating layers that bring dimension and dynamic flow to the hairstyle.

ANIME BLACK HAIR

Black hair is a popular aesthetic in anime, frequently used for characters due to its versatility and cultural relevance. Since most people in Japan naturally have dark hair, black hair is commonly portrayed in Japanese animation, reflecting both tradition and style. Anime characters with black hair often feature a variety of styles, lengths, and textures. Whether it’s short and spiky or long and flowing, black hair in anime is portrayed in diverse ways to reflect the character’s personality, role, and overall design.

FELIX BLACK HAIR

Felix’s black hair is a key part of his look as an artist. It adds to his charm and stage presence, making his features stand out and helping him shine during performances. While K-pop idols often change their hairstyles and colors, Felix’s black hair is closely linked to his image. For Felix or anyone else, black hair is a classic choice that brings out confidence and style. It’s a versatile color that works with many skin tones and can be styled in various ways to fit personal preferences.

4 CC BLACK HAIR

Black women with 4C hair often celebrate their natural texture, valuing its distinctive beauty and versatility. It can be styled in many ways, such as twist-outs, braid-outs, wash-and-go looks, and protective styles like braids, twists, or locs. These styles not only highlight the beauty of 4C hair but also protect it, helping to maintain its health and length.

PURPLE AND BLACK HAIR

Purple and black hair is great because it can be styled in many different ways. The bold color mix looks amazing with various hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose curls or fancy updos. Adding different styling techniques and accessories can make the purple and black colors stand out even more, giving a unique and personalized look. This striking combination blends the deep black with bright purple, allowing for a creative expression of personal style. It adds a touch of charm and individuality to your appearance.

BLACK HAIR PFP

A black hair profile picture (PFP) is an image that highlights black hair as the main feature. It can be a photo, drawing, or any digital image used as a profile picture on social media, forums, or other online sites. Choosing a black hair PFP can be a way to celebrate your natural hair, show your personal style, and express your identity. It can also reflect cultural heritage and diversity, as black hair has important cultural and historical meaning.

MEDIUM LENGTH BLACK HAIR

Medium-length black hair is a stylish and flexible choice that blends the beauty of black hair with a manageable length. Falling between the shoulders and collarbone, this length offers a good balance between elegance and practicality, making it easy to style in different ways. The natural shine and depth of black hair at this length highlight its beauty. Medium-length black hair looks sleek and polished, giving a timeless elegance that can be kept up with proper care and styling.

BRAIDS FOR BLACK HAIR

Braids for black hair are a classic and versatile style that celebrates the beauty and culture of black hair. With many different braiding techniques and designs, braids offer endless creative options and are great for protecting the hair. Besides looking great, braids have cultural meaning and connect to ancestral traditions. They’ve been passed down through generations, carrying stories and cultural identity. Wearing braids allows people to enjoy a beautiful hairstyle while honoring the rich history and diversity of black hair.

CHERRY BLACK HAIR COLOR

Cherry black hair color is a bold and eye-catching shade that mixes the richness of black hair with deep red or cherry tones. This combination creates a unique look that stands out from regular black hair colors. The cherry hues add warmth and brightness to the dark black base, giving it a multi-dimensional effect. Depending on how intense you want the color, the cherry tones can be subtle, showing up in certain lighting, or more noticeable in different settings.

BLACK HAIR WITH ASH HIGHLIGHTS

Black hair with ash highlights is a stylish and modern look that combines the deep richness of black hair with cool, ash-colored highlights. This mix creates a striking contrast and adds depth and dimension. The ash highlights can range from soft, subtle gray tones to bolder, more noticeable colors. This allows for a customized look that fits different skin tones and personal styles, adding a touch of sophistication and a modern edge to black hair.

BLACK HAIR WITH BLONDE FRONT PIECES

Black hair with blonde front pieces is a stylish look that mixes deep black hair with bright blonde highlights at the front. This contrast creates a beautiful effect, adding a touch of golden light around the face. The blonde highlights can be softly blended into the black hair or placed more clearly at the front to frame the face. This combination of dark black hair with vibrant blonde pieces adds depth and dimension to the overall look.

CONCLUSION

Understanding your hair type is essential for finding the right products and care routines. By identifying your black hair type, you can tailor your hair care regimen to suit your specific needs, promote healthy hair growth, and achieve your desired style.

Remember: Hair typing is a helpful tool, but it’s not a definitive rule. Your hair may exhibit characteristics of multiple types, and your hair type can change over time. The most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you.